Luke Dotson and Wacey Westcott are both first-year competitors at the College National Finals Rodeo who have their sights set on one day qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo.

That's pretty much where the similarities end between the two cowboys.

Sitting across from each other at a table in the Casper Events Center before Tuesday night's first performance, Dotson and Westcott offered a good example of the different types of cowboys (and cowgirls) competing at the CNFR.

The 26-year-old Dotson has already served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that he called "the proudest thing I've ever done," and has earned more than $14,000 competing on the Professional Bull Riders circuit.

The home-schooled Westcott, meanwhile, enrolled at Northland Pioneer College last fall at the age of 16 and has yet to earn his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association card.

"Just being [at the CNFR] is awesome," Westcott, who qualified in team roping, said. "I was a little nervous at first, but my brother [former CNFR competitor Choc Westcott] talked me through it."

For the veteran Dotson, who made the finals in the PBR Challenger Series in 2004, nerves haven't been a factor at the CNFR.

Unfortunately, the bulls have.

Dotson, who missed the Ozark Region bull riding title by just 10 points, was thrown off in each of the first two go-rounds, but still has a shot to qualify for the short go with a good ride Friday night.

"I've gotten a couple of tough bulls," the North Arkansas College cowboy said. "I've just got to keep my head up, keep a positive attitude and concentrate on what I can control."

And while Dotson still has at least one ride left this week, Westcott's first CNFR is already in the books.

He and teammate Rodee Walraven of New Mexico State had a no-time Tuesday night to see their week come to an early end. The pair failed to make a timed catch in the three go-rounds.

"The first one was my fault," Westcott said. "And the second one just didn't go our way.

"It's OK, though. It happens."

That attitude, and the fact that Westcott was the No. 2 heeler in the Grand Canyon Region despite not competing in any fall rodeos, has the Snowflake, Ariz., roper already eyeing a return trip to Casper.

"I want to make it back three more times," Westcott said.

Dotson won't have that chance.

The Hindsville, Ark., native instead plans on returning to the PBR circuit.

"After that, it's on to the NFR," Dotson said.

And possibly a reunion with Westcott.

Until then, Dotson can only offer words of encouragement to his fellow CNFR rookie.

"You know what you need to do," Dotson said to Westcott. "Just keep doing what you did to get [to the CNFR] and you'll be fine."

Contact sports reporter Jack Nowlin at (307) 266-0528 or jack.nowlin@trib.com.