Blue Mountain Community College rodeo received support this week from the BMCC Rodeo Boosters Association in the form of a $20,000 check for scholarships.
The scholarships help support men’s and women’s rodeo student-athletes in their educations and rodeo-related expenses, such as transportation.
The BMCC Rodeo Boosters Association – formerly the Northwest Intercollegiate Rodeo Finals Association – raises funds throughout the year to support the BMCC rodeo teams. The biggest fundraiser is the annual BMCC Rodeo each April in Hermiston as part of competition in the Northwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. It’s also the final qualifier for College National Finals Rodeo. Initially, the rodeo’s proceeds just went to cover expenses related to putting on the rodeo. However, the rodeo’s success over the past several years has enabled the Boosters to provide scholarship funds to the rodeo team as well.
“BMCC is so appreciative of the tireless efforts of the BMCC Rodeo Boosters Association to help our rodeo student-athletes in school and in the arena,” said BMCC Head Rodeo Coach Shawn Eng. “We thank them for their hard work and generosity.”
The BMCC Rodeo Boosters Association fundraises throughout the year for scholarships and to help fulfill program needs, such as equipment. Another fundraising opportunity is coming up Feb. 23, with a break away roping and team roping event at the Pavilion building on the north end of the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds. Break away roping will kick off at 9 a.m. and team roping will start at 11 a.m. All proceeds benefit BMCC Rodeo Boosters.
“We’re honored to be associated with the BMCC rodeo teams and proud to play a part in their success with these scholarships,” said BMCC Rodeo Boosters President Blaine Hendrickson.
The rodeo team also has a new face this year, with BMCC’s first-ever women’s team coach, Kayla Tiegs. Tiegs is a BMCC rodeo alumnus who qualified for CNFR several times, and she’s excited to work with the women’s team.
