CASPER, Wyo. - Tyler Theil and Krista Minow of National American University have themselves in good position after the first full performance Tuesday at the College National Finals Rodeo.

Theil posted a time of 8.8 seconds in tie-down roping and is leading the third go-round. He is third overall.

"He really roped smart tonight," NAU rodeo coach Glen Lammers said. "He knew his calf and made a super-good run on him tonight."

Minow, who made it to the finals in barrel racing at the 2006 CNFR, posted a 14.19-second run in barrel racing to grab the third spot in the round and overall.

"Her horse was running really well," Lammers said. "When I talked to her today, she was looking forward to letting her horse rest for the rest of the week.

Vale's Nikki Steffes still held