News

  • National Collegiate Champion Shootout

    May 15, 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 19-21,
    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.
    "Here at Trinity Valley Exposition (TVE), we focus on building today's youth for tomorrow's
    future. What a better way to extend our mission than by providing young collegiate adults a stage
    to perform on in front of hometown rodeo fans for a chance to win a portion of the $100,000
    prize money," said Cory Anderson, TVE Rodeo Vice President. "We are proud that our
    organization is getting the opportunity to work with the NIRA and its athletes to provide a
    unique one-of-a-kind competition format."
    The event structure will include Round One and a Shootout Round. Round one will feature two
    performances and one slack leading up to the Shootout. All 22 contestants will compete in
    Round 1 with the top 8 qualifying into the final Shootout Round.
    "We are thrilled to be partnering with TVE Fair and Rodeo to bring this exciting event to the
    rodeo fans in Liberty, TX," said Jim Dewey Brown, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
    Commissioner. "The Collegiate Champion Shootout is an excellent opportunity to showcase the
    best of the best in collegiate rodeo, and we look forward to seeing the top-performing athletes
    compete in this exciting event."
    Details regarding qualifications, ground rules and entry process will be sent out directly to the
    NIRA schools for the 23-24 season. For more information about the National Collegiate
    Champion Shootout please visit www.tvefair.com.

    CONTACT: Julie Jutten; 719-337-1471; [email protected]

    National Collegiate Champion Shootout
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  • National Intercollegiate Rodeo (NIRA) and the Cenex® brand partner for 2023 Rodeo Season

    January 17, 2023

    WALLA WALLA, Wash. Jan. 16, 2023 — The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) is excited to announce a new partnership with Cenex®, the energy brand of CHS, for the 2023 competitive season.  Cenex provides premium, high-quality refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products consumers depend on to power their homes and businesses. With 1,400-plus locally owned and operated convenience stores in 19 states, Cenex is proud to power the connections bringing communities together across the country, including the time-honored tradition of rodeo.

    Through this partnership, Cenex will sponsor and promote at the 2023 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) as well as supplementary telecast events on ESPN3 and ESPNU.

    “The NIRA is thrilled to be partnering with Cenex in 2023. It’s the perfect fit for our industry,” says NIRA Commissioner Jim Dewey Brown. “CHS is owned by farmers and ranchers, and the Cenex brand fuels rural America. We know these are the people that created our sport; and to be celebrating that history through this sponsorship is a wonderful thing.”

    As a brand of CHS, a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States, Cenex is committed to empowering projects and programs that build brighter futures in the communities it serves.

    “We’re proud to support the next generation of rodeo,” says Matt Mohs, vice president of Cenex refined fuels marketing. “Through this partnership, Cenex continues its dedication to supporting youth sports across rural America and celebrates a sport that’s so deeply rooted in the traditions and values of our farmer owners.”

    Cenex has shown its support for youth athletes both on and off the field through partnerships with organizations like the Positive Coaching Alliance and the Minnesota Twins, and has also contributed over $475,000 to philanthropic projects across the country.  

    “I am beyond impressed with their commitment to philanthropy. College rodeo is lucky to be sharing the stage with Cenex,” says Commissioner Brown.

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  • ONLINE STORE FOR OFFICIAL NIRA GEAR

    August 19, 2022

    We are excited to announce the launch of the online store for Official NIRA Gear. Longtime partner of College Rodeo, and official maker of CNFR merchandise, Peden's Inc. of Casper, WY @pedensinc will handle your shopping needs!

    Check it out via the "Store" link above or at the link below:

    https://nira-online.itemorder.com

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  • 2022 SCHOLAR AMERICAN HONORS ANNOUNCED

    August 17, 2022

    Walla Walla, WA – The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is pleased to announce the 2022 Scholar American recipients. The honor is bestowed on NIRA members that have earned points at a 2021-2022 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:

    Afdahl, Blake, Mesalands Community College

    Allen, Chisum, Cisco College

    Allen, Lauren, Central Arizona College

    Applegate, Maci, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Archibald, Jed, Weber State University

    Arndt, Miranda, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College

    Ast, Laci, Garden City Community College

    Bang, Kelly, Dickinson State University

    Bard, Ellie, Gillette College

    Bastian, Jaicee, Utah Valley University

    Bedke, Zoie, Idaho State University

    Begay, Kiara, University of Arizona

    Bennett, Patrick, College of Southern Idaho

    Bjork, Nicholas, Black Hills State University

    Block, Kaelan, Mitchell Technical College

    Bond, Makiya, College of Southern Idaho

    Boote, Jory, Dickinson State University

    Bowen, Codie, New Mexico State University

    Brewer, Shantell, Montana State University

    Brost, Braden, Casper College

    Brouillette, Owen, Fort Scott Community College

    Bruening, Lacy, Southwest Texas Junior College

    Buckner, Kennedy, Blue Mt Community College

    Bush, Joby, Oklahoma State University

    Bustad, Jase, Montana State University

    Cape, Hayden, West Texas A&M University

    Carl, Cheyanne, University of Montana

    Cavender, Kyle, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Chasek , Justin, Eastern Wyoming College

    Chrislaw , Nicole, Murray State University

    Christian, Carly, Texas Tech University, Lubbock

    Clark, Kadra, Chadron State University

    Coffield, Chadron, University of Wyoming

    Cook, Kennedy, New Mexico State University

    Coombs, Baily, Eastern Wyoming College

    Cornia, Kaylee, Idaho State University

    Covey, Holli, University of Tennessee, Martin

    Cowan, Cade, East Mississippi Community College

    Cox, Brittney, Montana State University, Northern

    Crandall, Wyatt, Ranger College

    Cunningham, Lakin, Missouri Valley College

    Currin, Jacee, Montana State University

    Day, Wacey, Northeastern Junior College

    Dean, Henry, Oklahoma State University

    Dearmin, Chandler, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Deckard, Lane, Murray State University

    Deere, Blaize, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Deerman, Maddy, Tarleton State University

    Detweiler, Katelyn, New Mexico State University

    Dial, Wyatt, Blue Mt Community College

    Dierks, Sage, Kansas State University

    Dirden, Skylee, Montana State University, Northern

    Doerr, Maddee, Cochise College

    Doherty, Matthew, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Doyal, Cierra, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

    Dubois, Emmalee, Utah Valley University

    Duke, Sierra, Utah Valley University

    Eason, Ty, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Elkington, Clay, Central Arizona College

    English, Cashlyn, Utah Valley University

    Egusguiza , Cody, Ranger College

    Everson, Jordyn, Eastern New Mexico University

    Filinger, Max, Missouri Valley College

    Floyd, Tyson, Mitchell Technical College

    Flynn, Caiden, College of Southern Idaho

    Fossum, Isabella, Montana State University

    Fournier, Shea, McNeese State University

    Freeman, Samuel, Three Rivers College

    Gatewood, Charlcie, Oklahoma State University

    Giger, Hannah, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

    Giles, Hayes, Utah Valley University

    Goemmer , Dally, New Mexico State University

    Goodey, Emily, Utah State University

    Goodrich, Josie, Washington State University

    Griffin, Jack, Texas A&M University

    Gross, Hadley, Colorado Northwestern Community College

    Groves, Kailyn, Dickinson State University

    Guin, Colton, Central Arizona College

    Haalilio , Camela, Central Arizona College

    Hale, Trevor, Cisco College

    Hall, Tatum, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Hallin, Kelsey, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Ham, Meza, Black Hills State University

    Hannum, Riley, Black Hills State University

    Hanson, Brooklyn, Black Hills State University

    Harris, Jesse, Hill College

    Harrison, Bryce, University of Montana, Western

    Hasenack , Ryley, Colorado State University

    Hepper, Cate, Montana State University

    Hickson, McKenna, Sul Ross State University

    Hilzendeger, Cara, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

    Hotalen, Sebastian, Dixie State University

    Hughes, Hannah, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

    Husted, Haley, Black Hills State University

    Ikonen, Elizabeth, Ranger College

    Jacobs, Tori, Iowa Central Community College

    John, Faith, Cisco College

    Johnson, Chancy, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College

    Johnson, Coy, Gillette College

    Johnson, Fallon, Utah State University

    Jones, Carlie, Kansas State University

    Jones, Haven, Idaho State University

    Kalawai'A , Trisyn ,  , Central Arizona College

    Kay, Trevor, University of Montana, Western

    Kaylor, Cutter, Hill College

    Kelderman, Rachel, Black Hills State University

    Kibbe, Hadley, Sul Ross State University

    Kittle, Riley, Cisco College

    Knierieme , Philip, California State University, Fresno

    Knust, Emily, Gillette College

    Kohr, Sage, Montana State University

    Krolczyk, Shayne, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Kunau, Delaney, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Kunkee , Dalton, Mid-Plains Community College

    Kunkee , Weston, Mitchell Technical College

    Landis, Montana, Utah Valley University

    Ledesma, Avery, New Mexico State University

    Lehrmann, Bryana, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Lensegrav , Kelsey, University of Wyoming

    Livengood, Clay, East Mississippi Community College

    Lockhart, Alyssa, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Louwagie, Khristian, Iowa Central Community College

    Marek, Mayce, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Marr, Shacie , Eastern New Mexico University

    Mason, Taylor, Missouri Valley College

    Matthews, Jaylie, East Mississippi Community College

    Matthews, Taycie, East Mississippi Community College

    Mattson, Bodie, Gillette College

    Mayfield, Kall, Central Wyoming College

    McBride, Matthew, Blue Mt Community College

    McBride, Shannon, South Dakota State University

    McGee, Cashae, Black Hills State University

    McNeill, Kenna, Oklahoma State University

    McGraw, Winsten, Cisco College

    Meeks, Caleb, Montana State University

    Meier, Tanner, Garden City Community College

    Miller, Breyana, Feather River College

    Mitchell, Ben, Cisco College

    Moeykens, Tayla, Montana State University

    Moody, Madison, Black Hills State University

    Morris, Ainslee, Hill College

    Morris, Brooke, Utah State University

    Mundell, Samuel, Walla Walla Community College

    Munoz, Landon, Northern Arizona University

    Nelson, Coy, Iowa Central Community College

    Nelson, Shaw, South Dakota State University

    Nielsen, Kalyn, Mid-Plains Community College

     Norell, Kathi, Sul Ross State University

    O'Day, Sami, Kansas State University

    Oldfield, Roan, Cisco College

    Olsen, Bret, Utah Valley University

    Orem, Matthew, Blue Mt Community College

    Outhier, Madison, Texas A&M University

    Parham, Mitchell, California State University, Fresno

    Parker, Charlie, Western Oklahoma State College

    Pauley, Emilee, Black Hills State University

    Petersen, Denton, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Peterson, Beau, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Pettijohn, Wade, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Plummer, McKenzi , Black Hills State University

    Polhamus, Walker, Colorado State University

    Pollitt, Stran, New Mexico Junior College

    Powers, Maren, California State University, Fresno

    Price, Luke, Fort Scott Community College

    Rasmussen, Paige, Montana State University

    Rau, Jaycie, Black Hills State University

    Reid, Cecilia, Montana State University, Northern

    Renfrow, Hattie, Iowa Central Community College

    Retzer, Prairie, South Dakota State University

    Richards, Madalyn, Texas A&M University

    Richardson, David, Western Texas College

    Ricke, Kaitlyn, Oklahoma State University

    Rieken, Riley, Panola College

    Riley, Kirsten, Panola College

    Robbins, Prairie Rose, Fort Scott Community College

    Roemer, Betsy, Missouri Valley College

    Rogers, Kaycee, University of Montana, Western

    Rotenberger, Molly, Sheridan College

    Russell, Amanda, New Mexico Junior College

    Russell, Lexie, Oklahoma State University

    Sabrosky, Macey, Dickinson State University

    Salmond, Molly, Montana State University

    Schauer, Madelyn, Eastern New Mexico University

    Schmidt, TJ, Oklahoma Panhandle State University

    Schneiter, Kelby, Western Texas College

    Schoeppach , Payton, Cuesta College

    Shells, Todd, Hill College

    Shake, Sadie, Colorado Northwestern Community College

    Shaw, Wes, College of Southern Idaho

    Skene, Tanner, Sul Ross State University

    Skocdopole , Chase, New Mexico Junior College

    Smith, Weston, Feather River College

    Smith, Wyatt, Feather River College

    Soileau, Gavin, McNeese State University

    Stahler, Kenneth, Mitchell Technical College

    Steed, Raegan, College of Southern Idaho

    Stevenson, Rachael, Montana State University

    Stokes, Cooper, Weber State University

    Sullivan, Tristan, Texas A&M University, Commerce

    Tastad, Sydney, Oklahoma State University

    Tettenhorst , Jayse, Trinity Valley Community College

    Theobald, Sydney, Black Hills State University

    Theriot, Mason, Pearl River Community College

    Thomison, Shiloh, Western Texas College

    Thorstenson, Tayla, Black Hills State University

    Todacheenie, Jaken, Northland Pioneer College

    Traylor, Kaylee, Hill College

    Trexler, Cole, Miles Community College

    Turek, Grant, Gillette College

    Turner, Cashen, Texas Tech University, Lubbock

    VanBiezen , Jett, Central Wyoming College

    Vander Voort, Kristen, Sheridan College

    Veldhuizen, Sydney, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

    Verhulst, Karli, Black Hills State University

    Vocu, Bo, New Mexico State University

    Vollmer, Haley, Kansas State University

    Wadsworth, Derek, Utah State University

    Watkins, McKenzie, New Mexico Junior College

    Weeks, Matthew, Panola College

    Weich, Amy, New Mexico State University

    Weltz, Shelby, Central Wyoming College

    Williams, Michelle, Montana State University

    Wolaver, Sadie, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

    Wolstein, Haven, Montana State University

    Wolstein, Treg, Montana State University

    Woolstenhulme, Paden, Northwest College

    Wooters, Jaycee, Black Hills State University

    Wycherley, Drake, Weber State University

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

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  • COLLEGE RODEO ON NATIONAL TELEVISION

    August 9, 2022

    Walla Walla, WA – College Rodeo will be in the television spotlight this August. The best action from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s premiere event, the College National Finals Rodeo, will be featured on ESPN U. ESPN U will be airing two hours of collegiate rodeo competition from the 2022 College National Finals Rodeo, held in Casper, Wyoming, this June.             

    The college rodeo action begins airing on Thursday, August 18th at 9:00 p.m. EASTERN time. The second show will begin at 10:00 p.m. EASTERN time. Additional airings are planned for the shows, so set your DVR. 

    The exciting action of the finals includes interviews and features from the entire week and portions of the awards ceremony. 

    The NIRA is pleased to have the support of the following sponsors for the programming:  Cinch Jeans & Shirts, Wyoming Division of Tourism, Platinum Performance, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, RAM, AutoLite Automotive Spark Plugs, Visit Casper, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation, and Cactus Gear, Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddles, Heel-O-Matic and Resistol Hats. 

    College National Finals Rodeo on ESPNU 

    Show #1 - Premieres 

    Thursday, August 18th, 9:00 p.m. EASTERN time 

    Show #2 - Premieres 

    Thursday, August 18th, 10:00 p.m. EASTERN time 

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    The national headquarters of the NIRA are in Walla Walla, Washington. For more information on the association and results from recent events visit www.collegerodeo.com

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