The Iowa Central Community College Rodeo team is a force to be reckoned within the world of college rodeo and you can see them in action at the upcoming Triton Stampede Rodeo. The team will saddle up to compete against seventeen other colleges on Friday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 5th. The Rodeo will be held at the Webster County Fair Grounds in Fort Dodge.
The team, which has 44 athletes this year, has a strong tradition of success and has produced numerous champions over the years. At the 2024 Rodeo, spectators can watch two local students showcase their talents in the arena; Morgan Nelson of Fort Dodge and Madeline Teague of Webster City.
Competing in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), the Iowa Central Community College Rodeo team consistently performs well in regional and national competitions. The team members compete in various events such as bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. Iowa Central's Cash Owens was the Regional Champion in saddle bronc last season, Drew Lind took the individual bareback riding champion spot, and Sage Vance placed 3rd overall in the season for bull riding. In barrel racing, Rachel Werkman placed 3rd and qualified for nationals.
One of the key factors behind the team's success is the outstanding coaching staff. The coaches at Iowa Central Community College are dedicated to developing the skills of their athletes and helping them reach their full potential. They provide expert guidance and support to the team members in and out of the arena. "We work hard as a team to stay competitive, including being mentally tough in the arena. There is a lot of pressure when our athletes compete, and they need to be ready for that part of the competition too," says Bridget Coleman, Head Rodeo Coach.
In addition to their success in the arena, the team members are also known for their academic achievements. Iowa Central Community College strongly emphasizes academic excellence, and the rodeo team is no exception. "The student-athletes are encouraged to excel in their academic pursuits while also pursuing their passion for rodeo," shares Coleman who was 2023 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Coach of the Year.
Tickets to see the powerhouse college rodeo team are $10 for adults and $5 for kids and are sold at the gate. Food will be available for purchase from the Iowa Central Culinary students. For the full Rodeo schedule, go to https://www.ictritons.com/sports/rodeo/2024-25/schedule.