The Oklahoma State University Rodeo Team held its third annual Rodeo Legacy Banquet May 8 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The evening included dinner, silent and live auctions and several awards presentations.

One hundred supporters enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate with the team. The funds raised from the night will be applied toward the program needs, rodeo travel and scholarships for team members.

“The banquet was a successful event,” said Cody Hollingsworth OSU Rodeo program and facilities coordinator. “It gave us the opportunity to recognize students and bring them together with those who support the team.”

Scholarship certificates for the 2014-2015 year were presented to several team members in front of family, the community and their peers. Kyre Larrabee was presented the Sally Watkins Vielma endowed scholarship, Justin Becker received the Billy McDowell Rodeo endowed scholarship, Tanya Steinhoff received the Benchmark Animal Hospital scholarship and Thompson Berryhill was awarded the Fleming Memorial scholarship.

The Shorty’s Super Star award and the Shorty’s Rising Star award also were presented at the banquet. The Super Star award went to Berryhill for having the most points in an event within the region. Carley Long received the Rising Star award for her hard work and dedication not only during practice, but during additional rodeo related events as well.

“The banquet has grown each year since we started the tradition,” said Taylor Johnson, OSU Rodeo Team vice president and animal science senior. “The support we have received has been extraordinary and has helped to build a very respectable and outstanding program.”

This year the OSU Rodeo Team took the time to acknowledge the seniors graduating from the program: Berryhill, Shelby Carpenter, Jolyn Easterwood, Katie Haraway, Sara Honegger, Kegan Huckle, Johnson, Larrabee, Elena Mirabito, Cody Norwood, Cole Owens, Brooke Sebo and Tanya Steinhoff.

The 2014-2015 rodeo season proved to be a successful one for OSU Rodeo with four members finishing within the Top 15 in the region. Carpenter, Breakaway Roping; Clint Jackson, Team Roping; Becker, Team Roping and Berryhill, the Central Plains Region Champion Team Roping Header.

The team is already looking ahead next year, especially to the second annual Cowboy Stampede to be held October 8-10. Last fall’s event featured more than 500 contestants from the Central Plains Region.

The OSU Rodeo Team is part of the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Established in 1946 when six young men started practicing and competing together after they returned from World War II, the team has been a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association since 1948 and competes in the Central Plains Region. Today, the OSU Rodeo Team provides an opportunity for students to continue to grow in the sport and gain a top-notch education. For more information, visit rodeo.okstate.edu.

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REPORTER:
Sara Honegger

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Mourer
Communications Coordinator

Agricultural Communications Services

144 Agriculture North

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK 74078

Phone: 405-744-3737

Fax: 405-744-5739

Email: melissa.mourer@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating: Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.