Rodeo continues at Sheridan, Gillette colleges

While the bulk of athletic programs have been cut this year from Sheridan and Gillette colleges, the rodeo programs at both colleges will continue, although not without changes.

Walt Tribley, president of the Northern Wyoming Community College District:

Another change, Dr. Tribley said, is that instead of offering a home rodeo every year at each of the two colleges, the two colleges will take turns hosting one annual rodeo. Tribley said there has also been a reduction in scholarships.

Tribley said rodeo isn’t part of the same national association through which other community college sports are offered.

Also, he said, rodeo isn’t a sport in which human beings typically come into close contact. He said rodeo athletes tend to travel to and from events within their family units rather than on a bus.

In addition, he said, rodeo is clearly part of the fabric of our local and state culture.

One other change made as a cost-cutting measure was elimination of the position of director of Sheridan College’s Agri-park. Tribley said the former director was doing an awesome job at the park, but the Agri-park isn’t hosting as many events in the current COVID-19 environment.