Tarleton State true to its roots - rodeo country

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

The Tarleton State University rodeo group, located in Stephenville, offers students the opportunity to pursue their rodeo goals while achieving academic goals. Currently, there are 36 students participating in the group at the university. "Being in this group helps the students make friends, teaches them about hard work, and gives them a sense of responsibility," explained Bob Doty, the rodeo coach. -- Courtesy photo

Feb. 19, 2004 -- The Rodeo Activities Department at Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, allows students from all over the United States, including Canada, to participate in rodeo events and activities, which will not only help the students physically but mentally as well. Bob Doty, the rodeo coach, enjoys seeing the progress that his team makes in the sport. Currently, there are 65 students in the rodeo program.

Doty said, "Stephenville is known as the cowboy capital of the world. Stephenville has a lot of pro rodeo participants that do very well."

The mission of the Rodeo Activities Department, according to Tarleton State University, is to allow students who are involved in the sport of rodeo to continue the pursuit of their rodeo goals while achieving sound academic goals.

"Basically, we provide the students the opportunity to participate in rodeo activities while they are going to school," Doty explained. "Tarleton has had a rodeo association at their school since 1947. We joined the national organization around the 1960's. In 1965 we had our first college rodeo. So we have been around for quite awhile."

Doty stated that he felt the rodeo activities were important for interested students because participating in these activities help the students grow, both in responsibility and maturity. "These young adults learn a lot about responsibility. They must care for a horse that might be worth $10,000 and a vehicle that's worth $30,000.

"Their maturity level is developed early on because throughout the program, they must learn how to manage their money in figuring their transportation cost, traveling expenses, and rodeo fees. This is an expensive hobby and they must learn how to save money where they can so that they can keep competing in various rodeos."

He said that being part of the rodeo team allows the students to make good friends, learn how to work as a team, all while working hard and competing in the various rodeo events.

"It's up to them whether they win or lose. They must take care of their livestock. They must also learn how to take care of themselves both mentally and physically if they want to be winners."

Doty added that the rodeo team puts on a lot of rodeo clinics and programs and being involved in these activities helps the students learn more about leadership.

"Tarleton is a great university to attend. It allows those students who don't like big towns to go to a university that will help them get a great education while participating in a great sport, like rodeo."