By: Justin Hargrove, Assistant Athletic Director
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Region will have the third rodeo of the 2024-2025 season in Mount Pleasant, Texas October 18th and 19th. ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ (ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅) will be the host of the Rodeo held at the Mount Pleasant Rodeo Association Arena located on Greenhill Road in Mount Pleasant, Texas.
In addition to the ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ Eagle Rodeo Team you will see teams from all over Texas, and Louisiana, competing for a chance to qualify for the Collegiate National Finals Rodeo to be held in Casper, Wyoming in June. ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ competes in the Southern region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association with Hill College, Louisiana State University-Alexandria, McNeese State University, Panola College, Sam Houston State University, Southwest Texas Junior College, Stephen F. Austin University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Trinity Valley Community College, and Wharton County Junior College.
Fans will get the opportunity to watch a full production Rodeo put on by the students with the stock provided by the legendary Wing Rodeo Company. The Rodeo events on Friday will start at 9:00am with a morning slack session (free admission) and the regular Rodeo will kick off at 7:30pm with a full slate of events.
Saturday, the slack events will begin at 8:00am (free admission) with the Final Rodeo competition starting at 12:00pm.
Spectators will see a full slate of Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc riding, Tie Down roping, Team Roping, Goat Tying, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, and Bull Riding. Friday night will have a special Calf Dressing competition by students and staff from ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅.
The ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ Athletic Training Program will has put together a great Sports Medicine team to take care of the athletes this weekend. In addition to the ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ Athletic Trainer and students, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ EMS Students will be on hand, Titus Regional EMS will provide transport capabilities, and several other Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainers from East Texas that have many years of Rodeo experience will be there donating their time.
Admission to the main Rodeo events will be $10.00 for ages 12 and up and ages 5 to 11 $5.00 admission, and under five will be free. Upgraded Suite Passes may be purchased separately at the gate for $20.00 each, per day.
