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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.
