STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Both Tarleton State University rodeo teams take to the arena for the first time this season Thursday at the three-day Eastern New Mexico University Rodeo.
The Tarleton State men, led by national champion saddle bronc rider Gus Gaillard, will begin defense of their Southwest Region and national crowns with high expectations as the five-stop fall portion of the 2024-25 season opens in Portales.
“We just had our first saddle bronc practice and the energy was really high,” Gaillard said. “There were a lot of familiar faces, a few new faces, and we’re all excited for the new season.”
He is eager to take on a leadership role for this year’s team.
“Whenever I was a freshman, all I wanted to do was be with the guys who had won the national championship before I got there. Now it’s kind of my job to be there for the younger guys.”
Tarleton State’s women will be looking defend their 2023-24 regional crown. Their season culminated with runner-up honors at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. in June.
Both teams will next compete at the Sul Ross State University Rodeo in Alpine Sept. 26-28, at Clarendon College Oct. 10-12 and at Texas Tech Oct. 24-26 before winding up the fall schedule Nov. 7-9 at Vernon College.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.