The phrase “cowboy up” is more than just a saying around the UW community. A group of UW students are currently doing just that as they compete within the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. 

More specifically, UW’s rodeo team competed in the Central Rocky Mountain Region conference where both the men and women are currently ranked third overall last week. 

They frequently faced-off against familiar opponents such as Colorado State and Air Force and are currently ranked higher than both. 

For those unfamiliar with what an NIRA event is like, compare it to a track and field meet. 

Although events such as bull riding may get the most attention from the general public, there are actually 11 different events going on at each meet. These events include tie down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping header and healer, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying. The scoring system is based upon the total points earned by individuals competing within these various events. 

The NIRA also recognizes all around scoring leaders within each conference. 

In the Central Rocky Mountain Region, UW has more than a few stars on its roster. Clayton VanAken currently ranks second in the men’s all around category with a team high 1327.5 total points.

Leading the UW women’s charge is Dana Weiser with an impressive 813.3 point total which ranks her third within the conference. Both of UW’s scoring leaders earned their current podium worthy conference rankings by excelling in events such as tie down roping, team roping healer, and goat tying. Other strong performers on UW’s squad include athletes such as Merritt Smith, who competes in saddle bronc riding. Thomas Van Smith is one of the team’s steer wrestling specialists. 

Kate Merritt and Chance Nicholls handle their business as team roping healers. Kaycee Nelson and Lauren Weisser are the two ladies battling it out in breakaway roping. A team will always have its individual stars, but in a sport such as rodeo, it takes a full team effort to be successful.

The UW rodeo team may be flying under the radar to much of the student body, but it is only a matter of time before a successful team such as ours starts to gain more attention at the national level. 

UW’s roster is full of dedicated individuals whose passion is rooted within their respective events.   

Email: