The Cochise College rodeo kicks off a two day, action-packed performance with family fun and special events for all ages from Saturday, March 4 to Sunday, March 5 at the Wren Arena on Fort Huachuca.
The Cochise Community College rodeo team is one of the few teams to represent a community college in the (NIRA) National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, which consists mostly of university level rodeo teams. Last year, the Cochise rodeo team was the leading team in the Grand Canyon Region, and for the past three years, has sent several competitors to compete in nationals.
This year, the Cochise College rodeo will continue the tradition of supporting the troops with their performance at Fort Huachuca. According to Rick Smith, the Cochise College men’s rodeo coach, it’s the rodeo team’s best performance of the season.
“The Cochise College Fort Huachuca rodeo is the best performance that we have,” said Smith, adding that they are able to provide the performance to the troops because of the partnership between the MWR family and Fort Huachuca.
MG Scott Berrier, Commanding General, US Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, said, “Fort Huachuca and Cochise College have a tremendous partnership and we very much look forward to the Cochise College rodeo on March 4 and 5. The rodeo not only highlights and sustains our great teamwork, but also places emphasis on a terrific sport and a rich western and cowboy history here in Southern Arizona.”
The Fort Huachuca rodeo performance will feature saddle and bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, bull riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying.
The rodeo will also feature six competitors who are new to the Cochise College rodeo team.
Cheyenne Eddy, from Elgin, Arizona, is competing at Fort Huachuca for the first time. A recent graduate of Buena High School, and education major, she says that being on the Cochise College rodeo team is like having a second family.
“We are all very close. It definitely feels like having another family. The team hangs out together and supports each other…” Eddy explained.
And the team is sure to show their support for each other as they compete to lead the Grand Canyon Region. Currently, the Cochise College men’s rodeo team is in first place for the Men’s Team Category in the Grand Canyon Region. The women’s team is also holding a leading rank, sitting at third in the Grand Canyon Region for the Women’s Team Category.
Don’t miss this yearly event as the Cochise College rodeo team supports the troops and fights to lead the Grand Canyon Region to nationals, once again.
Gates open at noon and the rodeo will start at 1 p.m. on both days. On Sunday, Cowboy Church will start at noon. Cowboy Church is a worship service with a uniquely western flavor and gives participants a glimpse of how pioneering families may have worshiped in Arizona when the West was young.
Active Duty military and children 6 and under will be admitted free. Advance tickets for the general public are on sale now for $6 at Yardley Community Center, Fort Huachuca, and Sierra Vista Safeway and at Cochise College, Sierra Vista and Douglas Campuses and the Willcox and Benson Centers. Tickets will be $8 at the gate. For more ticket information, call (520) 533-2404.