In 2007, Northland Pioneer College organized a Rodeo Club coached by John Doyle, which offers young men and women the opportunity to participate in rodeo at the college level.

Over the past four years, the NPC Rodeo Club has successfully competed against larger college rodeo programs and for the past three years has sent contestants to the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Finals in Casper, Wyo.

Currently there are 12 members, seven young men and five young women, in the Rodeo Club, including Megyn Stock, the top regional barrel racing contestant.

There are four rodeos left this season and the team could send as many as three members to the National Finals.

Over the last four years the NPC rodeo program has been successful, not only in rodeo, but has had nine students complete their GEDs, enroll in NPC and keep their grades up, with several receiving scholastic honors, all because of their love of rodeo.

Team members must be 16 years of age and enrolled full-time in college. These students plan rodeos, run practices and help maintain two arenas. They also staff the fundraisers and work the rodeos while maintaining an eligible grade point average.

On Friday and Saturday, April 22 and 23, NPC will host its second hometown college rodeo at the Taylor Rodeo Grounds, with students from 10 colleges competing. This is the last rodeo for the NIRA Grand Canyon Region prior to Regional Finals, so competition will be intense.

Families of contestants will bring revenue to the local businesses and this will be an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its hospitality to visitors.

The NPC Rodeo Club is looking for sponsors to help furnish bucking and roping stock, livestock fees, the announcer, and pay and lodging for rodeo officials.

Any contribution will be appreciated and sponsors will receive prominent placement on advertising posters, event programs and recognition by the announcer throughout the rodeo. Contributions are tax deductible. The club is seeking $250 gate and chute sponsorship, $350 banner sponsorships, $500 feed sponsor, $900 rodeo announcer sponsor, $2,000 for roping stock and $5,000 for bucking stock.

The club is also seeking sponsors for the 2011-12 academic year.

If you are interested in sponsoring some of the expenses for the upcoming year, contact Ann Hilliard at 536-6236 or Lisa Westcott at 243-1781.