Ashley Mills, a 2007 graduate of Suwannee High, will compete in the team roping event at the 60th College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyo. June 15-21. She is attending Southern Arkansas University (SAU) in Magnolia, Ark. obtaining her degree in agribusiness. Mills will be competing with two other SAU teammates and is the only girl on the SAU rodeo team to make it to the CNFR.

“Ashley is an asset to the SAU rodeo team,” said coach Rusty Hayes. “She is an outstanding rodeo athlete and a stand out in the Ozark Region. It is unusual for a freshman to accomplish what Ashley has been able to accomplish this year.”

Mills has also been selected to serve as breakaway student director for the Ozark Region and will assume her duties in August.

Often called the “Rose Bowl” of college rodeo, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association crowns individual event champions in saddle bronc riding, bare back riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing breakaway roping and goat tying. More than 400 cowboys and cowgirls from more than 100 universities and colleges complete each year. Contestants compete all year in one of the National College Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 11 regions for a chance to rope or ride at the College National Finals Rodeo. The 60th CNFR is celebrating its 10th year in Casper, Wyo., June 15-21, at the Casper Events Center. For additional information and standings, please visit www.cnfr.com or www.collegerodeo.com.

Mills, 19, is the daughter of Kenny and Lisa Mills. She is the granddaughter of Myrna and Kenneth Mills and Jean and Gene Johnson, all of Live Oak.