Rose Selected as 2026 NIRA Coach of the Year; Poer Impresses in Wednesday Night Performance

CNFR Results

CASPER, Wyo. — Six-time Central Plains Region Coach of the Year Shelbie Rose added another feather to her cap Wednesday night, earning the title of 2026 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Coach of the Year. The announcement came with a video tribute, a fiery display of "O-P-S-U" in the arena and other pomp and circumstance that opened the second performance night of the College National Finals Rodeo, where breakaway roper Helen Poer competed for the Aggies and took tied-25th out of 69 in the event. 

"It's very humbling to be named the national coach of the year," Rose said. "I'm very lucky to love what I do and have the amazing support system that I do."

The National Rodeo Coach of the Year honor, Rose's first, comes on the heels of her winning six consecutive Central Plains Region COY Awards. The 2025-26 season was Rose's first as both the OPSU head men's and women's rodeo coach, following a decade of her assisting and leading the Panhandle State cowgirls. 

A Choir of Praise
"Coach Shelbie Rose's impact on our students and rodeo program has been extraordinary," said University President, Dr. Julie Dinger. "This national recognition is a well-deserved honor for a coach whose leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence have elevated OPSU rodeo to new heights. I couldn't be more proud."

"When the college hired Shelbie, that was one of the best decisions they made," longtime OPSU rodeo team assistant, Sue Etbauer, said. "Shelbie has always been willing to step in and help whenever and wherever she was needed as a former rodeo team member and now as our Head Rodeo Coach. We are very fortunate to have her on 'our team.'"

"Congratulations to Shelbie - it's well deserved! She works hard at it everyday!" current rodeo livestock manager, member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and former head coach Robert Etbauer said. 

Helen Poer's Performances
For Poer's part, the junior shined Wednesday night in her third go with a time of 2.2 seconds, which was good for a share of sixth-through-11th place in the round. That performance followed a 2.8 effort Monday in slack after the Gruver, Texas, native recorded no time on Sunday while making her CNFR debut in Casper. 

"Helen has had a great year," Rose said. "She has represented our team well all year long. She's a great competitor and an even better person. I look forward to what next year has to bring."

The final third-go sections of the breakaway roping wrapped up Thursday and Friday, and the top 12 competitors advanced to the short go.