The Rodeo Team heads to San Antonio

BY PRESLEY SCALZO

Multimedia Journalist

The Lone Star Region Rodeo is headed to the South Texas Collegiate Classic College Rodeo March 5–7, where they will compete in the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio. This region just recently split, which took place in June 2025. 

What once was the Southwest Region is now broken into the Lone Star and Caprock Region. The Lone Star Region consists of seven different colleges, including Tarleton State, Ranger, Cisco, Weatherford, Angelo State, Vernon and Sul Ross. 

Just a few weeks ago, a Lone Star College Rodeo took place for the first time inside the historic Will Rogers Coliseum. This was during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. 

This time, it will take place right after the completion of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The athletes will get to experience what it is like competing on stage just like the Frost Bank Center. They will be adjacent to it at the Freeman Coliseum.

A sophomore on the Tarleton State rodeo team, Mallorie Fewell, explained that not every college athlete gets the opportunity to compete in major Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos, making this experience exceptional.

“I’m looking forward to getting to rope in some new arenas since the region split,” Fewell said. “I grew up in San Antonio, so this feels like a hometown rodeo for me. These big rodeo committees are stepping up and including us alongside their production. It is creating a unique and exciting opportunity for college athletes who might not go on to pursue a professional career in rodeo.” 

This marks a major step for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), as it allows college rodeos to run alongside some of the biggest professional rodeos of the year. It is also creating a new perspective for the Lone Star Region.

Grace Perez, a junior on the Angelo State University rodeo team, explained how valuable this opportunity is for collegiate athletes.

“I’m beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent Angelo State at the first inaugural San Antonio College Rodeo. Being able to compete alongside such talented athletes inside that historic arena is pretty special. These opportunities remind me why I love the sport of rodeo, the hard work, the grit and the community behind it all,” Perez said.

For more information, go to the Lone Star Region website, https://lonestarniraregion.com/rodeo-info.