Saddling up the Stampede Rodeo

Spectators from around the state filled the Cache County Fairground bleachers this Friday and Saturday night for Utah State University’s Fall Stampede Rodeo. Hosted by the USU Rodeo Team, the event brought riders from the Rocky Mountain Region to showcase their skills in events like bull riding, tie-down roping and barrel racing.

For third-year USU barrel racer Madison Knepp, the rodeo was also an opportunity to have a good time.

“My favorite part about competing is being out there and just soaking it all up,” Knepp said.

Knepp has been riding since she was four years old and barrel racing since she was eight. For her, rodeo isn’t just a chance to compete ­— it’s a chance to inspire.

“I love riding around and seeing all the little girls just light up and want to do what I do,” Knepp said.

According to spectator and first-year student Annie Schellenberg, the crowd also felt this energy. She described the event as “hype” and commented on the smaller details, including the clothes.

“Everyone is dressed up in the fun cow outfits,” Schellenberg said. “It’s been fun.”

While the crowd was well-dressed, the team was well-to-do.

According to the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, first-year USU team ropers Daniel Philips and Lyric Estrada took second in the long go with a 7.4-second run. They also placed first in the short go with a six-second run, winning them the average in team roping.

The NIRA also reports that third-year USU barrel racer Brooke Morris won the long go with a 17.57-second run. She ended up sixth overall in the average.

According to rodeo coach Colton Bair, first-year Chantry Bracket of USU also made the standings, tying with Maklee Larson of USU Eastern in breakaway roping.

Utah State University ended up third overall with the men’s team and seventh with the women’s team.

However, Knepp believes there is more to the sport than competition. With events like the USU stampede, she thinks college rodeo helps keep the sport and her faith alive.

“It’s amazing to see what people used to do and to be able to turn it into a sport,” Knepp said. “And to be able to keep God in it, too.”

For Knepp, the rodeo is not just a sport but a platform to uphold religious and patriotic elements in the community and everyday life, fostering a sense of respect and reverence among the audience.

“We are losing God in so many things,” Knepp said. “We still pray before every rodeo, and I think that’s important.”

According to Knepp, she is not the only one who feels this way.

“Everyone recognizes that,” Knepp said. “It helps keep it alive.”

Those who watch and support rodeo also help spread awareness about the sport. Last weekend, the crowd was animated and loud, and the announcers maintained a high energy about the arena.

According to Schellenberg, the environment was one of the best parts.

“It’s fun that you can cheer with and meet new people,” Schellenberg said. “It’s just a fun atmosphere.”

Schellenberg also supports the team by being enthusiastic about her favorite events.

“I love steer wrestling,” Schellenberg said. “It’s so satisfying to watch.”

However, Knepp knows it’s not just the loud crowd or steer wrestling that keeps people returning ­— the promise that the rodeo will persevere.

“It’s a way of life that’s dying,” Knepp said. “Being able to keep that old school western way of life alive is amazing.”

The USU Rodeo team finished the fall season at Utah State University Eastern on Oct. 4-5.