Darlington graduate Mary Owens is making quite a name for herself on the college rodeo circuit, but she refuses to take all the credit for her accomplishments.
“I have a great horse,” she said.
Well, maybe so. But surely at least some of the credit belongs to Owens, who recently qualified for next month’s Nationals Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.
Owens, a freshman at Troy University, earned her spot at nationals by winning the Ozark Region championship in barrel racing during the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rodeo.
Ranked sixth in the country in barrel racing, Owens will be one of four competitors representing Troy at the national event, which begins June 10.
“I’m really excited about it,” said Owens. “It’s not something that I was expecting, but now that I’ve made it, I’m really looking forward to competing.”
Though she has been riding since she was seven years old, Owens knows next month’s trip to Wyoming will be an altogether different experience.
The lights will be brighter, the arena will be bigger and the stakes will be higher.
Still, Owens is going to try to approach this event just like she has all the others that have led up to it.
“My plan is to just go there and try to do what I’ve done all year,” she said. “If I can do that, I should be able to accomplish my goal — making the finals.”
While at Darlington, Owens captured four state titles, winning two separate titles in two different events as a senior.
She has continued to shine at Troy, helping steer the Lady Trojans to a region title and No. 4 national ranking.
Owens, who has earned her personal No. 6 national ranking based on her point total in barrel racing, will be one of four riders to represent the Lady Trojans at nationals.
“I know the competition will be very tough,” said Owens, “but it will be a great experience.”
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