Valley sophomore bareback rider Kyle Brennecke had his best performance of the CNFR in the third go, but he won't make the finals. (Dan Hubbell/NIRA) [Click to enlarge]

CASPER, Wyo. -- Two Missouri Valley College cowboys are anxiously awaiting tonight's results to find out whether they made the cut for Saturday's championship round in the 60th annual College National Finals Rodeo at Casper, Wyo.

Freshman saddle bronc rider Will Smith and sophomore bareback rider David Clapp have completed their preliminaries and could possibly reach the finals. Junior saddle broncer Kirk Nelson of Sanborn, Minn., is the only one of the Vikings' six entries assured of reaching the 12-man finals.

Following Thursday's performance, Nelson is in 10th place, having posted scores in all three of his attempts. None of the nine opponents who still have third gos left can pass him, since all have only completed one of their two rides.

Smith, though, having been thrown on his third go, is in a more precarious position. He is at the precipice in 12th place at 151.5 points. He'll be intently watching Chase Miller of Ranger Junior College (Texas), who can reach Smith with a score of 74.0. After missing his first go, Miller posted a 77.5 in the second round.

The next-closest foe to Smith -- who won the second go -- is 77.0 points away, a higher score than any of the remaining contestants have yet tallied.

Clapp is in an even more precarious position, currently tied for ninth place at 209.5 points after completing three good rides. Of the nine entries remaining in the third round, six also have a chance at going three for three -- five who are within 69.5 points of Clapp. Three scores of 70.0 or higher from that group would eliminate Clapp.

Sophomore Kyle Brennecke finished strong on Thursday with a 72.5, the ninth-best score of the third go thus far. However, with a no-score his first time out, he's in 19th place and not in the running.

Sophomore steer wrestler Jake Shaw also wound up his meet Friday with a fine 3.8-second takedown. He's tied for 22nd place and can't go any higher.

Senior bull rider Cooper Link was knocked out of contention when he was dismounted in his final attempt Tuesday.

Valley is in 23rd place as a team with 140.0 points, with a chance to add a few more when the prelims are completed today.