The WTAMU Rodeo Team competed in the first competition of the spring semester.

The team of 35 members has been coached by Casey Crow since 2009.  Each team member, including six men and four women, competes individually for points.

The team’s first rodeo was held March 1-3 in Weatherford, TX.  The top ten leaders from each event advanced to the finals on March 3.

The WT rodeo team competes along with 15 other teams in the southwest region under the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

With such aggressive competition, Coach Crow encourages his team to meet expectations.“Every semester it’s our goal to have both men and women teams make the finals,” Crow said.  “I just want to help students achieve goals whether in the rodeo arena or academically, I always tell my students: ‘your goals are my goals.’”

Tally Owens, a senior Agriculture Education Certification major, competes in barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping. Owens grew up with an appreciation for the rodeo lifestyle.

“I’ve been in rodeo since before I could walk, I am busy with a lot of other things but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Owens said.

Rodeo member Liz Meech, a senior double majoring in Agriculture Education and Equine Industry, loves competing in the event of breakaway roping.

“I rodeo because it’s in my blood and I can’t get enough of it,” Meech said. “Rodeo is a tough sport and it seems like you’ll do anything to get to the next one.”

Rodeo events include barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, team roping, tie-down roping, breakaway roping and bull riding. Each event is timed for points and money awards.

“Rodeo is a big family, everyone will help one another,” Meech said.  “This sport is filled with hospitality.”