For the sixth time in her career, Bridget Coleman has been named the Great Plains Region coach of the year for rodeo.

Coleman led the Iowa Central programs to a pair of Top-5 finishes, as the men were third and the women fifth. She is now entered into the national coach of the year race.

Last year, Coleman earned National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association coach of the year status. She has also won each of the last three regional awards.

“To be coach of the year means a lot,” Coleman said. “Our team may not have finished as strong as we would have liked, but it is not just about how your team finishes in the standings.

“It is a great honor to be recognized for coach of the year. I was a little shocked, surprised and ecstatic all at once for this accomplishment.”

Iowa Central advanced five individuals to the College National Finals Rodeo in Wyoming later this year in Drew Lind, Cash Owens, Cody Owens, Rachel Werkman and Sage Vance.

Lind advanced as regional champion in bareback riding, Cash Owens moved on as regional champion in saddle bronc riding with his brother, Cody, earning a spot in saddle bronc after placing third.

Werkman qualified in barrel racing and Vance in bull riding.

The national finals are June 9-15.