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CASPER, Wyo. (June 21, 2025) --- For the past four years, membership numbers in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) have seen steady growth.

The NIRA started as a non-profit organization in 1949 and defined three geographical regions to govern a student-led board. By 1972 the organization had grown to 10 regions. For over 30 years now, the members have competed in 11 regions.

In 2022, there were 3,493 members. That number has grown to 3,815 with over 800 of those members competing in the Southwest Region which has included schools in the western part of Texas and eastern New Mexico.

Coaches and representatives from the member schools in that region made a proposal that was approved by the NIRA Board of Directors during the CNFR to split into two regions. Starting with the fall rodeos, the Lone Star Region will consist of Texas schools, Angelo State University; Cisco College, Ranger College; Sul Ross State University (Alpine); Tarleton State University (Stephenville); Vernon College; and Weatherford College.

The newly formed Caprock Region will include Eastern New Mexico University (Portales); Clarendon (Texas) College; Frank Phillips College (Borger, Texas); Howard College (Big Spring, Texas); New Mexico Junior College (Hobbs); Odessa (Texas) College; South Plains College (Levelland, Texas); Texas Tech University (Lubbock); West Texas A&M University (Canyon); and Western Texas College (Snyder).
“The Southwest Region has long been one of the toughest regions in the NIRA,” said Jim Dewey Brown, the organization’s commissioner. “We’re excited to see the growth in college rodeo and give more student-athletes opportunities. As a board, we felt that this made sense and we will see continued growth.”

C.J. Aragon, coach at Sul Ross State University, is currently the Southwest Regional faculty director. He will be the director of the Lone Star Region. Howard College’s Justin Jenkins will be the new faculty director for the Caprock Region. Student directors will be elected at each region’s first college rodeo in the fall.

For the 2025-2026 season, each of the NIRA’s 12 regions will have 10 rodeos just as they have in the past. Qualifications for the College National Finals will also follow the same structure as they have in the past with the top three in each event at the end of the season as well as the two men’s and women’s teams with the most points. It is expected that the reorganization of the organization will add approximately 35 more athletes to CNFR to compete for national championships.
“This is exciting for the growth of college rodeo and rodeo across the board,” Aragon said. “It will especially help new recruits and encourage colleges and universities in these areas to think about having a rodeo team.”
The two new regions may accept new colleges and universities within their geographic region that don’t have a current rodeo team. The current schools designated for the two new regions will not change for five years.
“We worked really hard to make the best decisions for everyone involved,” said Jacob Walters, the current Southwest Region student director and the NIRA student president. “We did our best to consider every scenario when we were making plans. It’s an exciting time for college rodeo.”

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Results will be updated as they are available. Follow this Link to the Standings Page.

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CNFR 2025 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 2024 Scholar American recipients. The honor is bestowed on NIRA members that have earned points at a 2023-2024 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:

Alexander, Annie	New Mexico State University
Allen, Chisum	Sul Ross State University
Andersen, Hayden	Utah Valley University
Anderson, Carter	Eastern Wyoming College
Andrews, Wilder	Montana State University
Arnold, Tessa	Weatherford College
Arviso, James	Hill College
Augustiro, Kahiwa	Mid-Plains Community College
Bailey, Monte	Montana State University
Baker, Korben	Fort Scott Community College
Bang, Kelly	Dickinson State University
Bastian, Dallie	Utah Valley University
Beck, Emily	Dickinson State University
Begay, Kiara	University of Arizona
Berens, Lena	New Mexico State University
Berger, Libby	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Berquist, Sydney	Montana State University
Boote, Jory	Dickinson State University
Brewer, Shantell	Montana State University
Brower, Dakota	College of Southern Idaho
Brower, Tori	Tarleton State University
Brown, Saige	Hill College
Burcalow, Clare	Montana State University
Caldwell, Raelee	Eastern Wyoming College
Caraway, Abby	Southern Arkansas University
Carver, Caden	Texas A&M University
Cavender, Kody	Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Cavender, Kyle	Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Chiglo, Emily	Hill College
Clark, Kyler	Eastern Wyoming College
Clayton, Catherine	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Colvin, James	West Texas A&M University
Cook, Kennedy	New Mexico State University
Coombs, Desatoya	University of Montana - Western
Cooper, Timothy	Treasure Valley Community College
Corcoran, Bella	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Cornia, Hattie	Utah Valley University
Cox, Brittney	Montana State University, Northern
Cullen, Olivia	Northeastern Junior College
Davenport, Emily	New Mexico State University
Davis, Bailey	Weatherford College
Davis, Faith	Southern Arkansas University
Davis, Gage	Laramie County Community College
Davis, Saydee	Utah State University - Eastern
Day, Wacey	Laramie County Community College
Dean, Beau	Eastern New Mexico University
DeMontigny, Lathan	North Dakota State University
Derner, Shelby	Laramie County Community College
Detweiler, Cody	New Mexico State University
Dickinson, Ira	Tarleton State University
Doherty, Matt	Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Draper, Josie	Clarendon College
Driver, Jordan	Tarleton State University
Duffin, Cooper	Utah Valley University
Dunagan, Kassidy	Laramie County Community College
Dunn, Samantha	Treasure Valley Community College
Eastep, Greeley	Eastern New Mexico University
Eck, Bryce	Fort Scott Community College
Egbert, Brit	Walla Walla Community College
Ellis, Brenna	Clarendon College
Farrow, Colton	University of Wyoming
Fillmore, McCrae	Snow College
Fischer, Makaylee	Laramie County Community College
Foster, Jaron	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Foster, Madalyn	University of Montana - Western
Freeman, Justin	Texas A&M University - Commerce
Fretwell, Kadie	Weatherford College
Fritchley, Ryan	Murray State University
Garrett, Braleigh	University of Montana - Western
Garrison, Gavin	Montana State University
Gasperson, Catcher	Weatherford College
Gerhards, Zachary	Treasure Valley Community College
Ghormley, Aly	Texas A&M University
Gilbert, Grey	Laramie County Community College
Goven, Ashlyn	Gillette College
Gravely, Charles	Montana State University, Northern
Griffin, Hannah	University of Montana - Western
Haight, Laura	University of Montana - Western
Harrell, Lena	Southern Arkansas University
Harrington, Tana	South Dakota State University
Harris, Trace	Texas A&M University
Harvey, Chase	Southwest Texas College
Haugen, Landry	University of Wyoming
Hayes, Kelsey	Southern Arkansas University
Hernandez, Adrian	New Mexico State University
Herring, Brenna	Eastern Wyoming College
Hillis, Gage	Laramie County Community College
Hoffman, Laney	Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Holston, Kara	Southern Arkansas University
Jenkins, Jentry	Laramie County Community College
Jennings, Whitney	Mid-Plains Community College
Jensen, Bryce	Hill College
Johnson, Fallon	Utah State University
Johnson, Kayla	Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Jones, Haven	Black Hills State University
Kalafatic, Clare	Montana State University
Kay, Trevor	University of Montana - Western
Kent, Tayler	University of Arizona
Klatt, Weston	Eastern Wyoming College
Knotwell, Kamry	Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Kornegay, Kayden	Sam Houston State University
Krolczyk, Brooke	Sam Houston State University
Kunkee, Dalton	South Dakota State University
LaBree, Heather	Dickinson State University
Lay, Olivia	University of Wyoming
Long, Emily	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Lund, Kylie	University of Montana - Western
Mackenzie, Tyson	Eastern New Mexico University
Magee, Emma	Garden City Community College
Marchand, Krista	University of Montana - Western
Marek, Mayce	Texas A&M University - Commerce
Marr, Shacie	Eastern New Mexico University
Marr, Shaeden	Eastern New Mexico University
Marshall, Faith	Montana State University
Martinez, Carlee	Southwest Texas College
Massey, Bailey Jo	New Mexico State University
Mauler, Everitt	University of Montana - Western
McAbee, Brody	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
McCormick, Michaela	Montana State University
McGee, Cashae	Black Hills State University
Mcloed, Logan	Sam Houston State University
McNeil, Kenna	University of Wyoming
Meeks, Caleb	Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Mendenhall, Sadie	Utah Valley University
Miller, Collin	Treasure Valley Community College
Miller, Tate	Laramie County Community College
Mines, Levi	New Mexico State University
Moeykens, Tayla	Montana State University
Monnett, Zane	Western Texas College
Montgomery, Coy	College of Southern Idaho
Montoya, Juan	New Mexico State University
Morris, Lauren	Southern Arkansas University
Neeley, Jordan	Southern Arkansas University
Nelson, Shaw	South Dakota State University
Neville, Talyn	University of Montana - Western
Newman, Breyer	Montana State University
O'Neal, Malli	University of Montana - Western
Otto, Reid	College of Southern Idaho
Owens, Cash	Iowa Central Community College
Parker, Ashley	New Mexico State University
Peters, Shaylee	Montana State University
Peters, Weston	West Texas A&M University
Phillips, Cooper	Eastern Wyoming College
Ramsey, Karley	Texas A&M University
Ravenscroft, Tucker	Laramie County Community College
Remmington, Caden	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Resch, Charlee	University of Montana - Western
Richards, Madalyn	Texas A&M University
Richey, Brooke	University of Montana - Western
Ricke, Emma	Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Rodell, Alex	Hill College
Rutherford, Clint	Treasure Valley Community College
Sanborn, Sherrick	New Mexico State University
Sanchez, Zavier	Southwest Texas College
Sceirine, Jackie	University of Montana - Western
Schalla, Wacey	Clarendon College
Schellenberg, Cache	Mesalands Community College
Shaw, Wesley	Montana State University
Shepherd, Ava	Montana State University
Shuckburgh, Amy	Laramie County Community College
Skene, Tanner	Sul Ross State University
Slavin, Kiley	Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Smith, Logan	Montana State University
Spain, Mason	Tarleton State University
Statham, Kenda	Montana State University, Northern
Stevens, Jessica	Montana State University
Stewart, Cora	Texas A&M University
Stewart, Jett	Weatherford College
Strain, Britta	Texas A&M University - Commerce
Sullivan, Tristan	Texas A&M University - Commerce
Talkington, Tate	Northeastern Junior College
Talley, Katherine	Southern Arkansas University
Tattrie, Dixon	Laramie County Community College
Telford, Shawy	Montana State University
Teut, Hadley	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Thomson, Falyn	Clarendon College
Thorstenson, Treg	Black Hills State University
Tindall, Kaydence	Weatherford College
Tomlinson, Tabitha	Eastern New Mexico University
Vande Stouwe, Cheyenne	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
VanderVoort, Alix	South Dakota State University
Vaughn, Lane	Western Texas College
Veilleaux, Oceane	Texas A&M University - Commerce
Vernon, Annsley	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Ward, Braylee	Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Ward, Konner	University of Montana - Western
Warner, Shaylee	Clarendon College
Watson, Jezimay	Garden City Community College
Weil, Addie	Texas A&M University - Commerce
Weil, Cutter	Coffeyville Community College
Weil, Roan	Casper College
Weil, Rowdy	Casper College
Whitaker, Jenae	Montana State University
White, Lauren	Hill College
Williams, Michelle	Montana State University
Wittstrom, Grace	Utah State University
Wolstein, Haven	Montana State University
Workinger, Shealyn	Treasure Valley Community College
Wren, Landry	Weatherford College
Wright, Justin	Garden City Community College
Ybarra, Meason	New Mexico State University

The national headquarters of the NIRA are located in Walla Walla, Washington.  More information on the association and results from recent events are available on www.collegerodeo.com.

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

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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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