The University of Wyoming women's team opens up defense of its 2007 College National Finals Rodeo championship this weekend in Riverton at the Central Wyoming College rodeo.

And by all accounts, the Cowgirls have the talent to repeat.

"This just might be the deepest team I have ever had," said UW coach George Howard, now in his 10th year. "It just keeps getting better. Other coaches wouldn't know what to do with all this talent we have here. They'd be happy just to have one of these girls on their team."

One of the main reasons for Howard's optimism is that UW returns two-time Central Rocky Mountain Region all-around cowgirl Nikki Steffes. Steffes also won the CNFR all-around buckle after tying for second place in goat tying and placing eighth in barrel racing. The junior from Vale, S.D., won the all-around title in eight of 10 CRMR rodeos last season, in addition to winning the goat tying and barrel racing events.

The Cowgirls also welcome the addition of transfers TaNaye Carroll and Sarah Mulholland, both of whom placed at last year's CNFR.

In CRMR competition, Carroll finished second to Steffes in the goat tying and all-around competitions, and placed fourth in barrel racing for Northeastern Junior College. Mulholland placed fourth in goat tying in the CRMR.

Wtih Carroll and Mulholland added to the mix, sophomore barrel racers Jordan Hodges and Samantha Jobman, CNFR qualifiers from a year ago, won't be among the four UW team members at this weekend's rodeo.

UW's team title last year was the program's first in 16 years. But Howard isn't expecting a similar drought, not with the talent on this year's team.

"I know that our team doesn't want to be complacent after what they did last season," he said. "I want them to keep striving.

"We always look at the same thing each year," Howard added. "Shoot for the top. As long as our women stay focused that's all that matters. I'm not worried about them at all. They just need a little luck at the finals and they'll be there again."

The final team spot is up for grabs between senior Michell Malone; junior Shelly Combs, a transfer from Howard College; and freshman Caitlyn Cahill.

On the men's side, the Cowboys will be looking to rebound from last year's disappointing finish.

"It will be interesting to see what happens with the men," Howard said. "We had a down year because of injuries and it took its toll on us."

Bareback riders Neil DeZort and James Baldwin are the top returning cowboys for UW. Both finished in the top six in the region last year.

"I'm excited about the men's team too," Howard said. "I think we'll have a good lineup put together this weekend and we'll have some good opportunites to score some points."

n CHADRON STATE: The Eagles also open their season at the CWC rodeo this weekend. First-year coach Shar Sapp welcomes 10 cowboys and seven cowgirls to this year's team. Last year, Chadron failed to have a competitor place in the top three of the regional standings and thus the Eagles were left out of the CNFR mix.

"I'm optimistic we'll have a good team," Sapp said. "I also plan to do a lot of recruiting so we;ll be even better in the future."