ABOUT THE TEAM
Ten Rodeos. Nine Cities. One Team.
The UWRF Rodeo Club and Team is a student run organization dedicated to the sport of rodeo. Besides holding the only student run rodeo in the region, the UWRF Rodeo Club supports a traveling team whose members compete in ten rodeos each year throughout the Great Plains Region.
OUR COACHES
The UWRF Rodeo Club and Team is proud to have Matt and Lacy Dunsmore as our coaches. Matt and Lacy, originally from Minnesota, now live in River Falls where they own and operate 77 Ranch, LLC. 77 Ranch specializes in training barrel and performance horses. Matt and Lacy both have extensive backgrounds in rodeo; Matt in the rough stock events, and Lacy in the women’s timed events. Matt rode bulls on a scholarship for the University Nevada Las Vegas Rodeo Team and Lacy played basketball for Gustavus Adolphus College. With multiple qualifications to the College National Finals Rodeo, Great Lakes Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals and multiple rodeo and barrel horse accomplishments, Matt and Lacy are excited to drive the UWRF Rodeo Team to new levels.
OUR ADVISOR
Nathan O'Connor has served as the UWRF Rodeo Club Advisor since 2003. Nathan is a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, where he teaches courses such as Introductory Equine Management, Advanced Horsemanship and Colts In Training. Nathan has many accomplishments in the reining pen through NRHA and trains colts in his free time. Nathan is an asset to our club and we are grateful to have him as our advisor.
OUR TEAM
FAQ - TEAM EDITION
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CLUB AND THE TEAM?
Our team is made up of UWRF students who are also NIRA members. These students have made a commitment to compete while representing UWRF. Team members (among other responsibilities) commit to traveling to up to ten rodeos per year while also attending practices regularly. Club membership is open to any UWRF student. Club members have the opportunity to help out with the Falcon Frontier Days rodeo, as well as helping out with other events. Club members are also able to travel with the team. Unless elected as an officer, club members are not required to make any major commitments. For more info on joining the club, click here. For our team member application form, click here. Both team and club members are eligible to participate in our Rodeo Queen Pageant.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING THE TEAM?
Team members must have their own horse, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. They also commit to a minimum number of rodeos per year, and to attend at least ⅔ of practices. For a full list of rodeos we travel to, click here. Team members also must have or enroll in a NIRA membership. Team members also have several other smaller responsibilities, such as assisting with organizing and running the clubs’ Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo. For more info on this topic, contact our rodeo team captain at: emma.olson@my.uwrf.edu
WHAT DOES RODEOING IN COLLEGE LOOK LIKE?
What events are there? Team members have the option to compete in any one of NIRA’s nine rodeo events, which include: Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, and barrel racing. Some of our team members compete in more than one event.
How much are the entry fees? Entry fees start at $60 per event. Unless you do two or more events. The additional events are $40 per event. Possible fees may be charged for specific events (cattle charge) or fees from a previous rodeo if you violate any rules. For example Sally competes in three events, these are her entry fees: Barrel Racing - $60, Goat Tying -$40, Breakaway Roping - $40, $10 cattle fee. Sally’s total weekend entry fee will be =$150 instead of $180. Team members are also responsible for paying their own entry fees.
How does traveling work? Team members do not need to have their own truck and trailer, as our team has access to a school vehicle. However, team members are welcome to use their personal truck and trailers. As the team travels together, there is a $25 fee per horse, and a $25 fee for your hotel room.
Is rough stock gear provided? Rough stock gear is not provided to students. Coach Matt recommends purchasing necessary equipment at barstowprorodeo.com or beastmasterrodeo.com
WHAT IS THE NIRA?
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and furthering the sport of rodeo. For more information, check out their website.
How do you get an NIRA membership card?
Fill out team member application here.
Mail the following to NIRA: Completed NIRA membership paperwork (will receive forms from UWRF Rodeo coaches), $270 cashiers check addressed to NIRA. ALL official transcripts must be received by NIRA from the University/High School you received credit from. Transcripts MUST be a paper copy and sent in a sealed envelope to the NIRA office at:
NIRA Membership Office
2033 Walla Walla Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362
DOES THE TEAM PRACTICE OFTEN?
Full team practices occur every Wednesday at 7pm, throughout the school semester. Team members work with Coach Lacy for timed events and Coach Matt for roughstock events. Practices include live roping cattle, live goats, drill work, barrel patterning and watching videos, ect.
If team members board off campus, they are responsible for getting their horse to practice. This may involve using a personal truck and trailer, or car pooling with other team members who board off campus.
CAN I BOARD MY HORSE AT THE LAB FARM?
-
Only team members are able to board their horses at the Lab farm at this time. The current boarding fee is $145 per month and includes a turnout space, a stall, and shavings. Students must provide their own feed, hay, and care. Horses must have current UTD, Coggins, and vaccines.
-
Team members must attend 2/3 of the rodeos in order to board at the lab farm. Boarding is only available while Fall and Spring courses are in session. For more info on boarding at the lab farm, contact our barn manager at: emma.harens@my.uwrf.edu
-
For more boarding options in the River Falls area, click here.
DOES UWRF HOST ITS OWN RODEO?
-
Yes! The Falcon Frontier Days Rodeo is put on by members of the UWRF rodeo club and team the first week of the semester each year. This rodeo is one of the largest in the region, being completely sold out (standing room only) for all three performances in 2023 as well over 7.5k views on the live stream for the rodeo, and dozens of sponsors in attendance as well.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Shoot us a message! We'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Mailing Address: 242 Agricultural Science 410 S. 3rd Street River Falls WI 54022
Rodeo Grounds: 1529 S Wasson Lane River Falls WI 54022