BIG SKY – Under a radiant pink sky and with fans new and old gracing the stands, the Montana State University Rodeo Team provided a unique and unprecedented rodeo experience on July 19 at the Big Sky Rodeo.
The
format of the rodeo, which was produced by Outlaw Partners and Freestone
Productions, began with an educational component. Rodeo participants
demonstrated a selection of rodeo disciplines while rodeo announcer Matt West
explained each event to the audience.
Mutton busting had fans on their feet as little riders fought for the title of champion. PHOTO BY JENNINGS BARMORE
Following
the demonstrations, young rodeo studs-in-the-making took a shot at the events,
including riding mini bulls and mutton busting. MSU athletes closed out the
night and had attendees on their feet as they competed in groups of four in a
winner-take-all style championship round. Winners from each event earned points
toward qualifying for the World Champions Rodeo Alliance, a professional rodeo
competition that offers big money prizes to winners.
While
vying for a spot in a professional rodeo, MSU rodeo athletes also have the
added challenge of attending school as full-time students working toward
degrees. Andy Bolich, the rodeo team’s head coach of five years, counts the
team’s dedication to both academics and the sport as one of its greatest
strengths.
Bolich
was full of praises after the first event of its kind in Big Sky. “It was a
good experience to let people see [the rodeo] lifestyle and share our heritage
with people that probably aren’t that familiar with rodeo,” Bolich said.
No riders claimed victory in the team roping event, but athletes from the roping teams found success in other individual events. PHOTO BY JENNINGS BARMORE
Bolich
added that the winner-take-all style of competition encourages athletes to take
risks and give it their all. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, he
said. But whether they end the night with a victorious ride or not, it is a remarkable
thing to witness.