Students interested in rodeo competition attend accredited colleges and universities offering the sport. Participation in competitions requires membership in the (NIRA) National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which serves as the governing body for college rodeo. The NIRA promotes the sport while setting and maintaining the standards for competition. Eligibility in the association and becoming a part of a team require that students carry a minimum of 12 academic credit hours and a GPA of 2.0 throughout their attendance.
Being a part of a college roping team requires filling out an application that requests academic history and rodeo or roping experience. The form features various areas where prospective students may list formal training, clinics and classes attended, along with awards and commendations received. Once accepted as a member of the team, students must participate in the required practice sessions, attend meetings and care for their horse and equipment, in addition to maintaining general areas as assigned.
The top three team roping teams from the NIRA’s 11 regions will qualify for the (CNFR) College National Finals Rodeo. Cowboy Lifestyle Network is looking forward to all the team roping events next year at the 2015 CNFR, which is the “Rose Bowl” of college rodeo.
The CNFR is where the NIRA crowns the champions of over 400 cowboys and cowgirls contestants from over 100 universities and colleges compete in Casper, Wyoming each year.
Read more here: CLN congratulates Casper, WY on celebrating their Sweet 16 with the CNFR.

Some of the best colleges for team roping:

• Sam Houston State University-Texas

The school commemorates the fact that it has produced more national championship teams compared to any other college or university in the country.

• Oklahoma State University

The team boasts numerous national championships from 1946 to the present day.

• Southern Arkansas University

The school has a history of sending team members to national finals.

• Tarleton State University-Texas

The school boasts having six national championships and 19 individual titles.

• University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Both male and female team participants helped obtain 25 regional titles.

• California Polytechnic State University

The institution remains one of the best colleges for team roping whether a novice or having years of experience. In addition to having a team, the school offers classes in riding and roping.

• Dickinson State University-North Dakota

The school overall has a successful rodeo program that ranks in the top 15 in the NIRA. In 2010, the men achieved a sixth place ranking while the women won 11th place.

• New Mexico State University

Tie-down roping and team roping remain team specialties, making the school one of the best colleges for team roping. The NMSU team ranked in the top 10 nationally for eight years in a row.

• Weber State University-Utah

From the year 2001, the men’s team, the women’s team and individual team members have brought the institution 38 top 10 NIRA titles. Considered one of the best colleges for roping, the men excel in the event.

• University of Montana Western

The men and women’s teams finished the 2009-2010 season with seven titles and ended the season in the top 10 NIRA rankings.
 

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