Article Courtesy of The Chase – https://www.enmuthechaseonline.com/
By Amanda Brown
With the 2019 fall semester in full swing, the Eastern New Mexico University Rodeo Team is getting set to kick off their 54th annual College Daze Rodeo at the Lewis-Cooper Arena on Sept. 19-21. The event will include a full concession stand, three nights of competitive rodeo, and a full-coverage live stream.
With over a decade of coaching under his belt, ENMU Rodeo Coach Albert Flinn is no stranger to what it takes to put on a good rodeo. Along with getting his students ready to perform – through hours of practice, providing quality stock and keeping the grounds in shape – Flinn has also been hard at work getting the Lewis Cooper facility ready for over 500 attendees. “Possibly the hardest part is making sure you haven’t forgotten anything,” Flinn said. “There’s no way I could be prepared without all the volunteer work this program receives.” He credited ENMU Physical Plant for their maintaining the facilities and local ministry Catch the Vision for maintaining the concessions.
Indeed, hours of work and planning are poured into this event months before it happens. Charles Bennett, head of Catch the Vision, can likely be found daily at the arena volunteering his time to the rodeo program.
The Portales College Daze Rodeo will offer rough stock events like bull riding and bronc riding, to roping events, to barrel racing and more. Beyond the competition, the event will offer a tent with plenty of seating, complete with a concession stand providing quality home-style foods. The event will be broadcast live for those who want to enjoy their meal inside while not missing anything in the arena.
“It’s a chance for students to watch their classmates compete, along with students from 17 different schools and universities,” Flinn said. “It’s an opportunity for many people who have never watched the sport live to see an outstanding, professional style rodeo without having to travel.”
Admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children 12 years and younger. ENMU students can also attend for free with a valid student ID. Rodeo performances start Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. and will continue through Saturday. The slack will begin at 9a.m. Friday and Saturday and is free for all to attend.
