CASPER, Wyo. – With a 9.9 in the final go around Saturday night, University of West Alabama freshman Zach Wilson won the national championship in tie down roping at the College National Finals Rodeo at the Casper Events Center.

From Billingsley, Wilson posted an average of 38.1 and scored 185 points. Runner-up Clayton Shaw of Tarleton State finished with a 39.1 average, followed by Bryce Runyan of New Mexico State with a 39.4.

“This is obviously the biggest win of my career and my goal from the beginning of the season,” Wilson said. “I am proud to bring home a national title to the University of West Alabama.”

In addition to his 9.9 in the finals tonight, Wilson posted a 10.0 in the first go around, a 9.3 in the second and an 8.9 in the third go.

“Zach is one of the hardest working kids on our team,” UWA head coach Chad Phipps said. “I am so proud of the way he handled the pressure on him this week. He is a freshman, but handled it like he was a senior and had been there before.”

“What a great performance on Zach’s part,” UWA Athletic Director Stan Williamson said. “We are all thrilled and proud of the way Zach represents the University of West Alabama.”