Rodeo Team Gears Up for Busy Month

Goodwell, Okla. — The Panhandle State Rodeo team is heading into their busiest month of the year. With a rodeo coming up every weekend this month, the athletes are doing everything they can to be prepared. The coaches have ensured this by providing amazing opportunities for both the men’s and women’s teams. The breakaway ropers had the opportunity to rope with two breakaway ropers, who have proved themselves time and time again, Jackie Crawford and Kelsie Chase.The clinic was reserved for the college girls the whole day Friday and was then open to the public on both Saturday and Sunday. Crawford and Chase brought some very interesting points for the girls to work on. Crawford emphasized on the practice off the horse just as much as the practice on the horse. Muscle memory is a big part of this sport and the girls learned the importance of swinging a good loop and using their left hand correctly every time in order to get that winning edge. The women’s team truly appreciates having the opportunity to better themselves and plans on using everything they have learned at next weekend’s rodeo. 

The Panhandle State Goat Tiers also benefitted from the instruction of Lynn Smith and Lacey Tech on Friday morning. They helped the ladies fine tune some things and talked to them about the importance of their mental game.

Women’s Coach Shelbie Weeder commented, “We really enjoyed having all of these ladies here to help prepare our women’s team for the month ahead.”

The bull riders also had the opportunity to learn a lot this week. Multiple time NFR Bull Riding qualifier and PSU Alumni Joe Frost put on his annual Bull Riding clinic this past weekend at the Panhandle State College Arena. Once again the clinic was a success bringing in people from across the country. The clinic involved a new feature this year, a BuckRite powered drop barrel, which allowed students to learn a lot about technique. There was also livestock available for every riding level. The students had a great time learning from such an accomplished athlete and left with nothing but determination for the rodeos to come.

This busy month will kick off in Garden City, Kansas April, 6th-7th. The Rodeo Team is ready to give it all they’ve got on this last stretch towards the College National Finals Rodeo. Many of the team members are already at the top of the NIRA standings. The Men’s Team is currently first in the Central Plains Region Standings and the Women’s Team is currently third. Jack Finlay and Dawson Dahm are sitting first and second in the Saddle Bronc riding. Will Martin is first in the Bareback Riding and Dylan Riggins is fourth in the Bareback Riding. Callum Miller is fifth in the Bull Riding standings. Shay Spitz is fourth in the Barrel Racing. Hagen Brunson is second in the Breakaway Roping. Kaylee Smith is third in the Goat Tying. The Panhandle State Rodeo Team is more focused and determined than ever to keep the winning tradition alive!