What is National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA)?

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Photo via National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegerodeo

When most people think of college sports their thoughts most often turn to sports such as football or basketball. However, one of the oldest and most popular college sports over the last 65 years has been college rodeo. With its emphasis on tough but fair competition and non-stop excitement, it has grown from humble beginnings to finding itself broadcast on ABCs “Wide World of Sports” in later years and gaining the attention of national sponsors. As a result, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association was formed in 1949 to help the sport grow among the many colleges and universities across the United States.

What is the NIRA?

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), at its first convention in 1949, established three regions of competition: Northwest, Southern, and Rocky Mountain. The NIRA is responsible for creating rules and regulations for the sport, overseeing competitions, promoting the sport and seeing that it continues to grow. Dedicated to preserving Western heritage through college rodeo, the NIRA today has 137 member schools participating and more than 3,500 student-athletes competing in its various events.

What Schools are Members of NIRA?

Most of the colleges included in the NIRA are located in the western United States. Some of the most notable schools include:

Along with these schools, many other schools are now starting to examine the possibility of adding rodeo to their roster of scholarship sports in which students can participate.

Famous Alumni of the NIRA

One of the proudest achievements of the NIRA has been seeing some of its former student-athletes graduate and go on to have highly successful careers in professional rodeo. Some of the most famous alumni of NIRA include:

With the success of these competitors, those who are currently competing in college rodeo can realize their dreams of professional rodeo careers can also come to fruition through competing for their schools.

NIRA Events

Just like other rodeos, college rodeo competitors showcase their skills in numerous events. Some examples include:

Like other sports, competitors in these events look for the best possible scores that will eventually make them national champions.
As the sport of rodeo continues to grow in popularity, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is growing as well. With national sponsors such as Wrangler and Ram, along with the creation of the NIRA Foundation to assist those competitors who sustain injuries, college rodeo seems poised to provide even more excitement in the coming years.

Aaron Kuhl

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 American Heart Association, the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and Darkhorse Benefits and Operation Guardian (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.