By Brittany Shears, Collegian Reporter
Goodwell, Okla. — It’s that time of year, when the Oklahoma Panhandle State University rodeo team competes at home against the best of their opponents. April 1-3, the OPSU rodeo team will host the 2010 Doc Gardner Memorial Rodeo at the Hitch Pioneer Arena in Guymon, Oklahoma.
Over 600 contestants representing schools from the Central Plains region will compete in calf roping, goat tying, break away roping, team roping to bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, bull riding and bareback riding. With so many talented competitors, it is sure to be a good show with OPSU Men’s team ranked 1st in the region and OPSU Women’s team tied for 3rd.
A lot of time and dedication has been put into preparing for the rodeo and it is sure to pay off. The OPSU volleyball, football and both men’s and women’s basketball team will be helping in the ticket booth, working concessions and pushing cattle in support of their fellow classmates. Also, the equestrian team will be taking part in the opening ceremony. Businesses around the area are sponsoring many of the events including Tri-County Electric, the City of Guymon Convention and Tourism and PTCI. The stock contractor for this year’s rodeo is McCloy Rodeo Company located in Morse, Texas.
Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the family fun and excitement. Tickets at the gate are $10. OPSU students and faculty, as well as high school students and under, get in free.
So come on out to the Hitch Arena, bring your family and support the contestants and enjoy great rodeo action. Performance days and times are Thursday, April 1, at 7 p.m., Friday, April 2, at 7 p.m. (be sure to wear pink for “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night) and Saturday, April 3, at 1 p.m. with the championship round starting at 7 p.m. Saturday evening.
