It’s rodeo season in Ellensburg, and competitors and fans alike are chomping at the bit for the CWU Todd Anderson Memorial Rodeo this weekend at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena. The CWU Rodeo Club will compete against students from ten other schools across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. All events are free and open to the public.
The competition kicks off Friday with Slack from noon to 3 p.m., which consists of a variety events including Barrel Racing, Tie-Down Roping, Goat Tying, Breakaway and Team Roping. The Performance round will be that evening from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Bull Riding. Competition continues on Saturday with the Slack from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Performance from 6 to 9 p.m. The competitive events wrap up Sunday with the Championship Short Go from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Erika Rocha, now in her fourth year as a member of the CWU Rodeo Club, expressed her excitement for the upcoming rodeo.
“I think that spectators probably enjoy watching the Bull Riding and the Barrel Racing the most, and college rodeos are special compared to other rodeos because in college rodeo we have a couple of events that aren’t in the big Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos like Goat Tying and Breakaway,” Rocha explained.
Alongside the competitive events, the weekend includes a variety of special events for the family. Kids are sure to love the Stick Horse Race Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and the Calf Scramble at 7 p.m. Everyone is also invited to join in Cowboy Church, Sunday at 9 a.m.
“I would recommend for anyone and everyone to attend at least one rodeo because they’re exciting and fun to watch, plus there are events the crowd can also be involved in,” Rocha added.
For the past 11 years, the CWU Rodeo Club has honored the memory of Todd Anderson, for whom the Rodeo is named. Anderson was a member of the CWU Rodeo Club for four years and was serving as the Club’s president when he tragically lost his life in 2003.
By Chloe Allmand, Publicity Center
CWU Hype 