Sheridan College’s rodeo team is set to kick off the 2026‑27 season at the Central Rocky Mountain Region’s first competition, held September 11‑13 at Chadron State College in Nebraska. The Wildcats will field a roster in the mid‑60s, roughly 20 athletes larger than the squad that competed this time last year.
Structured Program Mirrors Traditional Sports Teams
Head Coach Bobby Harris emphasized that the rodeo program operates with the same level of structure and discipline found in football or basketball. “We’re very structured in what we do and how we do it,” Harris said. “We have weekly time frames, specific practice goals, and a clear plan to be ready to compete. It’s not just a get‑together; it’s a serious athletic program.”
Harris added that the team’s approach mirrors the rigor of any other collegiate sport, ensuring that athletes are prepared for the challenges of competition. “When we go, we’re just like any other sports team. We want to be ready to go and compete, and whatever comes in front of us, we deal with it,” he explained.
Growing Participation Signals Strong Community Support
The increase in roster size reflects growing interest in rodeo among students and the broader community. Sheridan College has long been a hub for western heritage and agricultural education, and the rodeo program serves as a showcase of those traditions. Local supporters, alumni, and families have rallied behind the team, providing both moral and financial backing.
Community members view the program as an extension of the college’s commitment to preserving western culture and offering students hands‑on experience in a sport that celebrates skill, courage, and tradition.
Upcoming Competition Details
The three‑day event at Chadron State College will feature a full slate of rodeo disciplines, including saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. Sheridan’s athletes will compete against other schools from the region, aiming to earn points toward the season’s standings.
Fans are encouraged to attend the competition to support the Wildcats and experience the excitement of live rodeo action. Ticket information and schedule details are available on Chadron State College’s athletics website.
Looking Ahead
Coach Harris expressed optimism about the team’s prospects for the season. With a larger roster and a disciplined training regimen, the Wildcats are positioned to contend for top honors in the region. “We’ve built a solid foundation, and the kids are eager to prove themselves on the arena,” Harris said.
The Sheridan College rodeo program continues to embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and community pride—principles that resonate deeply with the college’s mission and the surrounding western region.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
