The K-State Rodeo begins tonight and calf roping, bull riding and goat tying will dominate Weber Arena all weekend.
Doug Muller, KSU rodeo coach, said about 16 teams from universities, community and junior colleges from Kansas and Oklahoma will participate this weekend.
“We have contestants spread out throughout the weekend,” Muller said. “There is not one night that is all K-State. I think people would enjoy themselves if they came out to watch and support the Cats.”
Most of K-State’s rodeo members, both men and women, will compete in the weekend’s events. Muller said he thinks K-State will compete well in goat tying, barrel racing and calf roping, and he said there is a member of the team that is good at the team roping event.
“The girls are in really good shape as far as being where they need to be,” Muller said. “They’re taking a step up.”
As for the men, Muller said there is a lot of talent, “just not a lot of luck” in the events.
“You have to draw for stock,” Muller explained about the events. “If you don’t get from middle of the herd to the better end, you have a hard time competing.”
Beth McQuade, program chair for the KSU Rodeo Club, said each day of the rodeo will feature a main event.
“I’m really excited,” McQuade, junior in animal sciences, said. “There are a lot of new and exciting things, and I hope this year’s rodeo is one of the best we’ve had in a long time.”
Tonight is Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, which encourages everyone in the audience to wear pink to help support breast cancer research. McQuade said the winners of each event will receive an extra $25 prize, donated by K-State Collegiate Cattlewomen. Kay Fechter, administrative assistant in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, said advanced tickets can be purchased for $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12.