Now that Sul Ross has a national champion in the bull riding competition, perhaps it is a good time to point out that these student athletes are not recognized by Sul Ross to be athletes, but rather, only a student in the Range Animal Science department. By denying these rodeo athletes the full recognition of the Athletic Department, and relegating them to second-class participants, the rodeo program barely subsists financially.

These rodeo athletes are denied the tutoring other athletes receive, and denied access to the workout room other athletes receive. The football program receives approximately $500,000 for their budget, and the rodeo program receives approximately $23,000.

I’m glad our football players receive these benefits at no cost to them, but I do believe it is high time for the rodeo program to be moved into the athletic department so their athletes, too, can enjoy these well-earned benefits.

Sul Ross State University is now on the map with the title of national champion bull rider, earned by our own Tristen Hutchings. Garrett Jacobs finished third in the nation for the all-around and team roping, and seventh in the tie-down roping. Lane Cooper won a round in the team roping. The team finished sixth in the nation, and was the highest placing four year school with just three athletes there.

Let’s give Tristen, Garrett, Lane, and all the athletes in the rodeo program full access to all that Sul Ross has to offer.

Ride for the brand!

Jan Woodward Alpine

Alpine