Big Crowds Enjoy BVU’s Inaugural Home Rodeo
More than 700 turn out for National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association competition
Buena Vista University welcomed hundreds to the Buena Vista County Fairgrounds in Alta for BVU’s first home rodeo on Oct. 21-22.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and the high level of National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association competition,” says Rich Crow, Director of the BVU Ag Institute. “More than 700 fans and supporters of BVU and our rodeo team came out on a perfect weekend to enjoy the competition and entertainment.”
Crow and BVU Rodeo Coach Marty Barnes were grateful for the volunteers who worked at the rodeo and all the sponsors who made it possible. Central Bank served as event sponsor, while Edwards of Storm Lake was performance sponsor. Those two businesses led a parade of dozens of local and area companies who helped ensure the success of this inaugural event.
“It was so much fun having a home rodeo,” said BVU junior Margaret “Pistol” Cowden, who competed in team roping and breakaway roping. “We had a huge crowd on Friday night! And the crowd on Saturday was great, too.”
Beyond the competition, fans were treated to family-friendly activities such as a meet-and-greet with clowns and bull riders, and a popular petting zoo. BVU alum Allan Dessel, a 2007 graduate kept fans laughing with his routines as the official BVU rodeo clown!
“Coaches and fans shared great feedback following our first rodeo,” Crow said. “We’re already examining ways we can grow and improve our home rodeo in 2023. It’s very rewarding for everyone in the BVU community, from our students to our coaches to our faculty, staff, and alumni and friends, to see the momentum growing for the Ag Institute and all our teams and programs.”