SWOSU Rodeo Begins Thursday

April 9, 2007

WEATHERFORD, Okla. -- Many of the nation's top collegiate rodeo performers will compete in the 35th Annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo which begins its three-day run Thursday, April 12 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. A special “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” performance is scheduled for Friday. Spectators as well as participants are encouraged to wear pink in support for cancer awareness.

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 2007 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 34-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 in the regional standings and are considered one of 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 Oklahoma Panhandle State. 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.