RBC | Hello! This is Tammy Olson. I joined the CNCC rodeo program late last fall, as their rodeo coach. We have been preparing for our Spring 2022 season and I wanted to update you, Rio Blanco County residents on “all things” CNCC rodeo…
CNCC competes in the Rocky Mountain Region, of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), in 10 college rodeos (four in the fall and six in the spring), which are held in western Colorado, Utah and southern Idaho. Our first rodeo is this Friday and Saturday, March 4-5, in Salina, Utah. After that, we travel to Twin Falls, Idaho (March 11-12), Ogden, Utah (March 25-26), and then our own “Spartan Showdown” rodeo is held in Rangely on April 1-2. After that, we travel to Grand Junction (April 8-9), and then our last rodeo is in Spanish Fork, Utah (April 15-16).
Sadie Shake is a tough barrel racer, who has a strong reputation in the state of Colorado. She is just coming back on her horse, “Ricky Bobby,” as he had an extended “injury recovery” break. | COURTESY PHOTO
Hadley Gross is sitting fourth in the region in the barrel racing, on her horse “Hubs” and 1th in the goat tying on her mare “Chloe.” | COURTESY PHOTO
Our current roster consists of Sadie Shake, from Buena Vista, Colorado, and Hadley Gross, from Lyman, Wyoming. They are both 4.0 students in CNCC’s dental hygiene program. This winter, they have been practicing in Vernal’s indoor arena at their fairgrounds, as it is a safer drive for our athletes and their equine partners.
The College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), is held in Casper, Wyoming every June. Based on points won, our region will send the top three competitors in every event, as well as the top two men’s and women’s teams. This year, the CNFR dates are June 12-18, 2022.
Then, starting this fall, CNCC’s rodeo program will be on both campuses, Rangely and Craig. This new expansion program is geared toward recruiting more student-athletes, with an emphasis on our local and regional rodeo competitors. Indoor and outdoor practice will be available to both campuses. CNCC’s agriculture program will also have a stronger presence on the Craig campus starting Fall 2022.
If you have questions about CNCC’s new and expanded college rodeo program, or if you are interested in becoming part of CNCC’s rodeo program, please contact me at 970-629-3466 or [email protected]. Thank you!
HOPEWEST PRESS RELEASE | Special to the Herald Times
