Bringing the outside in: Spring Rodeo returns to Bozeman

The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse hosts a diverse array of events: from powwows to commencement to Elton John. But this weekend’s concert does not have pianos or guitars. Instead, a brilliant symphony of lowing, jeering, crashing and hollering will fill the arena. MSU is hosting the annual Spring Rodeo April 12 through 15.

Stacked on top of the rubber track is a layer of protective plastic covered by plywood which supports 270 dump truck loads of dirt. The transformation involves a team working around the clock to place the wood, truck in and spread the dirt, install the fences, gates, and chutes and to organize the stock. Director of Operations for Sports Facilities Chris Hayden, oversees the venue transitions and coordinates efforts between his staff, the rodeo team, and Sime Construction, the people who haul the dirt in.

“The rodeo team is essential to this operation,” said Hayden. “We really appreciate them. They should be commended for the great work they do.”

“We’ve basically got it down to a science,” said MSU Rodeo Head Coach Andy Bolich.

This is not his first rodeo. In fact, this weekend marks the 18th time Bolich has coached or competed at the annual event in the fieldhouse. “Back when I was a student, we would be out here ‘till 3 a.m. setting up the arena fences and making sure everything was good to go,” said Bolich. “Now I try to get everyone out before 10 p.m.”

“We have a ton of great sponsors that back us every year and lots of new ones who are just getting excited about rodeo and supporting our students,” Bolich went on to say. “The spring rodeo in Bozeman is all about the interaction between the team, the students and the community. Rodeo is a part of our western heritage, and this weekend is important to MSU’s culture and traditions.”

MSU is part of the Big Sky region in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) that includes colleges in Montana as well as Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming. The year is divided into two seasons starting in September and April respectively. Every year, MSU hosts the Spring Opener: a double header with events lasting from Thursday through Sunday.

From the close of the fall schedule, the women are in first place with a 400-point lead over University of Montana - Western. The men are also leading their division, with Northwest College trailing behind in second place. There will be three more rodeos in Miles City, Missoula and Great Falls after the two events this weekend. The top two teams will advance to the finals on June 14-16 in Casper, Wyo.

The National Finals used to take place in Bozeman every year, from 1970 through 1996. The women’s team claimed the National Championship in 2011, while the last time the men won the title was in 1995.

Headquartered in Walla Walla, Wash the NIRA has over 135 colleges and universities represented and is made up of over 3,500 athletes from Missouri to California. There are 11 regions scattered across the western states. The Spring Rodeo has been consistently voted on as the best event in the Big Sky schedule.

“We get to see friends and colleagues from all over Montana and across the region. It is one of our favorite events,” said Sports Facilities Direction Melanie Stocks, who manages the meticulous planning that has garnered this week’s event so much prestige. “The Montana State Spring Rodeo is the best run rodeo in the region, and we have heard from others that it is one of the best in the country,” said Stocks. “Coach Bolich takes a lot of pride in getting a quality stock contractor, announcer and rodeo clown. The team of volunteers that runs the gates, chutes and arena is another essential piece to this operation.”

“Everyone knows their job and does it,” said Stocks. “It is a well-oiled machine. Last year we purchased new bucking chutes which not only look great, but significantly increase the operational efficiency. From the facility perspective, we take a lot of pride in hosting this rodeo each spring and try to focus on improving every year.”

At 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday the gates will open for full rodeo performances. On Sunday at 2:00 p.m. there will be another full rodeo, with slack on Thursday night, Friday morning, Saturday morning and Sunday before the matinee. Ticket prices vary depending on the event, but students can get in with their CatCard for $6 on the Thursday and Sunday rodeos, and $13 on Friday and Saturday.

“I am thrilled to support our dedicated rodeo student-athletes,” said President Waded Cruzado, “Rodeo has long been a part of MSU, bringing home eight national team titles and 32 individual national championships over nearly seven decades.”

“Rodeo promotes the values of hard work and dedication that are an important part of this school,” explains coach Bolich. “It is really great to get the support of President Cruzado, the fieldhouse crew, the administration and everyone who helps out with this event. It is close to a pro-rodeo, if not better. Nothing beats competing in front of the hometown crowd.”

Keenan Kvamme, a sophomore in Animal Science from Carrington, ND, said that the loud crowd helps him perform better. Kvamme competes in Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping and Bull Riding.

“We pack the stands for this event,” said Kvamme. “The other teams love coming to Bozeman for that reason.”

Chase Mitchell, a junior in Agriculture Relations from Shepherd. competes in Tie Down Roping and Team Roping. “We spend a lot of time together during this whole week,” Mitchell explained. “We are proud of our arena and proud we get to put this event on.”

“The first time I competed in the Fieldhouse,” said Mitchell, “I was really nervous because of the big crowd, but now it’s music to my ears.”