Friday, 10/10, and Saturday, 10/11, were busy times in Tucumcari, as people came in from different parts of the southwest region to witness the Grand Canyon National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) finals. The participating schools included: New Mexico State University, Navajo Technical University, Diné College, Central Arizona College, University of Arizona, Eastern New Mexico University – Ruidoso, Cochise College, and Mesalands Community College. The athletes gave us an amazing show with some contestants fighting for the season number 1 spot in their event, including our very own Trace Fulwiler, who finished 1st in Bareback Riding with 380 total points. It was an important contest for the athletes, as many looked to qualify for the College Rodeo Nationals.
Upon entering the fairgrounds, you could witness a busy and exciting atmosphere with riders preparing their horses, food and merchandise vendors, and pens full of steers, calves, and cows. On both days, the events began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a presentation of NIRA sponsors by the riders. The outstanding performer of the event in the male categories was Cumbie, Keegan Lee from Central Arizona College (CAZC). With 315 points, he helped his school finish 2nd among the men’s teams, behind New Mexico State University. In the women’s all-around category, Downey, Quincy Georgia, from Central Arizona College, and Reed, Codi Shaye, from New Mexico State University, tied for first place with 212 points. The CAZC women’s team finished 1st, concluding a great performance by Central Arizona College in these deciding games.
The Coach's Thoughts
Bo Segerman, the Mesalands’ rodeo coach, was happy to see the turnout at the event. He thanks everyone who showed up to support the Mesalands Rodeo team. As the coach reflects on the performance of his team, he congratulates Trace Fulwiler for finishing first in the region in bareback riding. He appreciates the efforts that everyone put in to compete this season, but believes that his athletes have the potential to improve significantly. Mr. Segerman has ambitions to help both his men's and women’s teams improve and compete for the number one spot in the region next season. He plans on having the team go through an intensive training regimen from now until the start of next season, which is planned for March 2026.
The coach also shared a heartfelt message about his appreciation for the team’s horses. He highlights that this sport is possible thanks to these animals, and we owe them everything for making it possible. He talks about the difficult conditions horses sometimes have to deal with, such as traveling hours across the country, and having to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions, but still helping our athletes compete to the best of their abilities at a moment’s notice. If you, too, have a passion for rodeo and would like to compete at the college level, call us today at 575-461-6600 to have an advisor help you pick the right degree for you and connect you with the rodeo coach!