Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I get on the MSU Rodeo Team?
Rodeo is an open sport at McNeese State University. As long as you pay your dues, maintain hours, grade point average and follow team rules you can be a part of the team. Everyone can enter the collegiate rodeo as long as they keep eligible, the team will consist of 6 men and 4 women, which is determined by points accumulated after the first two rodeos. Those not on the team will keep their individual points, but they will not count for team points that week. After each rodeo, the team may change to reflect the total number of points each individual has accumulated. The only advantage to being on the team is team members receive travel money. McNeese State University has around 25 competing members in the 2007-2008 season.
- What are hour requirements and grade point average requirements?
You must be enrolled in 12 academic hours per semester. This would not include PE Activity Courses (unless you are a Health and Human performance major) or the Agri 100 Varsity Rodeo class. You must COMPLETE 12 hours per semester and pass at least 9 hours. You must have an accumulative GPA of 2.00 or 2.00 from the previous long semester. You must PASS 24 hours per year. If you drop below 12 hours in a long semester, you cannot rodeo or you cannot rodeo the next semester. See NIRA rulebook at www.collegerodeo.com for complete rules.
- What happens if I don't meet academic requirements?
The first and foremost reason for attending McNeese State University is to receive a college degree. If you do not meet hour or GPA requirements you will lose your privilege to rodeo, privilege to practice, and your scholarship.
- How do I get started?
Contact the rodeo office with your intentions to rodeo. 337-475-5696
There will be a general meeting on the first Wednesday night of classes each year to get memberships. Some things you will need will be a money order for $255.00* to NIRA for national dues, *(this increases almost every year, so contact the office before the meeting for the exact amount), and approx $35-$40 for a vest.
You will also need to supply the rodeo office or McNeese State University registrar with official transcripts of high school work with your date of graduation and any college transcripts where you have hours, even dual credit hours taken while in high school. If you are under the age of 21, you will need a fax number to fax a membership form to your parents or guardian for a release signature.
Failure to supply any and all of these things may delay you competing in rodeos.
- Where are the rodeos and how are they ran?
The rodeos are held at 10 schools across the Southern Region of the NIRA which are SWTJC in Uvalde, Tx NETCC in Mt. Pleasant, Tx, McNeese State University, SFA in Nacgodoches, Tx, TAMU at Kingsville, Tx. SAMU in Huntsville, TX, Texas A&M held in Caldwell, Tx, Hill College in Hillsboro, Tx , Ponola College, Carthage, Tx, and WCJC in Wharton, TX.
The format is one long go round, and a short go round, which features the top ten in each event. The average numbers entered in each of the events were as follows: bareback 14, saddle bronc 14, bull riding 40, tie-down roping 60, team Roping 55, steer wrestling 34, goat tying 45, breakaway roping 60, and barrel racing 60. The entry fees are $50/event with a $20 per rodeo office charge. The rodeos pay 4 in rounds and average.
We have 4 rodeos in the fall and 6 in the spring, but that may change from year to year. The rodeos begin on Thursday and end on Saturday night.
Stock Contractors include: Terry Walls, Lynn Bottoms and Wing Rodeo Co.
- Are their scholarships for rodeo and how do I receive one?
There are rodeo scholarships available and the best way to receive one is to have the ability to do college level education work and win. The coaches and committee will look at what you have won, your SAT or ACT scores and grades to determine scholarships. Scholarships may vary from $400 per year to $5,000 per year. Students who are attending McNeese State University who are not receiving scholarships or smaller scholarships will be considered first for new scholarships. Community college transfers and high school graduates with outstanding records will then be considered. (Collegiate Regional Champions, National Champions, etc.)
You must fill out the Rodeo scholarship application, which you can print off online and send application, resume and video to the rodeo office.
Academic Scholarships are also awarded through the College, but you must complete the general scholarship application.
Scholarships will be award in June of each year and are very competitive.
- Will I be excused from class to attend the college rodeos?
This is the instructors call. The instructors will be contacted and informed that you will be participating in college rodeos, but each one can have different attendance policies. It is the rodeo student’s responsibility to check this on the first day of class and make changes if necessary. Students need to keep teachers informed well in advance of planning to be absent.
- Where can I keep my horse or horses, trailer?
The university access to approximately 30 stalls, which are available as scholarships to students. There is room to keep trailers at the facility. There are many places in the community to board horses. Cost varies from $50 to $150.
- Does the rodeo team travel together to the rodeos?
Each student contestant is responsible for his or her own travel and accommodations. However many students travel together to help save on expenses.
- What happens if I am hurt during rodeo competition?
Each Student at McNeese State University has a small insurance policy through student services. (Info is at student services office). Students should know the risk of rodeo and traveling. Membership in the NIRA includes a secondary insurance policy for travel to intercollegiate rodeos, practice, and participation in approved rodeo. It will pay up to 80% of cost left after as student’s insurance has paid, but there is a deductible.
All students must have a primary insurance carrier.
- What about practice?
Three years ago, Hurricane Rita destroyed our practice facility and we are currently in the process of rebuilding a state of the art indoor facility. The estimated date of completion is around December of 2008. In the mean time, we hold timed event practice on Wednesday in a covered facility and rough stock practice on Mondays in Sulphur, La. There are many arenas around the community, which the students practice at on other days of the week.
There is a set time to practice each event and will be followed.
Students must have primary insurance to practice and compete.
Students are expected to care for McNeese State University equipment and livestock. Any rough or inhumane treatment to livestock, equipment or facilities can call for fines and disciplinary actions.
If student is not eligible to compete in NIRA rodeos then they cannot practice with team.
- How do you qualify for the CNFR?
The top 3 individuals from each region qualify for the CNFR and the top two in the all-around. Also the top two teams qualify. Men’s team consists of 6 and women, 4.
Teams are filled with individuals in top 3 first, and then if spots are available, they are filled with the individuals with the most total points for our team.
- What are other requirements?
Students must attend all meetings or be fined.
Meeting dates and times will be posted at rodeo office.
Students must attend a meeting before NIRA rodeo to prepare for rodeo. Students must work designated job or pay a $50 fine.
Students are required to participate in one fundraiser or be fined $200.
All fines must be paid before 2 hours of draw out time of next rodeo.
- Where can I find out more about the NIRA?
Go to the website at www.collegerodeo.com
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