DJ Jacobi - The Iowa State University Stampede Rodeo

The Iowa State University Stampede Rodeo is the only student-run rodeo in the nation. The three sold-out performances across the two-day event showed the possibilities of hard work and dedication.

Each day was filled with some of the best competitors from several schools within the Great Plains region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

A group of competitors watch a steer barrel out of the chute during the first performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Friday night, April 5, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

Hannah Cook, one of the lead planners, explained that planning for the rodeo begins after the previous one ends, spending roughly 10-20 hours through the summer and fall and drastically picking up in the spring.

"I spent between 30-40 hours a week working on club things in the spring semester," Cook said.

Grace Waldenberger starts taking her saddle equipment out of her trailer before the first performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Friday night, April 5, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

South Dakota State University’s Jace, left, and Logan, right, relax in hammocks before the first performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Friday night, April 5, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ Angel Jauregui practices roping the hind legs of a steer before the first performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Friday night, April 5, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

“There is a lot that goes into it,” Angel Jauregui said about the Iowa State student-run rodeo. “With such a small group, it’s impressive.”

Competitors place their hats and hands over their hearts as the national anthem plays before the first performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Friday night, April 5, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

“When your peers are running a rodeo,

it shows that it is possible,”

Mid-Plains Community College's Garrett Glines said.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ Vegas Grinager practices goat tying on her boot before competing in the Iowa State Rodeo afternoon performance on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

Professional traveling rodeos typically are paid to compete and perform. However, students in college pay a fee to join their teams and travel long distances like the Dickinson State University team, which traveled over 10.5 hours to Iowa State.

A cowboy straps on shinpads ahead of the final performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Saturday night, April 6, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

South Dakota State University's Head Coach Ron Skovly has been leading the Jackrabbits since 2009. SDSU is one of the largest rodeo teams in the nation, and Skovly has competed in Ames before.

"I competed there from '92-'96 as a contestant in the region for South Dakota State," Skovly said. "The group does a very, very good job ... and as a faculty director, I work with them every year ... and it seems like every year they pull through and make it better."

Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture’s Trevyn Keene looks back at the bronco that bucked him off as he walks to grab his hat during the Iowa State Rodeo on Friday night, April 5, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

Black Hills State University’s Haven Jones steps back after tying her goat during the final performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Saturday night, April 6, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

"I pray that I don’t die,” Roth said.

Iowa State University’s Harrison Roth takes a moment to pray before competing in the Iowa State Rodeo on Saturday night, April 6, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

Besides a chute malfunction and the rodeo livestock being relatively fresh, Cook believed it was a very successful weekend.

"It was so rewarding to hear all the compliments from the coaches being that I have dedicated the last four years to this event," Cook said.

"I will miss it dearly."

A group of competitors wait outside the building during the first performance of the Iowa State Rodeo on Friday night, April 5, 2024, at the Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa.

The Iowa State University Stampede Rodeo - Photo Story

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