Aggies prep for Spring rodeo at UNL

UPDATED: April 27, 2022

By NCTA NEWS

Adverse weather forecasts for South Dakota postponed the April 22-23 Black Hills State University Rodeo for a week to April 29-30.

The Aggie Rodeo Team from the Nebraska College of Technical Agricultured will compete with four Aggie athletes, said Aggie Coach Jaden Clark.

Nathan Burnett of Shelton rides saddle broncs; Ellie Stohlmann of Ashland team ropes and races barrels, and Calli Bauer of Arcadia is in team roping and breakaway roping. Taylor Hendrix of Holyoke, Colorado will compete in barrel racing.

Currently, Nathan Burnett is sitting third in saddle bronc riding in the Great Plains Region.

End-of-year points will determine the student athletes who are eligible from each of the regions in the National

Intercollegiate Rodeo Association to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo June 12-18 in Casper, Wyoming.

The season finale for the 15 college teams of the Great Plains Region is May 6-7 in Lincoln, hosted by the University of Nebraska.  Coach Clark said the Aggies will travel to Lincoln, which the day following NCTA's graduation exercises in Curtis.

Banquet drew great local support

In late March, before the Spring season started with four rodeos, the Aggie team hosted a banquet and fundraiser.

All club members were recognized for their contributions in the 2021-22 academic year. The Anvil, a Curtis restaurant, was the event venue.

“This was our opportunity to give the parents, our supporters, and the Curtis community a glimpse of our team,” said Jaden Clark, a local businessman and rodeo athlete completing his initial year as the Aggie coach.

“We made presentations on our team events and projects, and had a chance to share show we train, do things as a student athlete, and showcase the personalities of these kids on the team,” Clark said. “And, it’s a great reason to eat a good meal and do some fundraising, of course.”

Proceeds from banquet ticket sales, donations and the auction fundraiser assist the team with equipment and recruiting for future Aggie students.

Scouting prospects

During the summer months, NCTA students often compete in amateur rodeos through Nebraska and the Midwest. It’s a prime time to scout potential collegians, as well.

“I plan to attend the Nebraska High School State Finals (at Hastings June 10-12) if I am able, and I will also do what i can to attend the National High School Rodeo Finals (at Gillette, Wyoming July 17-23),” Clark said.

“Also, I hope to make it to as many amateur rodeos across Nebraska as possible to interact with younger cowboys,” he added.

For information about NCTA Aggie Rodeo, contact Clark at (308) 660-3224 or see ncta.unl.edu.