Angry bulls last college test for Delta's Menz

The college national rodeo begins today in Casper, Wyo.

Delta native Brent Menz hopes to finish his collegiate career with a wild ride.

Menz, a senior at the University of Tennessee-Martin, will compete in the bull riding at the College National Finals Rodeo that begins today in Casper, Wyo.

"This is something I have dreamed of doing," he said. "It will also help me out in my professional career."

He had to finish in the top three in the conference to qualify for the national competition. He finished third this year after winning the region last season.

This will be his fourth straight year competing at the national rodeo. He finished in the top 10 last year.

He's enjoyed a successful senior season at UT-Martin. He won bull riding competitions at Murray State and Northwest Mississippi Community College, and finished his final season ranked 17th nationally.

Menz hopes to help the Skyhawks improve on their third-place finish last year at the national competition. UT-Martin finished second in the Ozark Region standings behind Missouri Valley this season.

Menz got into the sport at the age of 15, competing in various shows around the region.

"I started doing horse shows in 4-H rodeos in Sikeston and I just moved up from there," Menz said.

He plans to continue competing as a professional after he wraps up his collegiate career this week.