May 24 – Rodeo is a sport that has been testing the skills of cowboys and cowgirls since the 1800s. Its importance is evident in its status as the state sport of Texas.
In the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS), a rodeo team was once a staple in extracurricular groups. Over time, the team merged with another club and eventually became the Livestock Club. But thanks to a meeting with stakeholders in Waller County, the return of the rodeo team is possible.
Recently, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D., met with Commissioner Roger B. Walters of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and PVAMU alumnus Dr. Wendell Baker of the Baker Veterinary Clinic. The purpose of the meeting was to plan for the re-establishment of membership with the NIRA.
Walters, who is set to retire in December, answered any questions about the rules and requirements to establish a team.
CAHS representatives meeting with Commissioner Roger B. Walters of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and PVAMU alumnus Dr. Wendell Baker of the Baker Veterinary Clinic to discuss establishing the CAHS Rodeo Team. Pictured L-R: Farm Foreman A.J. Davis, Assistant Professor Milton Daley, Ph.D., CAHS Dean and Director of the Land-Grant Programs, Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D., NIRA Commissioner Roger B. Walters, CEO of Baker’s Veterinary Clinic Wendell Baker, CAHS Spring 2021 graduate Paige Kemper, and Program Assistant Chandra Adams.
“The rodeo team was indeed a highlight of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences,” D’Souza said. “The return of the rodeo team could be an asset as we recruit students with varied interests. Rodeo is a great way to bridge our rich heritage and western culture with a future that reflects the growing importance of companion animals in American society. This meeting is a great first step to bringing back a gem of the college.”
According to Walters, the college rodeo has been around since 1949. There are 14 event categories in the NIRA point award system. The eight men’s events which include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping (header), team roping (heeler), and men’s all-around. The six women’s events include barrel racing, goat tying, breakaway roping, team roping (header), team roping (heeler), and women’s all-around.
“We’re using rodeo to get the young student-athletes an education,” Walter said.
During the meeting, Baker — who started the rodeo team in 1967 — shared his memories of the prominence of the rodeo team in its heyday.
“On the farm in the poultry center, they took a whole area that no one was using and made a practice arena,” Baker said. “Everyone wanted to participate. They didn’t want to go to school, but they wanted to rodeo.”
The meeting was also attended by Farm Foreman A.J. Davis, Assistant Professor Milton Daley, Ph.D., Program Assistant Chandra Adams, and CAHS student (and new Spring 2021 graduate) Paige Kemper.