Hundreds of college rodeo contestants gathered at Lakeland College Vermilion for the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s (CIRA) Finals from March 29 - 31.
Students represented British Columbia Equine College, Olds College, NAIT, SAIT, University of Alberta, University of Lethbridge, Red Deer College, Medicine Hat College, Lethbridge College, Mount Royal University, University of Saskatchewan, and Lakeland College.
Events included pole bending, bareback riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, goat tying, team roping and bull riding. Twenty-four competitors represented Lakeland College throughout the weekend, and numerous volunteers assisted with social events put on by the rodeo team. Judges were Doug Goodine and Larry Adams, and bull fighters were Josh Haeberle and Dakota Simmes.
A gathering with entertainment welcomed families upon their arrival at the Zoo on March 28. Participants wore blue during the first rodeo performance on March 29, and enjoyed a beef on a bun lunch at the Vermilion Regional Centre on March 30.
Jordyn Cornet from Brant, Alberta had a blast at the Canadian College Finals Rodeo competing in breakaway roping and said, “The best part of college rodeo has been making memories with my friends.”
Competing for buckles and prize money, competitors and fans had a ton of fun, and finished off the evening on March 31, with a cabaret at the Vermilion Regional Centre.
Photos Angela Mouly