Q. Do I have to compete to be in the Rodeo Club?
A. No! Any student enrolled at Sul Ross State University may be a member of the rodeo club. The club offers more than just practicing for rodeos; they fund dances, ropings, and participate in events throughout the community.
Q. How can I get on the rodeo team?
A. Team members are chosen prior to each rodeo. Each participant is evaluated by the coach on practice and rodeo performance. The rodeo coach makes all decisions on each team member. Teams are picked per rodeo, so if you don’t make the team for one, you still have opportunities.
Q. If I don’t make the team, can I still rodeo?
A. Yes, Sul Ross currently has a large number of students competing in college rodeo. Only six men and four women are on the respective teams, and the others compete as individuals at each of the college rodeos. Being on the team only entitles the competitor to have entry fees paid and their points count for the team.
Q. If I am not a team member, can I go to the CNFR?
A. Yes, many participants qualify for the CNFR that have not made the team; individual points qualify the competitor. The CNFR takes the top three with in each region in each event.
Q. Will participation in college rodeo affect my professional or junior rodeo eligibiliy?
A. No, NIRA members have the option of competing in all junior and amateur associations. NIRA members who desire to compete in PRCA approved rodeos may also do so without jeopardizing their college rodeo eligibility. The only participation restriction is that any team member or rodeo participant who is awarded a scholarship must attend all NIRA rodeos or possibly forfeit his/her scholarship.
Q. What if I don’t make my grades?
A. If you cannot maintain your grades, you will not be allowed to rodeo in the NIRA. You must enroll in at least 12 hours each semester, passing nine hours while maintaining a 2.0 GPA, but after fall and spring semester, you must have passed a total of 24 credited hours.
Q. Will I be excused from class for rodeos?
A. According to the Sul Ross State University absence policy there are explained absences. The NIRA rodeo trips fall under this explained status. The student is expected to arrange to make up missed work. Explained absences are not given for other rodeo trips, and additional absences should be prearranged between the student and professor.
Q. Where can I keep my horse?
A. The rodeo program has a limited amount of horse stalls available. These are usually awarded with rodeo scholarships. Students not awarded stalls can find boarding facilities located throughout Alpine. It is the student’s responsibility to find his or her own stalls. A visit to Alpine to locate horse facilities prior to fall registration is highly recommended to avoid last minute problems. (There is a list of available stalls throughout Alpine on this web site.)
Q. Does the rodeo team travel to rodeos together?
A. No, each contestant is responsible for their own travel and accommodations. The rodeo coach will usually prearrange a certain number of hotel rooms for team members. All room damage, phone bills and other extra expenses are the student’s responsibility. Several friends will often travel together, and some will often travel with the rodeo coach.