College rodeo is about far more than what happens inside the arena. For many athletes, the experience also becomes a training ground for leadership, responsibility, and community building.

As we left the Team Wyoming Breakfast at the Rio, I stalkingly commented as these strangers walked by that "hey, I follow you!" And I got to meet Cowboy Entrepreneur, Scott Knudsen and his daughter Hailey Knudsen. Being more intentional, and maybe a little awkward allowed me to network with a few new people last week. Every December, Las Vegas becomes the center of the rodeo world. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo brings together athletes, families, coaches, and industry l

What are you thankful for this year? Thanksgiving has a way of slowing everything down- I mean, after the meal is cooked, cleaned up and we finally sit on the couch. Rodeo seasons wind down, students head home, and all the noise of fall settles into something a little quieter. It’s the perfect moment to look back and take stock of what shaped us - and what we’re grateful for. When I think about my own journey, college rodeo rises to the top every time. My years at Northwest C

I have vivid memories from my time in college. Some from the classes that I took, but mostly from the family I made. A team that was there for me during the ups of qualifying for the CNFR and even the first goat tying run I made after I had a major back surgery.

Throwing your horses in with someone else and carpooling to the next college rodeo, blasting music on road trips, the late nights and early mornings, and team practices create more than just champions; they build a culture of grit, humility, and connection. When you go through adversity with a group of people it can create ties that last a lifetime. Every coach we’ve talked to says the same thing: winning runs come and go, but great culture lasts.

Choosing the right college rodeo program can feel like trying to rope a calf in the dark — there are a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to focus on the wrong target. Sure, every student-athlete wants a great coach, a strong team, and solid scholarship support. But when you talk to college rodeo coaches, one message stands out: the best program for you is the one that fits who you are — not just who gives you the most money.

Things are about to change for you.  No longer are the days of mom and dad waking you up, doing chores for you or making sure things are done for you.  It is up to you, now.

At Bullfrog Recruiting, we believe in helping student-athletes succeed inside the classroom as much as inside the arena. We’ve worked with coaches, former students, and referenced the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) to help you understand how academics affect your recruiting journey—and how to stay on track.