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News
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May 12, 2009
COLLEGE RODEO
AWARDS NEW DODGE TRUCK
Walla Walla, WA – Justin Ferguson, from Deer
Trail, Colorado, was the lucky recipient of the National
Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 2009 Dodge Truck award.
The drawing was held at the National Intercollegiate Rodeo
Association’s national office in the afternoon of May 6th.
The NIRA’s Commissioner, Roger Walters, and the entire
national office staff witnessed the drawing.
Justin Ferguson is a freshman at Oklahoma Panhandle State
University in Goodwell, Oklahoma, in the Central Plains
Region. Ferguson is currently working on his general
education requirements and plans to graduate with an ag-
business degree.
NIRA Commissioner Roger Walters told Mr. Ferguson the good
news over the phone that afternoon. Commissioner Walters
said, “It’s one of the best parts of being the commissioner.
I’m sure I made Mr. Ferguson’s day.”
Ferguson said, “I never win anything.” When asked about how
he felt, Ferguson added, “I’m still pretty dumbfounded – I
don’t know what to say. I’m very excited about seeing it and
picking the truck up in Casper, this June.”
The 2009 Dodge truck will be awarded during the College
National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. The presentation
will take place in the arena on Saturday, June 20th.
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May 11, 2009
College National Finals Rodeo Media Credentials Available
If you are
interested in obtaining media credentials for the 2009 CNFR
in Casper, Wyoming, please fax a request on your business
letterhead to Sarah Neely, NIRA Director of Public Relations
& Administration, (509) 525-1090, no later than June 1st. If
you are unable to attend the event, but wish to receive up
to date information during the rodeo, please fax a request
for email or faxed results to the same fax number. As in the
past, Ms. Susan Kanode will be handling the media
responsibilities during the CNFR. Results will be made
available on the NIRA’s web page: www.collegerodeo.com. The
information will be updated daily.
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April
15, 2009
Bill Nauman
Memorial Rodeo Scholarship
Family members of the
late Bill Nauman, Weiser, Idaho recently established the
Bill Nauman Memorial Rodeo Scholarship. This annual
scholarship, in the amount of $500, will be awarded to
an individual from either of the Idaho High School Rodeo
Association’s District 2 or District 3 or from Oregon’s
Baker or Malheur counties.
Bill Nauman, a proud Montana native who lived near
western Idaho’s Treasure Valley for nearly 35 years, was
a longtime rodeo competitor and official who gave
willingly of his time and talents to provide many youths
an opportunity to rodeo. Nauman was often called upon to
judge high school, junior and collegiate rodeos in both
Idaho and Oregon.
High school seniors and currently enrolled college
students who live(d) in either the Idaho High School
Rodeo Association’s District 2 or District 3 or from
Oregon’s Baker or Malheur counties are encouraged to
visit the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s
web-site www.collegerodeo.com or contact Patrick Nauman
at 449 State Street, Weiser, Idaho 83672 or 208.414.2850
to obtain the application form. Completed
applications
must be postmarked by June 12, 2009 to be considered.
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February, 2009
Walla Walla, WA – .
The
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is pleased to
announce that Red Wing Shoes and Pecos Boots has renewed
their national sponsorship. Red Wing’s Peco’s Boot will,
once again, become the Official Work Boot of college rodeo
for the entire 2009 year.
"Red Wing offers tough boots for tough cowboys and cowgirls.
Our partnership with the NIRA as the Official Work Boot is
a perfect fit," explained Mark Urdahl, Senior Vice President
of Red Wing Global.
Based in Red Wing, Minnesota, Red Wing Show Company offers a
unique blend of quality, tradition, and style. Product
lines range from traditional work boots that have been the
staple of skilled workers for the past century to outdoor
footwear.
Roger
Walters, NIRA Commissioner, said, “College
Rodeo is excited to partner, again, with Red Wing. They
make a quality product that I myself have been wearing for
35 years.” He added, “Red Wing is truly a valued partner
for college rodeo. We couldn’t do what we do without the
generous support of all our sponsors.”
Red Wing’
distinguished history actually began in 1905 when Charles H.
Beckman organized the Red Wing Shoe Company in the quite
river town of Red Wing, Minnesota. The first boot created
by the company sold for $1.75.
Today, Red
Wing Shoe Company employs hundreds of craftspeople that make
thousands of pairs of shoes by hand each day. They plan to
continue to provide comfort, quality and durability for the
next hundred years.
"This sponsorship is an excellent opportunity for Red Wing
Shoe to bring our Pecos line to a new generation - college
students," added Urdahl.
Red Wing’s
Pecos Boot signs and flags will be visible at all NIRA
regional rodeos and the College National Finals Rodeo. Red
Wing will also be donating boots to each regional champion
and CNFR champion. Additionally, Red Wing has requested
that a portion of their sponsorship be donated to the
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation and the charitable
activities of that organization, such as scholarships,
injured athlete relief, RAWHIDE, and historical
preservation.
For more information on Red Wing brand
work shoes and boots visit
www.redwingshoe.com.
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December, 2008
New Commissioner
WALLA WALLA, WA - Roger
Walters, from Huntsville, Texas, was selected to lead the
NIRA as the new commissioner on December 12th
during the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 2008
Winter Board Meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the South
Point Hotel and Casino.
Mr. Walters will take the reins on January 1st
when current commissioner, John J. Smith will retire.
“It is an honor to be selected for this
position. I am following in some very large footsteps. Mr.
John Smith created a great foundation for the NIRA, and I
hope to carry on his legacy,” said Roger Walters. Walters
added, “College rodeo is near and dear to my heart. I love
working with students and education. I love that a sport
that means so much to all of us, can lead young people to a
college degree and a bright future.”
John Smith said, “I leave the NIRA with a
world of mixed emotions, but feel that I leave it in very
capable hands. I have known Roger for a long time and know
him to be a very capable and knowledgeable individual.””
Walters brings a wealth of
rodeo knowledge to the commissioner position. He has worked
in rodeo production, promotion, competition, coaching,
livestock management and fundraising. Walters was rodeo
coach at Sam Houston State University from 1999 to 2002. He
also served as an instructor, agriculture center
coordinator, and farm manager for Sam Houston. He was on
the NIRA board of directors from 2001-2003. During his time
as rodeo coach, Walters earned the regional rodeo coach of
the year honor, as well as the NIRA national rodeo coach of
the year honor in 2001.
Most recently, Walters served as the CNFR
Production Manager/Arena Director. He has worked closely
with the current NIRA Commissioner, John Smith and CNFR
Casper Committee to help promote and facilitate the annual
CNFR for the past five years.
“It is my goal to continue to work with the
Casper Committee to produce a high quality production of the
College National Finals Rodeo,” said Walters.
NIRA’s
Faculty President, Dennis Montgomery said, “I met Roger at
the CNFR three years ago. I was impressed with his detail in
the production of the rodeo. As the Arena Director he made
decisions that were not popular, but they were right and
fair. I applaud his passion for the education of our student
athletes. He promotes rodeo as a tool for them to receive a
quality education. Roger’s enthusiasm and personality make
the CNFR a better production; and I enjoy working in the
arena with him.” Montgomery added, “I look forward to
working with Roger as the new Commissioner, board meetings
will never be the same. Congratulations Roger!”
Currently, Walters owns and
operates a pest control company in Huntsville. He plans to
turn the reins of that business over to his wife, Martha
Lynn, while serving as commissioner.
“The future of college rodeo will depend on
all of us. As the economic times become more challenged, it
will take all of us to support our sponsors, spread the word
of college rodeo, and promote rodeo and education,” Walters
said.
Walters and his wife, Martha Lynn, have two
adult sons, Britt and Clint. They both were members of the
NIRA.
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November, 2008
College National Finals Rodeo Sets June 2009 Dates
The
nation’s best college cowboys and cowgirls from eleven
different regions will enter into the CNFR arena this June.
The 61st Annual event will begin June 14th and
run through June 20th. 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.
The top three
students in each event, and top two men’s and women’s teams
from the NIRA’s 11 regions will qualify for the CNFR in
Casper. Student athletes will also be competing for over
$200,000 in scholarships.
Two special
“Bulls, Broncs and Breakaway,” performances will be held on
Sunday, June 14th, a matinee at 1:00 p.m. and an
evening performance at 4:00 p.m. All remaining performances
begin at 7:00 p.m., including the Saturday Championship
Round. Slack will be held on the mornings of Monday, June 15th
and Tuesday, June 16th, at 7:00 a.m.
Tickets will
be available for sale in April. All performances and slack
will be held at the Casper Events Center. A trade show is
also planned.
Additionally,
the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation is making
plans for the Annual Style Show Auction & Luncheon. More
information on this fundraiser will be available this
spring.
You
are invited to visit the NIRA’s web page:
www.collegerodeo.com for more info on the NIRA and the
CNFR.
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August, 2008
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN HONORS ANNOUNCED
Walla Walla,
WA –
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is pleased to
announce the 2008 Academic All-American recipients. The
honor is bestowed on NIRA members that have a 3.5 cumulative
grade point average and qualified for the 2008 College
National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. This year over 30
contestants received the honor. They are as follows:
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Dylan Werner |
Ranger College |
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Kyle Beasley |
McNeese State Universit |
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Andy Seilereiler |
Troy University |
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Blake Myers |
Southern Utah University |
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Frank Whitehead |
Cochise College |
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Andrew Hummel |
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Garrett Faulhaber |
Cochise College |
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Lacey England |
College of Southern Idaho |
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Mert Bradshaw |
Cochise College |
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Townsend Prince |
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Robert Ferrasci |
West Hills College |
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Jon Luse |
Mesalands Community College |
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Ted Walker |
University of Idaho |
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Michael Bates |
Mesalands Community College |
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Cassie Vierstra |
South Plains College |
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Staci Stanbrough |
New Mexico State University |
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Courtney Sokol |
Texas A&M University |
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Clay Geronimo |
New Mexico State University |
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Lainey Kyle |
Texas A&M Universityrsity |
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Katie Jolly |
Dodge City Community
College |
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Stephanie Wells |
Utah State University |
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KC Curtis |
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Justin Viles |
University of Wyoming |
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Cali Griffin |
Fort Scott Community
College |
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Neil DeZort |
University of Wyoming |
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Kortney Fisher |
Walla Walla Community
College |
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Nikki Steffes |
University of Wyomingoming |
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Lauren Cox |
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TaNaye Carroll |
University of Wyoming |
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Whitney Gollehon |
University of Montana,
Western |
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Luke Creasy |
Western Texas College |
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Devyn Dennison |
New Mexico Highlands
University |
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Kyle Collmer |
Feather River Collegellege |
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Robin Webb |
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Sharlie Wade |
Weber State University |
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Jade Inlow |
Northwestern Ok State
University |
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Courtney Dobson |
Idaho State University |
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Bart Brunson |
University of Arkansas,
Monticello |
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Quincy Opela |
Eastern Wyoming Collegee |
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Megan Fisherisher |
University of Arkansas,
Monticello |
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Jaclyn Ferguson |
Central Washington Univ. |
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August, 2008
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 12th 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.
College National Finals RodeoRodeo
Show
#1 - Premieres
Tuesday, August 12th 10:30 p.m. ET
Show #2 - Premieres
Tuesday, August 19th 6:00 p.m. ET
Additional airings of each show will air throughout the
month of August.
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August, 2008
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 31st.
“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 20th.
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.
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July
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 4th 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.
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July, 2008
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 17th in the arena by Walt Garrison
himself.
Seiler, ordinarily very
vocal, said, “This is such an honor. I’m speechless.”
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July, 2008
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 18th
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 6th place, and
the women’s team placed 13th. Montgomery’s
women’s team won the nation in 2006.
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May
21, 2008
Walla
Walla, WA – Kori Kimes, from
Harrison, Arkansas, was the lucky recipient of the National
Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 2008 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
Certified Public Accountant, Nancy Nestler, and the entire
national office staff witnessed the drawing.
Kori Kimes is a sophomore
at North Arkansas College in the Ozark Region. He is
studying agriculture business.
NIRA Commissioner John
Smith told Mr. Kimes the good news over the phone that
afternoon. “It's always interesting and somewhat fun, to
have the opportunity to call a person and tell them they
have won a new truck. The reactions are always different,
but the surprise is always the same. Normally they are
thinking it is some kind of joke, but cautious while it sets
in that they did win the truck,” said Commissioner Smith.
The national office
received a phone call from Kori’s coach, Landon Sullivan,
about a half hour after his name was drawn confirming the
award.
Sullivan said, “It
couldn’t have been a nicer kid.”
The 2008 Dodge truck will
be awarded during the College National Finals Rodeo in
Casper, Wyoming. The presentation will take place in the
arena on Saturday, June 21st.
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May
15, 2008
Rodeos of the Year Announced
WALLA
WALLA, WA - The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
and National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation are pleased to
announce the regional Rodeos of the Year and Most Improved
Rodeos of the Year. Each region selects the recipients and
the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation presents a
$350 rodeo grant to the rodeo of the year, and a $150 grant
to the most improved rodeo. The awards are as follows:
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Regionegion |
Rodeo of the Year |
Most Improved Rodeo |
Big Sky
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TBD
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TBD
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Central Plains
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Southwestern Oklahoma State University
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Colby Community College
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Central Rocky Mountain
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Casper College
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University of Wyoming
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Grand Canyon
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New Mexico State University #3
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Navajo Technical College
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Ozark
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University of Tennessee-Martin
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Troy University
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Northwest
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Walla Walla Community College
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University of Idaho
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McNeese State University
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Wharton County Junior Collegellege
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West Cost
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University of Nevada-Las Vegas
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Lassen College
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March, 2008
The National
Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation Board of Directors recently
elected to create an award to honor and reward student
members who have exhibited the traits and characteristics
that best exemplify Mr. Harry Vold.
Harry Vold, a lifetime member of the National
Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, is widely recognized as
one of the most distinguished and respected stock
contractors in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
and the NIRA. He has been the stock contractor of record
for the College National Finals Rodeo for decades. He has
also been the PRCA’s Stock Contractor of the Year numerous
times, and one of only two stock contractors to provide
stock to every National Finals Rodeo. Rodeo. Rodeo.
“This scholarship is a tribute to a man that has
been a friend to college rodeo, and the sport of rodeo for
decades. Harry is a gentleman and a rodeo icon. Our
foundation board of directors could not be more delighted to
honor Harry with this scholarship,” said foundation
president and NIRA Commissioner, John Smith.
Mr. Vold is polite, courteous, loyal, faithful,
honest kind and generous. He is also very patriotic and
dedicated to the sport of rodeo. He has sat on numerous
PRCA committees and board of directors. He was inducted
into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1994.n 1994.n 1994.n 1994.n 1994.
Mr. Vold is a hard worker, even in his 80’s,
Vold is actively involved in the operation of his ranch and
the production of his rodeos.rodeos.
The Foundation chose to honor Vold by sponsoring
a $2,500 scholarship in his name, more specifically the
“Duke of the Chutes Scholarship Award”.
The recipient will be selected by the foundation
board of directors at their summer board meeting.
Qualifications for the award include: must be an
active member in good standing of the NIRA and the
institution the applicant is attending, must be making
satisfactory progress toward a post-secondary degree, must
demonstrate qualities and principles that personify Harry
Vold, and must demonstrate dedication to America and to the
sport of rodeo.
The application process includes an application,
three essay questions regarding patriotism, rodeo as a sport
in America, and the rodeo athlete as a role model with
respect to integrity, leadership, and education. The
application must also include a resume of accomplishments
and awards, transcripts, and letters of ers of recommendation.dation.
Applications are available on the NIRA’s website
at
www.collegerodeo.com. For more information or a mailed
application please contact the NIRA national office at (509)
529-4402.
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January, 2008
Walla Walla, WA – Each
year the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation, along
with the Rawhide program, awards deserving students
scholarship money for exemplifying outstanding academic and
personal qualities that show leadership and community
involvement. Once again, this year’s applicants were the
best of the best and made it challenging for the scholarship
committee to narrow the field to just a few winners.
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation awards a $1500
scholarship to each winner. The student must be an active
member of the NIRA and be currently enrolled full-time in
school. This year’s recipients are Jena Bubak and Lindy
Schirado. Both of these girls showed the quality and
character that is necessary in earning this scholarship
along with high academic achievement.
Jena is currently attending the University of Montana,
Western, studying business with an accounting emphasis. Her
goal is to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and
ultimately obtain her CPA certificate. Before transferring
to the University of Montana, Western, Jena attended the
College of Southern Idaho where she was the Team Captain for
the girls’ rodeo team. Jena was also the Reserve Women’s
All-Around Champion for the Rocky Mountain Region in
2006-07. She qualified for the 2007 CNFR in the team roping
and the breakaway roping events.
Lindy attends North Dakota State University and is majoring
in Microbiology. After completing her undergraduate studies,
Lindy hopes to transfer to a school that offers veterinary
medicine and attain her DVM. Her ultimate goal is to become
a large animal vet and practice in North Dakota, while still
pursuing her love to rodeo. Lindy maintains high standards
for herself and is actively involved in numerous on-campus
and community programs all while maintaining her name on the
Dean’s List.
The Rawhide Program offers two $500 scholarships each year,
one to a male recipient and one to a female recipient. This
scholarship is awarded to the recipients who exemplify the
most positive lifestyle choices in alignment with the
Rawhide principles. This year’s recipients were Nicole
Steffes and Brad Johnson, both of the Central Rocky Mountain
Region.
Nicole Steffes is our current Central Rocky Mountain Student
Director and attends the University of Wyoming. (See article
on page 4). Nikki is currently pursuing a career in medicine
with a double major in Molecular Biology and Medical
Microbiology, with a minor in Chemistry. She was also our
2007 CNFR Women’s All-Around Champion and is currently
leading in the all-around points for the Central Rocky Mt.
Region.
Brad Johnson is currently attending Gillette College in
Gillette, Wyoming and is majoring in farm/ranch management.
He is a transfer student from Eastern Wyoming College where
he was elected student body Vice President his second year.
Brad was fourth place in the year-end steer wrestling
standings for the Cental Rocky Mt. Region in 2006-07 and is
currently tied for first place in the steer wrestling for
the 2007-08 season thus far. He also qualified for the 2007
CNFR by taking second place as a header in the team roping.
We wish all of these winners the very best in their academic
and rodeo pursuits! Congratulations!
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Rule Book Book
The NIRA 2007-2008 Rule Book
is now available online.
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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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