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College rodeo to be held at Northwest farm
4-5-05
by Nancy Patterson
Top-notch college rodeo action will come to Senatobia for three nights April 28-30 when Northwest Mississippi Community College hosts the Ozark Region rodeo at the college farm. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. nightly.
This event, which is the final competition for men and women competing in the Ozark Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, will be produced as a joint effort of the college and the rodeo alumni and boosters.
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"Last May a group of rodeo alumni expressed interest in forming a support group for rodeo athletes at Northwest," said Dolores Wooten, manager of Alumni Affairs. One of those organizers was 2004 Northwest Sports Hall of Fame inductee Eddy Halfacre of Hernando. He and alumni Bruce Bolen of Batesville and Mike and David Wiseman of Hernando serve as the administrative committee of that group.
"Rodeo meant a lot to us when we were here," said Halfacre. "We want to do something to help these kids and bring back some of the interest in the sport of rodeo."
The proceeds from the event will provide financial assistance and/or scholarships to prospective students who need books and supplies. Proceeds could also provide financial assistance for students competing in rodeo events.
"The alumni group has worked hard to put on this rodeo," said Northwest faculty member and rodeo coach Lawrence "Bud" Young. "This is the first time we have hosted a college rodeo in 10 years, and we're looking forward to it. We are able to do this thanks to our improved arena facility."
Alumnus Rodney Akers of Pontotoc will be the announcer for the rodeo. Events for the April rodeo include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping and steer wrestling for men; while women compete in barrel racing and goat tying. Men and women are able to enter team roping competition.
Tickets to the rodeo are $10 for general admission, and children under 6 are admitted free. Chute sponsors include Delta Rice Services, Cleveland and Webb; Cat and Cow Veterinary Clinic, Olive Branch; Tri County Farm Services, Como and Hernando; and Cody Byford Memorial.
For more information on the Northwest Rodeo, contact Young at (662) 562-3430 or Wooten at (662) 560-1105.
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