COLLEGE RODEO ON NATIONAL TELEVISION

Walla Walla, WA –  College Rodeo will be in the television spotlight this August.  The best action from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s premiere event, the College National Finals Rodeo, will be featured on ESPN U.

     The college rodeo action begins airing on Tuesday, August 12^th at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.  

     ESPN U will be airing two hours of collegiate rodeo competition from the 2008 College National Finals Rodeo, held in Casper, Wyoming, this June.

     The exciting action of the finals also includes interviews and features from the entire finals week and portions of the awards ceremony.

NIRA Commissioner Retires

NIRA Commissioner John Smith announced his retirement from college rodeo during the 2008 College National Finals Rodeo, held in Casper, Wyoming, this June.

Smith will remain with the NIRA through December 31^st. 

“I am planning on fishing, duck hunting, and spending time with my family, especially my grandkids,” said Smith.

Smith announced his decision during the NIRA coaches’ breakfast, June 20^th.  He jokingly said it was time that he was a “burden” to his family. 

The NIRA national office staff was saddened by his decision. 

“We consider Mr. John more than a boss, he’s family to us.  To say he will be missed is one of life’s major understatements.  We are looking forward to the next six months, and are already planning ways to torture him in his retirement,” said Sarah Neely, NIRA Director of Public Relations.

While Commissioner, John Smith was instrumental in establishing more stringent eligibility guidelines to ensure that NIRA contestants were making progress toward their eventual graduation from college. 

“Mr. John is dedicated to the students receiving the best education possible.  While I have known him, he has always placed academics first, and competition second,” said Claudia Kelly, Membership Director.

Smith was also responsible for negotiating the College National Finals Rodeo agreements with the City of Casper and Natrona County.  Throughout that partnership he has developed lifelong friendships with all involved in that process. 

Casper committeeman of the year, Dave Park said, “John has been a tireless supporter of college rodeo.  His contribution to this sport cannot be overstated.  He has had great success in convincing national corporate sponsors to contribute money necessary for the many rodeos, as well as contributions to scholarships. In addition, under his direction, the number of contestants has increased, and attendance at college rodeos has grown.  His biggest legacy, however, are his efforts on behalf of the outstanding young people who participate in this uniquely American sport and his support of the many fine coaches who mentor the athletes.  He is a great role model, and he shows what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and strong character.  It has been a great personal pleasure for me to have had the opportunity to work with John for the last several years on the CNFR and on behalf of the Casper CNFR Committee, I would like to thank John for his hard work and wish him the very best on the occasion of his retirement.”

Park added, “In regard to John Smith’s retirement, I would like to add that John’s only failing that I know of in all the years we worked together is he didn’t give me one tip to improve my team roping.”

NIRA Faculty President, Jim Dewey Brown said, “Mr. John has been a great leader for the NIRA. I, as well as other coaches and student athletes, have learned many things from his leadership, knowledge and love for college rodeo. It has been an absolute pleasure working with him. Mr. John will be missed by many, but he leaves us in a state of stability we have never seen. Enjoy your retirement, commish!”

Smith, from Roanoke, Louisiana, began his career as a young student at McNeese State University in Lake Charles Louisiana.  He attended classes at the university while working as a student aid and as a supervisor on the school dairy.  He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in 1969 in animal science, and his Masters of Science in 1974 in environmental science.

After graduation, Smith continued working for the university.  He worked as the assistant farm manager, the farm manager, and as a lab assistant in animal science from 1968-1983.  Over the years, since that time, he accepted teaching responsibilities in the animal science department, and eventually became the rodeo coach.

“One of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of my career was working with the students.  The position of Commissioner afforded me the opportunity to continue this association,” stated Smith.

Smith retired from McNeese State University in January, 2002, while holding the current position of the head of the Department of Agriculture at the school, to become the NIRA Commissioner.

Over the span of his lengthy career, Smith has earned several honors and affiliations.  He has been awarded the Honorary FFA Chapter Farmer and State Farmer Award, he has served as the NIRA’s Faculty President in 1997 and 1998, and has been a member of numerous cattleman associations. 

The NIRA Board of Directors developed a position announcement during their summer board meetings held in connection with the CNFR.  The announcement is available on the NIRA website.  The position closes October 1, 2008. 

TaNaye Carroll Harry Vold article

When the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation board met last December, it was a unanimous decision to create a scholarship to honor Harry Vold, the legendary CNFR stock contractor, and ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee.  Thus the “Duke of the Chutes” scholarship was formed.

The criteria for the award were discussed extensively, and approved by Vold.  Paramount to the scholarship was a sense of patriotism, loyalty to the United States of America, and respect for your community. 

Applicants were asked to write essays regarding patriotism, rodeo as a sport in America, and the rodeo athlete as a role model with respect to integrity, leadership and education.

TaNaye Carroll fit the bill.  Carroll applied for the scholarship, along with approximately 20 other candidates. She wrote essays on each subject.  She reflected on her grandmother’s patriotism, and her influence on her granddaughter.  Carroll wrote about her grandmother’s reply regarding the 4^th of July, “it is a privilege to live in this country and we need to celebrate our independence and heritage.  It is our chance to let the world know we are proud people.”

Carroll said, “As I grew up and observed her dedication, pride and enthusiasm for this country and the flag, I began to realize there was more to that cloth than the stars and stripes.  It was a love of and a devotion to one’s country…patriotism.”

Carroll also referenced a science teacher that influenced her while growing up.  He said, “You do not get to chose whether or not you want to be a role model.  You are one.  The only choice you get to make in the matter is the type of role model that you are.”  Carroll said, “I believe that this statement could not be truer.”

The Vold family was given the opportunity to review the top four candidates, and unanimously voted for Carroll. 

Harry Vold said, “I gave the scholarship applications to my family and didn’t tell them which one I had chosen, and they all agreed.”

Carroll is a junior at the University of Wyoming, where she is studying kinesiology.  She plans to get her doctorate in physical therapy, and work as a physical therapist in a hippotherapy setting.  This means treating someone with a horse as a tool of therapy.

Carroll was the Central Rocky Mountain Region’s breakaway champion, and reserve all-around champion. She has been a NIRA member since 2005.  She grew up in La Junta, Colorado.

Andy Seiler was the proud Walt Garrison “Top Hand” Award winner for 2008

Andy Seiler was the proud Walt Garrison “Top Hand” Award winner for 2008.  Seiler will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,500, and Seiler’s school will also receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Seiler, a junior, attends Troy State University in Troy, Alabama, where he is studying broadcast journalism.  He is from Ocala, Florida.

The Walt Garrison Award was created in 2001 in honor of Garrisons’ tireless work promoting college rodeo through the help of College Rodeo Sponsors and their Scholarship Awards Program. Each of the eleven regions of college rodeo selected a candidate in the spring. The recipient must be a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association member demonstrating initiative, leadership, loyalty, commitment and integrity, all of which were exemplified by Garrison.  Regional faculty advisors and student directors present the nominations during the summer board meeting.

Seiler was the regional recipient in 2007 as well.  He is a three time qualifier to the CNFR, and the 2006 Ozark Region Champion Header.  He currently maintains a 3.51 cumulative GPA, and is the first time rodeo athlete to meet criteria for the Academic All-American honors.

Ozark Regional Faculty Director, Jolyn Wells said, “Andy goes above and beyond his duties as student director.  He helps contestants, stock contracts, and anyone that needs him.”

Seiler has most recently been approved as a ProRodeo Announcer, and was invited to assist the CNFR announcer, Boyd Polhamus during the majority of the college finals this year.

The award was presented Tuesday, June 17^th in the arena by Walt Garrison himself. 

Seiler, ordinarily very vocal, said, “This is such an honor.  I’m speechless.” 

Weber State University rodeo coach, Dennis Montgomery, has been selected as the 2008 NIRA Coach of the Year

Walla Walla, WA –  Weber State University rodeo coach, Dennis Montgomery, has been selected as the 2008 NIRA Coach of the Year.  Montgomery is also the faculty director for the Rocky Mountain Region.

Montgomery was selected by the Rocky Mountain Region this spring as their nominee for the national award.  Rocky Mountain Student Director, Lana Bingham presented Montgomery to a panel of fellow student directors and the NIRA national office staff at the NIRA summer board meeting held in conjunction with the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper.

Bingham said, “Dennis is a coach for the whole region.  He not only coaches the Weber State kids, but all the students in the Rocky Mountain Region.”

Montgomery was presented with the buckle during the Wednesday, June 18^th opening of the CNFR.  Montgomery was surrounded by his team in the arena and Commissioner John Smith presented the buckle.

“Dennis is one of the most conscientious, honorable, and kind people I know.  The award for Coach of the Year was made for a guy like him,” said Sarah Neely, NIRA Director of Public Relations.

Montgomery began coaching at Weber in 2003.  He retired from a lengthy career in emergency services.

 “I’m flattered,” said Montgomery.  “It’s an honor to be considered for the award, and a privilege to win it.”

NIRA Commissioner John Smith said, “Dennis has represented his region and institution in a very professional manner. His contribution to College Rodeo is appreciated. He is very deserving of that distinction. I don't think size had anything to do with it.”

Each year the coach of the year winner receives a Maynard Buckle and a $500 scholarship, all compliments of Powder River Livestock Handling Equipment.

Last year’s coach of the year, and current Faculty President for the NIRA, Jim Dewey Brown said, “I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more than Dennis.  He has put in countless hours with his region and his kids.”

Several years ago the NIRA board developed criteria for the coach of the year award.  It is as follows: participation in CNFR production, express interest and dedication at the regional rodeos, helps their team members and all other students in and out of the arena, possesses integrity, moral character, and respect as a coach, competitive success (the type and kind will be determined by the committee).

Montgomery’s success in 2008 not only included the coach of the year honor, but he was voted to the 2008-2009 Faculty President position on the NIRA board, and coached the Steer Wrestling Champion, Cody Wade.  His men’s team finished in 6^th place, and the women’s team placed 13^th.  Montgomery’s women’s team won the nation in 2006.

Walla Walla, WA –  Kori Kimes, from Harrison, Arkansas, was the lucky recipient of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 2008 Dodge Truck award.