Club Rodeo returns to reclaim past glory, attract future students

PUEBLO - Club Rodeo (CR) has returned to Colorado State University- Pueblo after more than a three-decade absence. In the late 60's to early 80's, Club Rodeo gave students a competitive way to participate in one of their passions while attending college away from home.

The name Butch Myers may not ring a bell at the university today, but in the late 60's, he was well known at Southern Colorado State College as a "rodeo star," winning the Central Rocky Mountain Region all-around championship in 1965. He was part of a powerful squad earning many awards and trophies including best "boys" and best "girls" team prizes. When students who held positions of leadership in the former club graduated, the club was disbanded for lack of involvement.

In August 2015, Bill Moorman, coordinator of intramural and club sports, and two students, Taylor Robson and Alex Hyland decided it was time to return the club to its former glory. They started their journey during the fall 2015 semester competing throughout Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming; participating in rodeos hosted by other colleges in hopes of not only winning events but being received as an active club at CSU-Pueblo and competitive team in Southern Colorado. Having been a participant in rodeo from age 10, Robson was excited to learn about college rodeo.

"The first year was trial run for me and Alex, but we had a blast," Robson said. "We learned a lot about college rodeo and now we know what it takes to win. We look forward to placing and attending the college rodeo finals."

Moorman, and the now five club members, are working on a five-year projection plan with action strategies that encompass everything from recruiting new members to locating practice and competition arenas. The club members attribute their love of rodeo to their upbringing and show understanding for its positive impact in their lives, hoping it they can help CR to also have a positive affect at CSU-Pueblo.

Among the club's goals for the 2016 year are to host a major fundraising event, secure use of the fairgrounds for practices and exhibitions rodeos, initiate a statewide marketing campaign, target junior college's and high schools in agriculturally based towns, and ultimately take first place at an event.

With the help of a generous donation from an anonymous donor and the procurement of future donations and land, CR hopes to build its own arena to host events, have a "home" practice facility, and create a boarding location for club members' animals. Club Rodeo would also like to see CSU-Pueblo add agricultural science courses to help students connect from junior colleges and provide scholarship programs. Other long term goals from their five-year projection plan include: hiring coaches, hosting National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association event, expand marketing, and gain members from out of state and internationally.

The founding members of the revived Club Rodeo are:

President Taylor Robson, a senior biology major from Pueblo, competes in barrels, breakaway, and goat tying.

Vice President Alex Hyland, a junior mass communications major from Windsor, competes in barrels.

Treasurer Joe Vigil, a sophomore business management major from Pueblo, competes in team roping.

Charter members:

Julian Martinez, a sophomore business management major from Pueblo, competes in team roping.

Chelsea Guthmiller, a sophomore biology major from Pueblo West, competes in barrels, breakaway, and goat tying.

For more information regarding Club Rodeo, contact Moorman at bill.moorman@csupueblo.edu or 719.549.2087.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.