News

  • 2023 SCHOLAR AMERICAN HONORS ANNOUNCED

    September 28, 2023

    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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  • Trinity Valley Expo Fair & Rodeo $100,000.00 National Collegiate Champion Shootout

    September 8, 2023

    LIBERTY, Texas - Trinity Valley Expo in Liberty, TX is excited to announce the inaugural National Collegiate Champion Shootout, presented by TVE Fair and Rodeo and sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The event will take place on October 18-21, 2023, at the Trinity Valley Expo in Liberty, TX, and will feature top-performing collegiate rodeo athletes from each region in the country.


    The Collegiate Champion Shootout is an invitational style event that will award $100,000 in prize money. The event will feature the top 2 college athletes in each event from around the nation, by NIRA Region and will showcase action in the standard NIRA events including Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, and Goat Tying.

    Overview:

    • Entry fees are $250
    • $100,000 TotalPayout (*$14,000 goes to Champ & Reserve Champ Regions)
    • Regional Funding/Scholarships for Champion & Reserve Champion Men’s & Women’s Region Teams
      • 1st Men's Region - $4200
      • 1st Women’s Region - $4200
      • 2nd Men's Region - $2800
      • 2nd Women’s Region - $2800
      • Each “Team” consists of all contestants from a Region (*except in cases of replacements for & from different regions)

    Format:

    • Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Tie Down, Steer Wrestling, TeamRoping, Break Away, Barrel Race and Goat Tying
    • Top 2 from each of 11 regions invited in each of 9 disciplines.
      • Invitation extended at College National Finals Rodeo
      • Top 2 based on final regional standings and CNFR placings
      • To fill all spots: Drop down to no more than 5th place in 2022-23 standings if unavailable due to eligibility, graduated, not an NIRA member or cannot attend
      • If spots are still not filled: Remaining spots shall be filled with contestants starting geographically closest to Liberty, TX and then outward
      • Entries will open/close in September of 2023 (Date TBD)
      • Must be in good standing and eligible with the NIRA at the time of entries

    October 18-20, 2023

    • Round One - One head go-round (Random Position Draw)
      • 22 In each discipline
      • Perf 1: 7 contestants per event, Wednesday 7:30pm
      • Perf 2: 7 contestants per event, Thursday 7:30pm
      • Perf 3: 8 contestants per event, Friday 7:30pm
      • $5000 Payout per event ($10,000 TR):
        • 1st- $2,000
        • 2nd- $1,500
        • 3rd- $1,000
        • 4th- $500
      • Top 8 advance to Short Go

    October 21, 2023

    • Short Go Round - Clean Slate
      • Championship Round Saturday 7:30pm
      • $3,600 Payout per event ($7,200 TR)
      • Pay top 2:
        • 1st-$2,400
        • 2nd-$1,200
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  • WCRA AND NIRA ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION FOR 2024 COLLEGE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO AND OFFER A $10,000 CASH BONUS

    September 7, 2023

    FORT WORTH, Tex. – The NIRA (National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association) and WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) are proud to announce a partnership and a combined effort to provide additional opportunities for college rodeo athletes. The two rodeo organizations are teaming up to bring a $10,000 bonus to the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo next June.

    "This is another huge step to growing the sport of rodeo among college athletes and giving them an opportunity to qualify for WCRA events,” said WCRA President Bobby Mote. “We are ecstatic 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 the chance to compete for the $1 Million Triple Crown of Rodeo Bonus.”

    The “WCRA College Trifecta” will pay a $10,000 cash bonus to any NIRA athlete who wins their respective discipline in their region and wins at least one go-round of competition at the CNFR in the same discipline and completes the “Trifecta” by winning the World Championship in that discipline. The athlete must have nominated their ride or run with WCRA at the CNFR to be eligible for the bonus. The following NIRA disciplines are eligible: bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, heading, heeling, and bull riding. If more than one athlete completes the trifecta, then those athletes will split the bonus.

    “NIRA is thrilled to announce its exciting partnership with WCRA, which promises 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.”

    Athletes can use code “COLLEGE24” when nominating and receive 25% off. The code is limited to four nominations and can be used to nominate any future event. The code is valid until May 2024.

    Since launching in May of 2018, the WCRA and its partners have awarded more than $15,700,000 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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  • Membership FAQ

    July 18, 2023

    Questions on how to fill out your membership application? We answer some of the most Frequently asked question as well as provide some additional instruction to help streamline the process. Check out the video here. There is also a link in the Downloads section at the top of the Membership Forms.

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  • CNFR 2023 Rodeo Results

    June 11, 2023

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

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