CASPER, Wyo. — At over six-feet tall, Kyle Irwin of Robertsdale sits pretty high in the saddle anyway. But recent accomplishments have elevated him into the national spotlight of college rodeo and sports television. In June, he completed his freshman intercollegiate rodeo season on a high note, finishing seventh in the nation at the College National Finals in Casper, Wyoming.

Returning this fall as a sophomore to Western Oklahoma State College's Pioneers in Altus OK, the Robertsdale High grad's steer wrestling performance in the CNF finals will be profiled on ESPNU Friday at 6 p.m.

"It's been a really exciting year," Irwin said. "At first, it was just exciting getting use to college so far from home. I didn't expect to do as well so soon, but I settled in and after we got into competition I kept getting better and more sure of myself and it just seemed like I made a really good decision. Now I expect more from myself and want to push to get better."

Irwin, who won two Alabama state titles in steer wrestling and was twice a Professional Cowboy Association (Seven State) Region champion said the choice to go out west was a very serious one. "Rodeo is big around here, but out there, it's more like a way of life. The opportunities, the connections, the people in rodeo from all over that I've met in just the last year have all been great. And to have the chance to go to school in that environment is like a blessing."

The agriculture major plans to stay in the rodeo world as a competitor for as long as he can.

"I want to finish my degree, studies still come first. But I plan to do pro rodeo some more and take it as far as I can. I'm not looking too far ahead right now."

Throughout the year he competed in the Central Plains Region in Steer Wrestling which included Oklahoma and Kansas, where he finished third. There are eleven regions across the nation with the Central Plains being the largest. The top three competitors in each event from each region qualify to participate in the College National Finals Rodeo.

But the schools only pay a portion of the expenses. Most of the cost of competing, including travel with horses must come from the student athletes themselves. Irwin said their are a lot of people to thank for getting him and his favorite ride, Rowdy, out to Casper. "I have to thank Farm Fresh Meats for their help and support with the Boston Butt Fund Raiser, and the benefit car wash at Willy T’s, which made the trip possible," he said. "And especially the community — I mean all the people who went out and purchased those things — they really did it. And of course my family and friends. I wouldn't have gotten there without them."

Last weekend, Irwin took part in the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Rodeo in Foley which helps raise money for the United Way.

This Friday, August 14 at 6 p.m., ESPNU will be airing two hours of collegiate rodeo competition from the 2009 College Nationals Finals Rodeo including Irwin's event. Family and friends will gather at Willy T’s restaurant on Hwy. 59 near RHS and the public is invited to watch the performance. Saturday, Irwin and his trusty mount Rowdy will head west again for their second year at WOSC.

For more information, go to: http://sports.espn.go.com or http://billingsgazette.com/sports