The spirit of the Wild West came alive at Sul Ross State University (SRSU) as the College Rodeo Team commemorated the beginning of Rodeo Week with a nostalgic nod to history – the Campus Cattle Drive. This iconic event, steeped in tradition, harks back to the days when SRSU students on the rodeo team would drive cattle through campus to the rodeo arena. On Tuesday, September 19, at 6 p.m., the campus once again witnessed the thundering hooves and dust clouds as the cattle made their way from the UC Robinson Mall, officially marking the commencement of a week-long celebration of rodeo culture and competition.
Sul Ross State University, often hailed as the birthplace of college rodeo, holds a special place in the hearts of rodeo enthusiasts. It is this very heritage that draws rodeo fans and athletes from all corners of the country to Alpine, Texas, for the 78th Annual Sul Ross NIRA Southwest Region Rodeo. Scheduled from September 21 to September 23, this premier event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination.
The rodeo, organized by the Sul Ross College Rodeo Team, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the sport. Hundreds of athletes from various universities will converge on SRSU’s campus to compete in a wide range of rodeo events. From bull riding to barrel racing, these young cowboys and cowgirls will put their skills and grit to the test, vying for coveted titles and a chance to advance in the world of rodeo.
Sul Ross State University proudly invites all rodeo enthusiasts, students, and community members to join in the festivities. The action unfolds at the SALE Arena, promising “good ol’ cowboy fun” for everyone in attendance. For those seeking more information or wishing to support the Rodeo Team, Coach Clint Aragon can be reached at clint.aragon@sulross.edu.
Rodeo Week at SRSU isn’t just a celebration of a sporting tradition; it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of the American West. With the Campus Cattle Drive setting the stage and the upcoming 78th Annual Sul Ross NIRA Southwest Region Rodeo promising thrills, this is a week that brings history, culture, and competition together under the big Texas sky. Sul Ross State University truly stands as the home of college rodeo, where the past meets the present in a resounding display of cowboy and cowgirl grit and determination.
