By Desiree M. Cooper
Photo by Geo Lujan
Eastern New Mexico University attracts students from all over the world. One such student is rodeo star Gina Flewelling. Flewelling, a senior majoring in public relations, is from Lacombe, Canada.
Chase: Portales and Lacombe are pretty far away from one another. How did you choose ENMU?
Flewelling: My two older brothers came here. I actually wasn’t sure if I wanted to come here, but I came down and talked to the coach and decided I really liked it. This is the best region for rodeo.
Chase: Rodeo seems like a big part of your life. What drew you to the sport?
Flewelling: I’ve been in rodeo since I was four years old. My whole family rodeos, so it has always been my passion. I love horses. I have two of them here: Blackie and Aqua.
Chase: What is your favorite memory involving rodeo?
Flewelling: During my senior year of high school, I won goat tying and all-around for the Provincial Finals.
Chase: What else are you involved in on campus?
Flewelling: I am an anchor for News 3 New Mexico every Tuesday.
Chase: What other interests do you have?
Flewelling: I have a very sporadic taste in music. I listen to absolutely everything. I like Nickelback because they are Canadian. They are from a place about an hour from where I live. I’m obsessed with the TV show Sons of Anarchy. I can also ride a unicycle.
Chase: When you aren’t busy with school, anchoring, and rodeo, where do you like to spend time in Portales?
Flewelling: La Paz because I absolutely love their fajita burritos. We don’t have food like that in Canada.
Chase: Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled?
Flewelling: Probably the Banff National Park. It is so beautiful there; the scenery is unreal. It is in Alberta.
Chase: If you could travel anywhere, where would you want to go?
Flewelling: Italy. I’d like to try all the food and wine.
Chase: Who do you look up to?
Flewelling: My mom. She was successful in rodeo and is the smartest woman I know. I appreciate her never-ending support.
Chase: If you won the lottery, what would you do?
Flewelling: I would buy the best barrel horse going and try to make the National Finals Rodeo.
Chase: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Flewelling: Back at home, working for an oil corporation. I’d also like to keep roping.