Cord Hesseltine, of Halsey, rides a bronc for the MPCC Rodeo Team during the Iowa State University Cyclone Stampede in Ames, Iowa earlier in the season. The team will benefit from a fundraising rodeo March 17-18 in McCook. (Photo courtesy of TF Event Photography)
The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will benefit from a fundraising rodeo March 17-18 in McCook. The event is open to the public. It will be at the Kiplinger Arena at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds.
Contestants will be a combination of Kansas Professional Rodeo Association members, members of the Nebraska State Rodeo Association and college students, said Garrett Nokes, MPCC Rodeo Team timed event coach. It will be a nice mix of current, past and future professional cowboys and cowgirls all competing against each other. Theres going to be a lot of talent on display, and it should be a great rodeo.
The action begins with slack at noon on March 17, followed by the regular performance at 7 p.m. On March 18, slack will start at 10 a.m., and the regular performance will be at 7 p.m.
Slack is free to watch, but there is a $10 charge for the main event. Children 12 and younger will be let in for free.
Money raised through admission fees and through the sale of concessions and team merchandise will be used for scholarships for rodeo team members and to help offset travel and general operating expenses of the team.
That funding is crucial, said Nokes. In order to grow, we have to have continued support. Were leading the region in the mens team standings right now, and a lot of that is due to the equipment and practice facilities provided to these students through the generous support of our boosters and community members. Thats whats setting us apart and getting us top recruits.
Last year, the rodeo helped fund a horse trailer for the team, and this year, a portion of the proceeds will be put toward a bucking machine for the rough stock riders to practice on.
We couldnt do those kinds of things without the area backing us, said Nokes. I just cant say enough about our sponsors and our booster committee. The concessions will be homemade by The Wranglers, which makes this a great event to take the family to both for the entertainment and for the food. I would encourage everyone to support them in supporting us.
