SWOSU to Host 34th Annual Rodeo Eent

April 7, 2006

Weatherford, OK - Some of the nation’s top collegiate rodeo performers will be in town as the 34rd Annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo begins its three-day run Thursday, April 6 at Don Mitchell Arena. The rodeo is a sanctioned event of the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

A total of four performances are scheduled — Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and two on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The top 10 in each event will return for the championship go-round on Saturday night.

The SWOSU rodeo draws nearly 500 cowboys and cowgirls that compete for a wide range of prizes that include money, buckles, saddles and an opportunity to qualify for the 2005 College National Finals Rodeo. Competition will be waged in nine different events that include team roping, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and bull riding.

SWOSU’s 27-member rodeo team along with 22 different colleges from the Central Plains region will be represented at the event. Both SWOSU men and women’s teams are ranked atop the regional rankings and are considered the favorites in the event.

Members of the rodeo team practice all school year and travel to multiple competitions during the season. This semester, the team has participated in rodeos at Kansas State, Garden City, Fort Scott and OPSU. The SWOSU rodeo team will conclude its regular season schedule later this month with rodeos at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Fort Hays State University.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students at the gate. SWOSU students are admitted free with ID.