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News
Aug 3, 2011

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 Friday, August 12th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.  

       ESPN U will be airing two hours of collegiate rodeo competition from the 2011 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.

       Hosting the ESPN U College Rodeo series are Boyd Polhamus and Bob Tallman.  The Wyoming Division of Tourism is the presenting sponsor, with fellow supporters; Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Copper Spring Ranch, Dodge, the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the ProEquine Group, including Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddles, Fastback Ropes, and ProEquine.

      

College National Finals Rodeo tc "College National Finals Rodeo "on ESPNU

Show #1 - Premieres

Friday, August 12th, 7:00 p.m. ET

 

Show #2 - Premieres

Friday, August 12th, 8:00 p.m. ET

 

Additional airings of each show will air throughout the month of August.

Show #1 – Re-Air

Saturday, August 13th 3:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Sunday, August 14th 10:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #1 – Re-Air

Sunday, August 14th 9:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Sunday, August 14th 10:00 p.m. ET

 


May 18, 2011

******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*****
Wyoming Requirements on Horses


Due to concern over the recent Equine Herpes Virus 1 neurologic situation in several western states, the Wyoming Livestock Board will immediately begin requiring an official certificate of veterinary inspection within 72 hours of entry into Wyoming for imported Equine. The certificate must include the temperature recorded for each horse listed. The statements: "No horses listed have been exposed to any horse infected with or exposed to EHV1." and "No horses listed are showing any clinical signs of EHV1." must be written on the certificate.

This order is effective May 19, 2011 and will continue in effect until rescinded by the Wyoming State Veterinarian.

At this time Wyoming has no confirmed cases of EHV1 and there have been no suspect cases reported in the state. There are several major equine events upcoming in Wyoming and we want to protect our horse industry and event contestants to the extent that it is possible.

“The NIRA and CNFR officials are also requesting that contestants bringing horses to Casper, please keep a temperature log of your horse(s) for 5 days prior to arrival. Please document a.m. and p.m. checks. Also, have this information on hand when arriving to Casper. Thank you for your help.”


For more information please contact the WLSB offices at 307 777 7515 or 307 857 4140.


May 16, 2011

Important Memo regarding CNFR2011


To: All CNFR 2011 Contestants who will be bringing horses to the 2011 CNFR
Coaches of above mentioned contestants

From: Dr. Don Cobb, DVM – CNFR Veterinarian
Roger B. Walters, NIRA Commissioner

TOPIC : Equine Health for 2011 CNFR-EXTREME LEVEL OF CONCERN

I am sure all of you are aware of the recent outbreak of the Equine Herpes virus that has impacted the equine industry. Outbreaks have been reported throughout the United States. We are well aware of the value of your horses. With that in mind we are also aware of how important they are to you at all times, but probably more so during an event like the CNFR. Therefore we are requesting your assistance in taking precautionary steps to lessen the potential of a problem during the CNFR. In addition, this virus has a very unpredictable incubation period and these precautions will be just as beneficial to you after the CNFR is concluded. You have a vested interested in this important matter. YOUR COOPERATION IS RECCOMENDED:

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
   1) A current Coggins and health certificate. The health certificate shall contain;
          A. CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) within the last 14 days.
          B. The temperature of each horse.
          C. Date of vaccination for equine herpes.
          D. Name of vaccine used.

As an additional safety precaution we are suggesting that the coaches (or whoever is traveling with the contestants) take the temperature of the horses each morning. ANY ABNORMAL TEMP. READING should be reported to DR. COBB immediately.

I am well aware of this inconvenience, but I am convinced it is in your best interest.

Roger B. Walters
NIRA Commissioner

 


May 4, 2011

COLLEGE RODEO AWARDS NEW DODGE TRUCK

Walla Walla, WA –  Phyllis Gray, from Grand Cane, Louisiana, was the lucky recipient of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 2011 Dodge Truck award.    

The drawing was held at the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s national office in the afternoon of May 2nd.  The NIRA’s Northwest Regional Faculty Director, Buster Baron and the entire national office staff witnessed the drawing. 

Phillis Gray is a sophomore at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in the Central Plains Region.  Gray is currently working on her sports medicine degree and planning to work as a physical therapist for rodeo athletes.  

NIRA Commissioner Roger Walters told Ms. Gray the good news over the phone that afternoon.  Ms. Gray responded, “Sir, are you sure about that?  Really? Really? Really?”

Commissioner Walters added, “This is one of the best parts of being the commissioner.”

When asked how she felt about the award, Ms. Gray said, “I’m still in shock, I don’t know what to say.  I’m excited!”

The 2011 Dodge truck will be presented during the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.  The presentation will take place in the arena on Saturday, June 18th.

 


May 3, 2011

College National Finals Rodeo Chooses Casper for Another Decade!

Casper, WY –  The City of Casper, Natrona County, and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) are proud to announce the signing of a ten year contract to host the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR).  A public signing ceremony will be hosted at City Hall on Wednesday, May 4 at 9:00 am.

NIRA Commissioner, Roger Walters states, “We could not be happier to be signing this extension.  The City of Casper, Natrona County, and the State of Wyoming have created an exceptional home for the College National Finals Rodeo.  We are honored to partner with these great entities, and the great people of Wyoming.”  

The CNFR proves to be a signature event for the state of Wyoming generating approximately $1 million dollars in economic impact annually.  In 2009, the CNFR was voted and honored by the Sports Travel Magazine as the “Best Multi-Sport or Multi-Discipline Collegiate Event.” 

We welcome the nation’s best college cowboys and cowgirls in an effort to win national titles in saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying.  

The new ten year contract will be effective beginning in July 2012 through June 2022.

 CNFR DATES

2011          June 12-18
2012          June 10-16
2013          June 9-15
2014          June 15-21
2015          June 14-20
2016          June 12-18
2017          June 11-17
2018          June 10-16
2019          June 9-15
2020          June 14-20
2021          June 13-19
2022          June 12-18

More CNFR event information at www.caspereventscenter.com and at NIRA’s web pages: www.collegerodeo.com and www.CNFR.com

 


March 28, 2011

Scholarships Announced for 2011 College National Finals Rodeo

 

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation Board of Directors announced today that they will be contributing $35,000 to the scholarship awards program at the 2011 College National Finals Rodeo.

The scholarship awards will be presented as follows:

Team Awards
Men's 1st $5,000
Men’s 2nd $3,000
Men's 3rd $2,000
Total: $10,000

Women's 1st $3,000
Women's 2nd $2,000
Women's 3rd $1,000
Total: $6,000

Individual
Champions $1,000 each (10)
2nd Place $500 each (10)
All-Arounds $1,500 each (2)
Total: $19,000

Grand Total: $35,000

All scholarship funds will be awarded to the winning participant’s educational institution.

Additionally, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Alumni Association has graciously volunteered to donate a $1,000 scholarship to the 4th place men’s team, and a $500 scholarship to the 4th place women’s team.

The 63rd Annual event will begin June 12th and run through June 18th. NIRA students will compete in Casper, Wyoming, in an effort to win national titles in saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying.

You are invited to visit the NIRA’s web page: www.collegerodeo.com for more info on the NIRA and the CNFR.
 


January 26, 2011

College Rodeo Foundation to Auction Exclusive Montana Hunt

 

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation is happy to present a fabulous hunting trip to Montana!  The guided rifle or bow hunt is being generously donated by Lost Creek Outfitters (Pine Mountain, Montana), and includes transportation to and from the airport (Bozeman, Montana), lodging at camp (wall tents, cots & foam pad), all food at camp (prepared by chef), guide, elk & mule deer.  This hunt has a retail value of $14,000!

The highest bidder is responsible for getting a Montana Big Game Combination Hunting License (application must be in by March 15, 2011).  See link for out-of-state applications (https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index).  Should the successful bidder not receive a license for this year’s hunt, the hunt can be rescheduled for 2012.

Lost Creek Outfitters has the following dates available for 2011:

Bow Season:  September 5th – 9th, September 12th – 16th, September 19th – 23rd, October 3rd – 7th, and October 10th – 14th.

Rifle Season:  October 31st – November 4th, November 7th – 11th, November 14th – 18th, and November 21st – 25th.

Lost Creek Outfitters is happy to answer any guide related questions.  Jeremy Fatouros can be reached at 406-223-5055. 

All proceeds from this auction will go toward the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation to support the charitable causes which include scholarship awards for National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association students, injured athlete relief, historical preservation of college rodeo and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, and the RAWHIDE program (Rodeo Athletes on Wellness). 

As with most non-profit organizations, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation has been hit very hard this year.  Our scholarship awards program has suffered tremendously.  With this generous donation from Lost Creek Outfitters, and generous bidders from you, we hope to create a wonderful scholarship resource for the future of college rodeo! 

For more information and to bid, please visit www.biddingforgood.com/CollegeRodeoHunt.  The bidding will open on February 10th, and close on February 21st. Thanks for bidding!

 


January 1, 2011


COLLEGE RODEO ALUMNI SET ANNUAL REUNION

All National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) event champions from 1949-2010 will be honored at the 20th Annual NIRA Alumni Reunion June 17 - 18, 2011, at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming.  

This will be a first for college rodeo—having all the event champions appear together to be honored. National Champions for each event will be photographed together.  This is being done to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the NIRA Alumni, so having all the event champions there for these historical photos will be a once in a life-time chance to be recognized together.

The reunion will be held at the Ramada Plaza Riverside Hotel in Casper, and the rodeo will be at the Casper Events Center.

This is a mighty big undertaking: finding and bringing together College National Champions from six decades of competition.  If you were a National Champion or know someone who was or if you are person who just loves rodeo and rodeo history, spread the word and plan to attend. 

The reunion, held during the final weekend of the CNFR, is an opportunity to see all the national event champions, meet old friends, and enjoy a great rodeo. Activities include a hospitality room, two days of meetings and introductions, picture taking, awards, luncheons, catching up, story telling, and watching new national champions win their titles at the 2011 CNFR. 

“Becoming a National College Champion required hard work, great skills, outstanding horses, family backing, keeping that grade point up, perseverance, a big dose of ‘try’ and a lot of good luck.  We want all those champions to come to Casper to tell their stories and be recognized for their outstanding achievements,” says Sylvia Mahoney, a former rodeo coach and a founder of the NIRA Alumni.

A list of all the college national champions, their events, and schools can be found on our web page at www.collegerodeoalumni.com. Contact information for the alumni and information on the reunion can be found there as well.

The NIRA Alumni is an organization dedicated to collecting and preserving NIRA history and promoting college rodeo with reunions and scholarships.  The Alumni present the Man and Woman Rookie of the Year scholarships and team scholarships each year at the conclusion of the College National Finals Rodeo.

Sharon Adams
Secretary, NIRAA
414 West Buist Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85041
(602) 268-5874
sgadams38@aol.com

 


July 28, 20100

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 Friday, August 13th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.  

       ESPN U will be airing two hours of collegiate rodeo competition from the 2010 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.

       Hosting the ESPN U College Rodeo series are Boyd Polhamus and Bob Tallman, with Angie Burton interviewing the contestants on the arena floor.  The Wyoming Division of Tourism is the presenting sponsor, with fellow supporters; Wrangler, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Copper Spring Ranch, Dodge, the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the ProEquine Group, including Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddles, Fastback Ropes, and ProEquine.

College National Finals Rodeo on ESPNU

Show #1 - Premieres

Friday, August 13th, 8:00 p.m. ET

 

Show #2 - Premieres

Friday, August 13th, 9:00 p.m. ET

 

Additional airings of each show will air throughout the month of August.

Show #1 – Re-Air

Friday, August 13th 4:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Friday, August 13th 5:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #1 – Re-Air

Saturday, August 14th 10:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Saturday, August 14th 11:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #1 – Re-Air

Monday, August 16th, 8:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Monday, August 16th, 9:00 a.m. ET

 


July 20, 2010

Coach of the Year

On Wednesday night, CJ Aragon, Mesaland Community College’s rodeo coach, was awarded the prestigious award of Coach of the Year for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

Aragon, who is also the faculty director and three-time coach of the year for the Grand Canyon region, said that receiving this award has been “pretty humbling”. Aragon grew up in Kamiah, Idaho and  competed in many different levels of rodeo including junior, high school, college and professional. In high school, he  and his brother Jake won the 1993 Idaho state team roping championship

After high school, he went to college at Lewis Clark State College on a rodeo scholarship and then transferred to New Mexico State University, where he graduated with a degree in journalism. While at New Mexico State University, he was the 1998 NIRA  reserve l champion in  steer wrestling.

After college, Aragon put his journalism degree  to work writing for several publications, including Super Looper and The All Around. His competitive nature kept him in the rodeo arena as well as a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Staying close to home in the Turquoise Circuit, he has had 11 qualifications to their Circuit Finals as well as one trip to the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo.  He even has represented the United States in the Sydney Royal International Rodeo held in Sydney, Australia.   

Aragon began his career as coach at Mesaland Community College in the fall of 2007 after hearing about the opening from another instructor. Since then,  his students have improved in both academics and the rodeo arena. In three years, they have set the team GPA record three times and have had seven Academic All Americans.

This year they have seven qualifiers in the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), which is the most they have had in the history of the program.

“I’ve got a pretty unique group of kids”,  Aragon said.

About his plans for the future, “Keep going, keep trying to get better, [and] keep trying to graduate all our kids.”


July, 2010

Judge Dave Park, CNFR Committee, Casper, Wyoming

           The 2010 College National Finals Rodeo is now in the record books, and as we get ready for the 2011 CNFR, I want to take a minute and on behalf of the CNFR Promotions Committee, thank all of the national and local sponsors of this great event.  This year we had more sponsor dollars than ever.  It is impossible to over-state the importance of these sponsorships; without them, there would be no CNFR.

           Sponsoring the CNFR is still a smart business decision.  This year, we had 390 contestants, representing 36 states and 3 Canadian provinces.  In addition, there were the college coaches and the contestant’s families, and of course the dedicated fans who attended the 6 nightly rodeos.  Media coverage was extensive, and included state wide coverage by newspapers, television and radio.  In addition, national print and media reporters were in attendance.  The ESPN networks will have national broadcasts in August, 2010.  All of this means that sponsor products were introduced not only to the rodeo audiences who came from all across the country, but also to a large viewer audience.

           I continue to believe that there are other, and perhaps more important reasons to sponsor this unique American event.   Wise business decisions are, of course, essential.  However, we all have a stake in the future of this great nation.  Sponsorship of the CNFR also helps support our future leaders.  It has been a great personal privilege for me to work with college rodeo because I have had the opportunity to work with this outstanding group of young people.  These contestants have been taught by their families and coaches to be polite and respectful; they have unusually strong values, a moral commitment and a sense of dedication to their country and their communities.  They are the elite of college rodeo, and this is because they are used to setting high goals, and then achieving them through a strong work ethic.  These habits and characteristics will make them the leaders of their towns, states and the nation. 

          As with past years, these sponsors support not only the rodeo, but the events that are set up in conjunction with it such as the golf tournament, the softball tournament, and the Special Olympics Rodeo.  Support for the NIRA and the CNFR allows us to put on the CNFR and rewards the contestants for their hard work and commitment.  In addition, it shows these young folks the importance of supporting important programs and events that build communities.  Again, I would like to extend my appreciation to all of the CNFR sponsors.  Your contributions are a wise investment that will continue to pay out in many ways for years to come.

          Finally, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank Roger Walters, NIRA Commissioner, for his hard work and commitment to college rodeo.  His dedication to college rodeo student-athletes is second to none.  He is a tireless ambassador for college rodeo, and without his efforts, the rodeo would not be the success that it is. it is.

 


June, 2010

COLLEGE RODEO AWARDS NEW DODGE TRUCK
 

Walla Walla, WA – Ethan Weiser, from Arlington, Oregon, was the lucky recipient of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 2010 Dodge Truck award.
The drawing was held at the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s national office in the afternoon of May 12th. The NIRA’s Northwest Regional Faculty Director, Buster Baron and the entire national office staff witnessed the drawing.
Ethan Weiser is a freshman at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, in the West Coast Region. Weiser is currently working on his kinesiology degree.
NIRA Commissioner Roger Walters told Mr. Weiser the good news over the phone that afternoon. Commissioner Walters said, “I asked him if he knew a Roger Walters, and he said he did not. I then told him who I was and that he had won the NIRA Dodge Truck.”
Weiser said, “What kind of a joke is this?” Walters was able to convince him of the award, and he was a “super happy kid after that,” said Walters.
Commissioner Walters added, “This is one of the best parts of being the commissioner.”
Weiser did confirm the award with his coach at UNLV, Ric Griffith. Griffith said Weiser had indicated earlier in the rodeo season that he was going to go home this summer and work really hard to save enough money to buy a truck to pull a horse trailer.
The 2010 Dodge truck will be presented during the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. The presentation will take place in the arena on Saturday, June 19th.

 


September, 2009

COLLEGE RODEO ANNOUNCES NEWEST SPONSOR


Walla Walla, WA – The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is pleased to announce Copper Spring Ranch (CSR) as our newest sponsor. Copper Spring Ranch is a world class equine facility located in Bozeman, Montana. The ranch is proud to say that they are about one thing – “amazing horses”. They have world class facilities for hosting master horsemanship clinics, as well as a world class breeding program. Their Quarter Horse breeding program begins with the meticulous selection of bloodlines. The Copper Spring Ranch website states, “We rely on today’s top-performing stallions and exquisite brood mares to produce the perfect progeny – horses with a combination of speed, toughness and intelligence.”

NIRA Commissioner, Roger Walters said, “I can’t think of a more suitable sponsor for college rodeo. Copper Spring Ranch is about amazing horses, and college rodeo is about amazing athletes riding amazing horses.”

Another astounding entity that they have to offer is the innovative CSR Equine Medical Center. The center is a combination of cutting-edge technology with medical expertise in surgery, reproductive services, sports medicine/performance, and general health and preventative care for all breeds and disciplines. With this sponsorship, the managers for the ranch, Gary and Sandie Metcalf, have reserved the Copper Spring Ranch mobile equine medical center for the College National Finals Rodeo for 2010 and 2011. This will give the CNFR contestants on-site access to top notch equipment for equine care.

Sandie Metcalf said, “Some of these progressive rodeo programs are requiring the students to participate in all aspects of rodeo, from fund raising activities to organization and production. This approach is not only invaluable to the student but to future employers as well. These programs give the students the experience to excel in their chosen careers and provide a leg up for them to be successful in the future.”

Mrs. Metcalf speaks from experience, as Copper Spring Ranch has hired NIRA Student President and Big Sky Student Director, Taylor Nahrgang as their most recent employee. Nahrgang has been assisting with promotions for the ranch.

Gary Metcalf added, “The NIRA is doing an outstanding job with many of the colleges by promoting responsible and ethical coaching programs that hopefully will give contestants a North Star to guide them for the rest of their lives. For them, the rodeo arena is a training ground.”

The owner of Copper Spring Ranch, Karen Gilhousen said, “Copper Spring Ranch is excited about supporting the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and the students who represent this sport. It is truly a part of our western heritage.”

With western heritage as a key component for both the NIRA and Copper Spring Ranch, the two are certain to benefit from a long partnership.

For more information on Copper Spring Ranch, please visit them on the web at copperspringranch.com.


September, 2009

College Rodeo steps into 21st Century

Walla Walla, WA –
“Do you Facebook?”
“Huh?” used to be the response from the NIRA’s national office staff. Not anymore.
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association members, contestants, and fans can now enjoy the 21st Century because the NIRA has their very own Facebook page, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Big Sky Regional Student Director and Student President, Taylor Nahrgang.
Nahrgang, who attends the University of Montana, Western, had the page up and running on Tuesday, September 15th, and by Thursday of that week, the NIRA had over 500 friends.
“Apparently, today’s college rodeo students are looking for ways to stay connected with fellow college rodeo athletes, coaches, and fans; Facebook is just the place for that,” said NIRA Director of Public Relations, Sarah Neely.
Neely added, “We will be working on ways to add content and pertinent information through the Facebook page, as well as our corporate web page, collegerodeo.com.”
Facebook, which was initially started by Harvard college students, has become one of the world’s largest social networking websites in a short amount of time.
According to Wikipedia.com, Facebook, “The website's name stems from the colloquial name of books given at the start of the academic year by university administrations with the intention of helping students get to know each other better.” Wikipedia also said that Facebook has been banned at many places of work to discourage employees from wasting time using the service. The NIRA, however would like to encourage all to visit their new page.

 


September, 2009

USTRC and College Rodeo join forces

Walla Walla, WA – The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and the United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC) have joined forces in typical team roping “partnership” fashion. The partnership will involve supporting the memberships of both organizations.

USTRC will award Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/$1,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings to the top three headers and heelers in the final season standings in all eleven NIRA regions. They will also award a National Finals Shoot-Out position/$3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings to the top three teams in the team roping event at the College National Finals Rodeo. The only stipulation for the awards will be that the roper will need to be a member of the USTRC prior to the conclusion of their respective regional rodeo season and the CNFR.

“This is a great opportunity for college rodeo’s top team ropers. Team roping is an event that can be enjoyed for years. It’s like golf for cowboys; and I thank the USTRC for offering their support to college rodeo,” said NIRA Commissioner, Roger Walters.

The USTRC was formed in 1990 to promote team roping as a sport and to develop a national team roping championship. Since that date the organization has experienced exponential growth and now plays host to over 35,000 members, and pays out over $30 million a year in cash and prizes.

Kirk Bray, USTRC President said, “We are very pleased to be affiliated with the NIRA. We like nothing better than supporting the collegiate roper and an association as solid as the NIRA. USTRC is looking forward to this being a long and productive relationship.”

Marketing Director, John Findlay, added, “It’s about time we hooked up with the NIRA. It’s a natural affiliation and should have been put together years ago. Not only does the NIRA have lots of ropers we can offer Shoot-Out positions to; but we all know what rough stock riders do after they hang up their riggin’s.”

To become a member please contact the USTRC office at (254) 968-0002, and for more info visit www.ustrc.com.

 


August, 20099

COLLEGE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO NOMINATED FOR NATIONWIDE AWARD
CNFR Asks Fans to Vote Online to Bring Award Home to Casper, WY

Casper, WY – The official ballot for the 2009 SportsTravel Awards was announced last night in Los Angeles, CA and the 2009 College National Finals Rodeo held in Casper, Wyoming was nominated as the Best Multi-Sport or Multi-Discipline Event at the Collegiate Level. The CNFR is asking its fans to vote online by visiting http://vote.schneiderpublishing.com/ballot, cast their votes, fill out the e-mail information, and then click "submit". The voting is now open and the deadline for voting is Monday, September 14, at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

“What an honor to be nominated for this award,” said Roger Walters, Commissioner of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. “It is nice to see the CNFR, the City of Casper, and the State of Wyoming, recognized for their outstanding efforts in producing one of the world’s greatest rodeos.”

The 2009 College National Finals Rodeo marked the 11th year for this tremendous event in Casper, WY. This year’s CNFR welcomed 363 participants from 87 colleges and universities, representing 33 states and four Canadian provinces. The CNFR proves to be one of the signature events for the state of Wyoming each year. The 2009 event recorded a 15 percent jump in ticket sales from the previous year as nearly 19,000 fans flocked to the Casper Events Center for the competition.

The CNFR shares the ballot with five other collegiate events that took place this year throughout the country. They include: the Drake Relays in Des Moines, IA; the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Johnson City, TN; the NCAA Division II Winter National Championships Festival in Houston, TX; the NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in Buffalo, NY and the STIHL TimberSports Collegiate Challenge in Columbus, GA.

The SportsTravel Awards will be presented at the TEAMS 2009 Conference & Expo, October 13–17, in New Orleans, LA.

 

CONTACT:

Aaron McCreight, CEO
Casper Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
(307) 234-5362
aaron@casperwyoming.info
 


August, 2009

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 Friday, August 14th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.  

       ESPN U will be airing two hours of collegiate rodeo competition from the 2009 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.

       Hosting the ESPN U College Rodeo series are Boyd Polhamus and Bob Tallman, with Angie Burton interviewing the contestants on the arena floor.  The Wyoming Division of Tourism is the presenting sponsor, with fellow supporters; Wrangler, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Red Wing/Pecos Boots, DodgeRodeo, the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the ProEquine Group, including Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddles, Fastback Ropes, and ProEquine.

College National Finals Rodeo on ESPNU

Show #1 - Premieres

Friday, August 14th 7:00 p.m. ET

 

Show #2 - Premieres

Friday, August 14th 8:00 p.m. ET

 

Additional airings of each show will air throughout the month of August.

Show #1 – Re-Air

Friday, August 14th 12:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Friday, August 14th 1:00 a.m. ET

 

Show #1 – Re-Air

Saturday, August 15th 12:00 p.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Saturday, August 15th 1:00 p.m. ET

 

Show #1 – Re-Air

Monday, August 17, 2:00 p.m. ET

 

Show #2 – Re-Air

Monday, August 17, 3:00 p.m. ET

 


 
August, 2009

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN HONORS ANNOUNCED

 Walla Walla, WA – The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is pleased to announce the 2009 Academic All-American recipients. The honor is bestowed on NIRA members that have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and qualified for the 2009 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. This year over 40 contestants received the honor. They are as follows:
 

Amy Adametz Missouri Valley College   Katie Kimble  Missouri Valley College
Kallie Agre Missouri Valley College   Riley Knoll Central Wyoming College
Jeff Askey

University of Tennessee-Martin

  Aaron Lide Texas A&M University
Hilary Bair Utah Valley University   Jessica Lott  Stephen F Austin State University
Cami Bauer South Dakota State University   Jake Mitchell  West Texas A&M University
Bliss Bidwell Feather River College   Sarah Mulholland University of Wyoming
Bart Brunson University of Arkansas-Monticello   Haley Nida Northwestern Okla. State Univ.
Jacob Buller Central Wyoming College   Cynda Norell  Tarleton State University
Tanaye Carroll University of Wyoming   Amy Outhier Southwestern Okla. State Univ.
Lauren Cox   Texas A&M Universityrsity   PJ Painter  Black Hills State University
Will Crain  Missouri Valley College   Kirsty Robinson Montana State Univ.-Northern
Luke Creasy Western Texas College   Cody Samora Howard County Community Col
Devyn Dennison New Mexico Highlands University   Whitney Sprunk

South Dakota State University

Lara DeWees McNeese State University   Nikki Steffes University of Wyoming
Clay Elkins Mesalands Community College   Cassie Vierstra South Plains College
Donnie Frazee Mesalands Community College   Rodee Walraven New Mexico State University
Shaylee French

University of Montana, Western

  Dana Weiser South Plains College
Morgan Grant Sam Houston State University   Logan Westcott Northland Pioneer College
Clinton Groff Northland Pioneer College   Wacey Westcott Northland Pioneer College
Marvin Heesacker  Black Hills State University   Stetson Wilson University of Montana, Western
Rachelle Holt Oklahoma State University   Kristin Woods Central Arizona College
Brooke Inlow Northwestern Okla. State Univ.   Sarah Zybach New Mexico Highlands University


   
  Rule Book Book
The NIRA 2009-2010 Rule Book is now available online.
 

  The NIRA national headquarters is located in Walla Walla, Washington.
For more information on college rodeo please feel free to contact our office at (509) 529-4402.
Or e-mail us at: info@collegerodeo.com.
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