By Jaxyn Cloud, Senior Reporter
The NWOSU Rodeo Team hosted the annual Ranger Rodeo at the Woods County Fairgrounds Arena, marking the final Ranger Rodeo to be held at the current fairgrounds.
Twenty National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) teams from the Central Plains Region competed in the three day event. Over 450 people participated in the rodeo, vying for the top prize in multiple areas of competition.
Calli Griffin, the head rodeo coach, said that the Northwestern Rodeo could not happen without support from the people of Alva, and that the rodeo is also great for local businesses.
“It’s so important for our community,” said Griffin. “We get 450 outside people and their families to come into town, spend nights in hotels, eat out and go visit businesses.”
Griffin said the rodeo team is very lucky to have such a huge support system in Alva, as locals buy ads and sponsorships to help cover the costs of putting on a rodeo.
The rodeo also brings back fond memories for many locals who have grown up going to the event every year.
“I look forward to going to the Northwestern Rodeo every year to watch our talented rodeo team who always represent us well at the college finals,” said Sagelyn Budy, an adult education management administration student.
The Rodeo was a packed house Saturday, and there was talk amongst the crowd of the new fairgrounds being built. Some were happy for the change and others were saddened, feeling like this is the end of an era. It also gave some of the competitors more motivation to be the last titleholder in the current space.
“I think the new fairgrounds will bring a lot of people to Alva for different events, and it will be great for small businesses in the area,” said Janie Rempel, an elementary education student.
Another fun bonus to the Ranger Rodeo event is the Match of Champions, where current students have the opportunity to compete against former NWOSU rodeo team standouts. Taylor Munsell, a National Finals Rodeo qualifier, and World Champion Jacob Edler and Shannon Frascht competed for the $500 prize.
The Ranger Rodeo gives NWOSU rodeo team students an opportunity to compete and provides everyone else with an entertaining, exciting evening.
The new fairgrounds will be located on the far east side of Alva.