The Mills Police Department doesn't plan any changes in how it combats underage drinking this week in the wake of the disqualification of two College National Finals Rodeo contestants on Tuesday.

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association's Executive Committee ejected Panola College's Tilden Hooper, 20, and Ranger College's Dean Wadsworth, 20, from the rodeo two days after they were charged with criminal entry, minor in possession of alcohol, interference with a police officer, loaning ID to another and property damage.

All of the charges are misdemeanors.

The Western-themed Beacon Club annually is a popular night spot for CNFR contestants and fans during the weeklong event. Mills Police Department Lt. Phil Crouch thought the NIRA's disciplinary action created a greater deterrent to excessive and underage drinking by rodeo cowboys and cowgirls than anything law enforcement could do.

"It definitely sends a message to the competitors: You know what, if you do something of this nature, you're going to pay the penalty for it, and possibly have a criminal record," Crouch said. "If they don't do something now, then what happens next?"

When two Mills police officers responded to the security alarm at Excal Inc. early Sunday, they found the bottom half of a glass door broken, according to an affidavit signed by officer Jesse Jackson. Officers later found the men sleeping on couches inside the building and arrested them at 1:40 a.m.

Jackson wrote that both men "were extremely intoxicated" and could "barely walk," and that they used false identification cards to buy alcohol at the Beacon Club.

"This is an unfortunate incident that shows very poor judgment from two of our contestants," NIRA Commissioner John Smith said. "Contestants have worked very hard to get here, and we set high standards for them. This is not a reflection of the bulk of the athletes here."

Hooper and Wadsworth both expressed regret following an appeal hearing before the NIRA Executive Committee on Tuesday morning.

"The college national finals is a very important event for me, my team and my region," Hooper said. "I understand the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association's position and the decision that they made."

Hooper and Wadsworth were bailed out by a bail bondsman Sunday afternoon for $2,500 each.

Hooper, the defending bareback riding champion, arrived at the Casper Events Center about five minutes before his ride for Sunday's Bulls, Broncs and Breakaway second section - which started at 4 p.m. - and wound up winning the first go-round.

Wadsworth was competing in saddle bronc riding.

"The Casper community has supported this event, and I hope they will continue to do so," Wadsworth said. "While this is my first CNFR, I hope to return here to compete and represent my college in a positive way."

Crouch said the Mills Police Department always "beefs up" its staffing the week of the CNFR. The department typically staffs two officers on weeknights but has been running three this week. There will be four on Friday and Saturday. The show of strength is mostly designed to deter drunk driving.

"This here was more like drunk and stupid," he said. "Thank God they didn't drive. It's not good what they did, but it could have been worse."

Star-Tribune staff writer Christine Robinson contributed to this report. Reach Online Editor Ron Gullberg at (307) 266-0560 or ron.gullberg@trib.com.