The rodeo team at the University of Arkansas at Monticello swept first place honors in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the University of Tennessee-Martin rodeo last week.

        The UT-Martin rodeo was part of the Ozark Region competition. The UAM women’s team is currently in second place in the region while the men’s team is fifth.

        In the men’s competition, Cody James of Monticello won the calf roping competition, placing first in both rounds. Walt Parker of Carlisle won the saddle bronc riding competition while Jared Hall of Jonesboro took third in the first round of calf roping. Parker and Brian Hobson of Sunflower, Miss., finished fifth in team roping.

        In the women’s competition, Katie Bandy of Summerville, Ga., won the breakaway roping competition, placing first in both average and in the first round. Brandi Waller of Cabot won the second round and placed second overall in the same category.

        Dilynn Dodd of Springdale placed third overall in breakaway roping after placing second in the second round. Lindsey Nixon of Bee Branch tied for second in the first round, took third in the second round and tied for first overall in goat tying. Nixon also qualified for the short go in barrel racing.

        Laura Kennedy of Quitman won the first round in the barrel racing competition and finished third in overall average.

        A number of UAM team members are in solid contention for spots in the College National Finals Rodeo later this spring, according to Jolyn Wells, rodeo coach. UAM has two rodeo competitions left on its spring schedule, with trips to Mississippi State University and Northwest Mississippi Community College.