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FORT WORTH, TX. – The NIRA (National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association) and WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) proudly announce an extension of their partnership and combined effort to provide additional opportunities for college rodeo athletes for the 2024 – 25 season. The two rodeo organizations are collaborating to offer a $10,000 Top Hand Bonus at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo scheduled for next June, for all ten disciplines.

"Last year, we saw significant progress in the partnership to promote rodeo among college athletes, with college students like Gus Galliard and Makenzie Mayes making a massive imprint at WCRA events,” said WCRA President Bobby Mote. “We are ecstatic again to be the presenting sponsor of the Armband Ceremony and offer this $10,000 bonus opportunity to college athletes. We are anxious to see college rodeo athletes qualify for WCRA events and advance to the $1 Million Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo.”

The "CNFR Top Hand Bonus" will award a total of $10,000 in cash to the contestants who earn the highest points in any single discipline at the 2025 CNFR. Athletes must have been nominated with WCRA to be eligible for the bonus. The payout by place is as follows:

1. $5,000
2. $3,000
3. $2,000
4. $1,000 VRQ Bucks
5. $1,000 VRQ Bucks
6. $500 VRQ Bucks
7. $500 VRQ Bucks
8. $500 VRQ Bucks

“NIRA is excited to announce the extension of its partnership with WCRA, which has already shown to open new doors of opportunity for our college rodeo athletes.,” said Jim Dewey Brown NIRA Commissioner. “WCRA's unwavering commitment to elevating the world of rodeo ensures that our athletes will continue to thrive in a realm of endless possibilities.”

The organizations' extended partnership includes an announcement that Ladies Goat Tying is now eligible to nominate towards the 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship leaderboard (W25), and the Ladies Goat Tying discipline will now be eligible for the CNFR Top Hand Bonus.

As of the W25 leaderboard deadline (April 13, 2025), the top 20 Goat Tyers from the segment leaderboard will qualify to compete at the inaugural Women’s Rodeo World Championship Goat Tying Showcase. The showcase will occur during the 2025 WRWC event in May at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, TX.

Athletes can use code “COLLEGE25” when nominating and receive 25% off. The code is limited to four nominations and can be used to nominate any Intercollegiate rodeo. The code is valid until June 2025.

Since launching in May of 2018, the WCRA and its partners have awarded more than $18.2 million in new money to rodeo athletes. All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA, the VRQ, or how to nominate should be directed to WCRARODEO.com or download the WCRA app HERE. 

-WCRA-

About WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance):

WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity, created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with the PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo-industry competitors, stakeholders, and fans. To learn more, visit wcrarodeo.com. For athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) system, visit app.wcrarodeo.com.

About NIRA (National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association)

NIRA is a prestigious and nationally recognized organization that governs collegiate rodeo competitions in the United States. NIRA provides a platform for college students from across the country to compete in a wide range of rodeo events, showcasing their talent and dedication to the sport. With a rich history dating back to 1949, NIRA has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many professional rodeo athletes by offering them a competitive and structured environment at the college level. NIRA plays a pivotal role in promoting the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication while fostering the growth and development of rodeo athletes, both in and out of the arena.

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The 2024 - 2025 Individual Membership Application, and many more documents for the 2024 - 2025 rodeo season, are available on our Downloads Page.

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Results will be updated as they are available on our Standing Page.

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CNFR 2024 Position Draw is now live. Head on over to CNFR.com for information, schedule, and results.

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Walla Walla, WA – The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is pleased to announce the 2023 Scholar American recipients. The honor is bestowed on NIRA members who have earned points at a 2022-2023 NIRA-sanctioned rodeo, been in college for more than one term, earned a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, and have been nominated by their rodeo coach.
They are as follows:

Aamot, Callie - Sheridan College
Allen, Chisum - Sul Ross State University
Arndt, Miranda - Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Arnold, Tessa - Weatherford College
Balsamo, Samuel - Laramie County Community College
Bang, Kelly - Dickinson State University
Barger, Eli - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Bartholomew, Brett - University of Montana, Western
Bates, Brodie - Sheridan College
Bedke, Zoie - Idaho State University
Bjork, Nicholas - Black Hills State University
Boote, Jade - Dickinson State University
Boote, Jory - Dickinson State University
Bowen, Codie - New Mexico State University
Brennaman, Ally - Garden City Community College
Brink, Acelyn - Northeastern Junior College
Bush, Joby - Oklahoma State University
Carlson, Kenzie - South Dakota State University
Chasek, Justin - Eastern Wyoming College
Cook, Kennedy - New Mexico State University
Cornia, Kaylee - Idaho State University
Corta, Cassidy - Idaho State University
Cunningham, Lakin - Missouri Valley College
Davis, Gage - Laramie County Community College
Davis, Regan - Oklahoma State University
Day, Wacey - Northeastern Junior College
De Vries, - Jacee Oklahoma State University
Dean, Beau - Eastern New Mexico University
DeDear, Noah - Colorado Mesa University
Deere, Blaize - Texas A&M University - Commerce
Dekoster, Sydni - Idaho State University
Detweiler, Katelyn - New Mexico State University
Deveer, Kallie - Texas A&M University - Commerce
Dierks, Luke - Kansas State University
Dierks, Sage - Kansas State University
Donnelly, Riley - Black Hills State University
Dunagan, Kassidy - Laramie County Community College
Dunn, Samantha - Treasure Valley Community College
Eastop, Greeley - Eastern New Mexico University
Eddleman, Will - Sul Ross State University
Eiguren, Tayler - College of Southern Idaho
Espenson, Tyler - Weatherford College
Freeman, Samuel - Missouri Valley College
Frost, Jacelyn - Frank Phillips College
Gasperson, Cather - Weatherford College
Gatewood, Charlcie - Oklahoma State University
Goings, Matthew - University of Montana, Western
Gomes, Ethan - College of Southern Idaho
Goven, Ashlyn - New Mexico Junior College
Graft, Jacee - Frank Phillips College
Greene, Colton - Weatherford College
Greenough, Kinley - Northeastern Junior College
Griffis, Hannah - Southern Arkansas University
Groves, Kailyn - Dickinson State University
Guin, Naiya - New Mexico State University
Haas, Dane - College of Southern Idaho
Habeck, Jaycie - Black Hills State University
Hallin, Kelsey - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Hannum, Riley - Black Hills State University
Hanson, Brooklyn - Black Hills State University
Hanson, Fallon - Hill College
Harris, Jesse - Hill College
Haverland, Hannah - University of Montana, Western
Haves, Kelsey - Southern Arkansas University
Hawkins, Carli - Oklahoma State University
Hernandez, Chilly - New Mexico State University
Hilgenkamp, Sierra - Sheridan College
Holmes, Tyrel - Frank Phillips College
Hopkins, Sydney - Southern Arkansas University
Husted, Haley - Black Hills State University
Jenkins, Jentry - Laramie County Community College
John, Faith - Sul Ross State University
Johnson, Darien - College of Southern Idaho
Johnson, Fallon - Utah State University
Johnson, Kayla - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Johnson, Ty - Texas A&M University - Commerce
Jones, Carlie - Kansas State University
Jones, Haven - Idaho State University
Kay, Trevor - University of Montana, Western
Keaton, Callie - Oklahoma State University
Kelderman, Rachel - Black Hills State University
Kelley, Kate - Oklahoma State University
Kohl, Clare - Kansas State University
Kraft, Chanci - Black Hills State University
Kreider, Caitlyn - Eastern New Mexico University
LaBree, Heather - Dickinson State University
Lake, Caleb - NMJC
Ledesma, Avery - New Mexico State University
Leno, Tavy - University of Montana, Western
Lichte, Danielle - Oklahoma State University
Mabry, Blair - Frank Phillips College
Marchand, Krista - University of Montana, Western
Marr, Shacie - Eastern New Mexico University
Marr, Shaeden - Eastern New Mexico University
Mason, Taylor - Missouri Valley College
Massey, Bailey - Jo New Mexico State University
Mattson, Brett - Black Hills State University
Mavity, Lukas - Black Hills State University
Mayfield, Kall - Central Wyoming College
Mazurek, Aleah - Colorado Mesa University
McBride, Peter - Treasure Valley Community College
McGee, Cashae - Black Hills State University
McLeod, Logan - Frank Phillips College
Mickelson, Mylee - Idaho State University
Mitchell, Wylee - Colorado Mesa University
Montgomery, Coy - College of Southern Idaho
Montoya, Juan - New Mexico State University
Morris, Ainslee - Hill College
Morris, Lauren - Southern Arkansas University
Munoz, Landon - New Mexico State University
Neeley, Jordan - Southern Arkansas University
Nelson, Shaw - South Dakota State University
Neville, Talyn - University of Montana, Western
Norell, Kathi - Sul Ross State University
Norstrom, Will - Western Texas College
O"Day, - Sami Kansas State University
Ohm, Emma - Black Hills State University
Otto, Reid - College of Southern Idaho
Parker, Ashley - New Mexico State University
Peterson, Jayme - Black Hills State University
Pettijohn, Wade - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Pollitt, Stran - New Mexico Junior College
Ravenscroft, Tucker - Laramie County Community College
Richardson, Summer - Black Hills State University
Richey, Brooke - University of Montana, Western
Ricke, Emma - Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Risse, Isabel - Black Hills State University
Roemer, Betsy - Missouri Valley College
Roselle, Josie - Colorado Mesa University
Russell, Kallie - Colorado Mesa University
Sabrosky, Macey - Dickinson State University
Sanborn, Sherrick - New Mexico State University
Sceirine, Jackie - University of Montana, Western
Schueneman, Sonora - Texas A&M University - Commerce
Shaw, Jakob - Idaho State University
Shaw, Wes - College of Southern Idaho
Sheehan, Kennedy - Central Wyoming College
Shipley, Houston - Coffeyville Community College
Shuckburgh, Amy - Laramie County Community College
Skiba, Victoria - South Dakota State University
Skocdopole, Chase - New Mexico Junior College
Slavin, Kiley - Garden City Community College
Smith, Elizabeth - Colorado Mesa University
Staley, Travis - Weatherford College
Steed, Raegan - College of Southern Idaho
Stephens, Wyatt - Central Wyoming College
Stewart, Jett - Weatherford College
Stokes, Cooper - Weber State University
Stroud, Kaylee - Frank Phillips College
Stuva, Colton - South Dakota State University
Sullivan, Tristan - Texas A&M University - Commerce
Talley, Katherine - Southern Arkansas University
Tattrie, Dixon - Laramie County Community College
Theobald, Sydney - Black Hills State University
Thompson, Brynn - Sheridan College
Thorsteinsson, Taiga - New Mexico Junior College
Thorstenson, Tayla - Black Hills State University
Tully, Paige - New Mexico State University
Tully, Zane - New Mexico State University
Vaith, Kail - Mitchel Technical College
Van Beizen, - Jett Central Wyoming College
VanderVoort, Alix - South Dakota State University
Veilleux, Oceane - Texas A&M University - Commerce
Verhulst, Karli - Black Hills State University
Vocu, Bo - New Mexico State University
Voss, Harlee - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Wadsworth, Derek - Utah State University
Warr, Laken - Frank Phillips College
Watlington, Maggie - Southern Arkansas University
Webb, Lane - Weatherford College
Webster, Tanna - New Mexico State University
Weil, Addie - Texas A&M University - Commerce
White, Jackie - Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Williams, Kade - Oklahoma State University
Williams, Lexey - Southern Arkansas University
Witter, Mikayla - University of Montana, Western
Woolstenhulme, Paden - Utah State University
Workinger, Shealyn - Treasure Valley Community College
Wycherley, Drake - Weber State University
Yancy, Mason - Treasure Valley Community College
Ybarra, Meason - New Mexico State University
Yeager, Garret - University of Montana, Western
Zimmerman, Colton - Eastern Wyoming College

Press Releases for NIRA are sponsored by our friends and national sponsors:
Cinch Jeans and Shirts, RAM Rodeo, Cenex, Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddles, Cactus Gear, Resistol, Visit Casper,  Powder River Livestock Handling Equipment, and Maynard Buckles

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