Troy University News

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

TSU announces formation of intercollegiate rodeo team

   Troy State University officials formally announced today that the University will field an intercollegiate rodeo team beginning fall semester 2002.
   Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of The Troy State University System, made the announcement at the 45th annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum. Joining Chancellor Hawkins in the announcement ceremony were Mr. Johnny Williams, Director of Athletics; Dr. Jean Laliberte, Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Dr. Don Hines, team adviser; Dr. Woody Bartlett, President of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo; Dr. Billy Powell of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and Mr. Mike Griffin of the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association.
   "This program has received a tremendous amount of support, in southeast Alabama and across the nation," Dr. Hawkins said. "There is a wonderful spirit surrounding the formation of this rodeo team, and I am looking forward to the day when the Trojan Rodeo Team competes for the national championship."
   Dr. Hawkins added that the popularity of rodeo and equestrian events in southeast Alabama makes it a natural collegiate sport for TSU. "This program is born of a real demand from potential students in our primary service area. I am gratified by the enthusiastic reception intercollegiate rodeo has received in the heart of Trojan country."
   TSU will compete in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), which is composed of 135 member schools across the nation. TSU has begun the process of searching for a rodeo coach. TSU will compete in the NIRA Ozark region against schools such as Mississippi State University, Michigan State University, University of Tennessee-Martin, the University of West Alabama and Southern Arkansas University.
   The formal announcement follows a seven-month campaign to raise seed money for the program. On Aug. 23, 2001, the TSU Board of Trustees approved a resolution to establish the rodeo program once fund-raising goals were met.