College rodeo team kicks-off season with strong performance

Uvalde, TX, October 3, 2022 - The Southwest Texas Junior College rodeo team kicked-off National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) season on Sept. 4 in Tatum, TX, with Slade Wood winning the team roping event, taking fifth place in calf roping, and being named the men's all-around cowboy.
 
Other highlights include Houston native Domanic Lane taking second place in the steer wrestling event, Lantz Pyssen's third place in team roping Ryne Hutton, and Rymond Haby splitting fifth and sixth place in the team roping event. At the same time, Riley Jo Cheatham placed 6th in the goat tying event.
 
"Overall, we did well at this rodeo," said Joey Almand, SWTJC Rodeo Coach. "We are now focusing on our rodeo. We want to make sure we put on a great event."
 
 The 60th Annual SWTJC Rodeo is scheduled for Oct. 6 - 8 at the Uvalde County Fairplex Rodeo Arena. This year's event is dedicated to the victims and survivors of Robb Elementary.
 
"Every year, we dedicate the rodeo to a special person and this year we decided to dedicate the rodeo to the 21 victims and the survivors of Robb Elementary," said Almand. "We want our rodeo to be the event that can bring the community together and provide some comfort. We want as many people as possible to come out, which is why this year's rodeo is free admission."
 
Rodeo fans should expect over 300 collegiate athletes representing colleges and universities in the Southern Region.
 
Schools in the Southern Region include Hill College, Louisiana State University of Alexandria, McNeese State University, Panola Junior College, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F Austin State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M Univ-Kingsville, Trinity Valley Community College and Wharton County Junior College.