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Special to The Flash from Tommy Wells
Ranger College Public Information Officer/Sports Information Director
Jackie Ganter always maintained all she needed was a chance to to shine at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. For the Ranger College freshman, it didn’t matter if she qualified for the event as the No. 10 or No. 15 seed.
She just needed a chance.
On Saturday, the Abilene cowgirl proved the confidence in her own abilities was legitimate. The No. 14 seed in the women’s 15-person field, Ganter stunned a large National Finals Rodeo crowd in the Thomas and Mack Arena by taking home the 2015 Resistol Professional Rodeo Cowgirl Association’s Rookie of the Year honors.
“She did great,” said Ranger College rodeo coach Llew Rust. “She went up there and did an amazing job. She never hit a barrel while she was there and really did well for herself. To be among the top 15 in the world is great, but to win the Rookie of the Year award on top of that is outstanding.”
Ganter, who attends Ranger College via online classes, entered the NFR event, which ran from Dec. 3-12, ranked near the bottom of the 15 qualifiers in total points. At the NFR, however, she placed in four of the 10 go-rounds and won second in the Average. All of which helped her climb to the top of the Rookie standings.
“We’re very proud of her,” said Rust. “We’re looking forward to her coming back in the spring and qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo.
For her accomplishments at the NFR, Ganter earned $85,000.
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