After a hiatus of more than 20 years, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches is restarting its rodeo program. Faculty advisor Dr. Michelle Morris says a huge outpouring of support from the community led to the resumption of the program. As Karen Henderson with Louisiana Public Radio reports, Morris recalled, “The community really wants to see this team come back and we are actively recruiting.” Dr. Morris says that support included NSU alumni and others who called the university, connected with administrators and faculty and made Facebook posts to gain support. According to a statement released by the university, Morris added, “I’ve never seen such an outpouring of support and enthusiasm for bringing back a cherished sport to Northwestern.
NSU had a rodeo program from the early 1960s through the mid-90s supported by a student fee. Cuts to academic programs in agricultural sciences made it difficult to recruit students to participate. The statement writer, Northwestern Director of Communications David West, elaborated that Morris said the university has been helpful in restarting the team. She explained that NSU has provided financial support for recruitment and rodeo advising since the beginning of the fall semester. Students were gifted competition vests with NSU’s logo to use while on the team. Student fees are available to support riders at the completion of paperwork.
The team has two members, barrel racers Karli English, an accounting major from Leesville, and McKenzie Davis, an accounting major from Pollock. English competed in four intercollegiate rodeos this semester and Davis competed in two. NSU is in the Southern Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. There are five rodeos each semester and the national finals in the summer.
Events for male rodeo athletes include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. Events for female rodeo athletes include barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping.
Morris said she is actively recruiting new team members. Current NSU students, incoming freshmen and transfer students who are ready to compete are welcome. For more information, contact Morris atpaulselm@nsula.edu.
