Finding Your Fit: How to Choose the Right College Rodeo Program

Frog
Nov 6
3 min read

The College National Finals are held in Casper, Wyoming each year at the Ford Wyoming Center.

It’s About More Than Just the Arena

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.

1. Look Beyond the Buckles & Money when choosing who to College Rodeo for

The right program isn’t always the one with the biggest banners or the flashiest facilities. It’s the one that will help you grow — as a student, a competitor, and a person.

“You’re not just representing yourself anymore — you represent the college.” — Kaylee Moyer, Frank Phillips College

Ask yourself:

Will I be supported academically?
Does this team culture align with my goals and values?
Can I see myself living in this community?

A winning program is about balance — one that values your education and your experience as much as your arena results.

2. Don’t Forget the Classroom

Rodeo is the hook, but education is the foundation. Make sure your college offers the major, internship opportunities, and class sizes that fit your learning style.

Strong academic support, tutoring options, and understanding faculty can make all the difference when you’re balancing a demanding travel schedule. A great coach will remind you — success starts in the classroom.

3. Team Culture Is Everything in College Rodeo

Coaches build their programs around culture — not just talent.

“We want kids who fit — who are respectful, dependable, and care about their teammates.” — Jim Boy Hash, Garden City CC

When visiting or researching programs, pay attention to how the team interacts. Do they support each other? Do they hold each other accountable? The people you travel, compete, and study with will shape your college experience as much as any coach or class.

4. Location, Lifestyle & Logistics

Don’t overlook where you’ll be living. Do you prefer a small-town campus or a large university setting? Will you be close to home or hours away? Is the cost of living manageable?

Consider the full picture — housing, travel distance, access to practice facilities, and community environment. A great program on paper can be tough to enjoy if the location doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

“When students find a school that feels like home, they perform better — in and out of the arena.” — Rodeo Coach , Big Sky Region

5. Talk to Coaches — and Listen Closely

Coaches expect you to reach out. The recruiting process works both ways — they’re evaluating you, but you should be evaluating them too.

Ask meaningful questions like:

How do you support student-athletes academically?
What does a typical practice schedule look like?
What kind of team culture are you building?

“When a student asks about team culture or academics, that’s when I know they’re thinking long-term, not just about the arena.” — Rodeo Coach, Great Plains Region

Good communication and thoughtful questions show maturity — and help you find a coach whose vision aligns with yours.

6. Use the Bullfrog Portal to Explore Programs

Every college rodeo program is unique — and the Bullfrog Recruiting Portal makes it easy to explore them all in one place.

Inside the College Rodeo Programs section, you can:

✅ Discover programs by NIRA Region

✅ Access verified coach contact information

✅ View team details, scholarships, and majors offered

Before you commit, take time to research, connect, and compare. Your fit is out there — and Bullfrog Recruiting Solutions can help you find it.

Final Tip: Choose Growth Over Glory

Winning teams change year to year — but the impact of the right program lasts a lifetime. Choose a school where you’ll be challenged, supported, and inspired — not just recruited.

Ready to Find Your Fit?

Create your free athlete profile at BullfrogRecruiting.com and start exploring programs by region, division, and team culture. Because in college rodeo recruiting, the right fit is worth more than any buckle.