2007-2008 OPSU Rodeo Teams

Oklahoma Panhandle State University Rodeo
A Winning Tradition 1997, 1998, 2000, & 2004
National Champions

Thank you for your interest in Oklahoma Panhandle State University where you can become a professional rodeo athlete of tomorrow through practice and team support while obtaining an excellent education. OPSU cowboys and cowgirls compete in the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). The Central Plains Region is composed of member schools from Oklahoma and Kansas. Each year, ten rodeos are held in the region with the OPSU Rodeo being held the first weekend of April. NIRA men's teams are composed of six members, while women's teams have four members. At OPSU, the teams are chosen primarily on ability, attitude, quality of timed event horses, and positive contribution to the rodeo program. The ten team members receive travel money for each rodeo. We have two practice arenas on campus. We have scheduled timed event practice at least 3 times/week for both the men's and women's teams. We also have a timed event jackpot every Tuesday. The rough stock cowboys practice at Allen McCloy's (McCloy Rodeo Company) at nearby Morse, Texas every Wednesday. We are allowed to get on as many head as needed for a successful practice session. We have plenty of practice stock for both timed event and rough stock students. Every student is required to pay a $50.00 practice charge per semester as well as take part in the two major fundraisers of the year. We host a Top Hand Auction each January, and put on the OPSU "Doc" Gardner Memorial Rodeo each April. Scholarships are available to outstanding rodeo athletes and students that work very hard to support the team. There are three rodeo houses used for scholarship purposes. These houses are awarded on eligibility, qualifications, and availability. Stalls are also awarded as scholarships. Everyone enrolling in the program is required to sign an agreement stating that he/she understands the requirements that must be fulfilled to be a member of the OPSU Rodeo Team. Please return the enclosed scholarship application as soon as possible. Craig Latham OPSU Rodeo Coach