Murphy, Ellingson Ride High at IFR Event

January 21, 2006

Oklahoma City, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State’s Bandy Murphy and Sarah Ellingson held their own against some of the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world at the recently completed International Finals Rodeo.

Murphy (Sr., Punta Gorda, Fla.) took home the All-Around Cowboy honors after two top five finishes in the average. Murphy collected more than $10,000 at the rodeo held in Oklahoma City’s State Fair Arena.

Murphy placed second in bull riding with a combined score of 312 and was fourth in the saddle bronc competition with a score of 286 through the four go rounds.

Ellingson (Jr., Kellyville) won both the first and fourth go rounds with times under 15.6 seconds. She finished third in the fourth-go around and collected more than $4,500 for her efforts total.

Murphy and Ellingson will rejoin the SWOSU team when it begins its spring season Feb. 24 at the Kansas State Rodeo.