WT Rodeo Team
About The Team
The West Texas A&M Rodeo Team represents WTAMU in the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Made up of over 40 members from across the country, the team competes in steer roping and the nine NIRA events: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping. The team has been a fixture at WTAMU for over 30 years.
Mission
At West Texas A&M University, WT Rodeo Team’s mission is to honor the rich traditions of West Texas through the sport of rodeo, upholding a spirit of excellence, integrity, and community, while promoting education. The team strives to develop skilled athletes who excel both in the arena and the classroom while proudly representing WTAMU.
Through a commitment to hard work and sportsmanship, the team engages with the Panhandle community to promote the pillars that define the WT Rodeo program: culture, community and performance. By supporting student-athletes, the team ensures the continued success of the WT Rodeo Team and inspires the next generation of rodeo champions.
WT Rodeo boasts a proud history of achievements, with students and alumni excelling at prestigious events such as the College National Finals Rodeo, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and other prominent competitions nationwide.
Accomplishments
- 2024 South West Region Tie-Down Champion- Kallen Johnson
- 2024 Odessa College Rodeo Steer Wrestling Champion- James Colvin
- 2024 Frank Phillips College Rodeo Tie-down Champion- Weston Peters
- 2023 National Men’s All-Around Champion- Quade Hiatt
- 2021 South West Region Team roping Heeler Reserve Champion- Hayden Cape
- 2006 Walt Garrison Award Recipient- Marty Eakin
- 2006 National Champion Steer Wrestler -Zach Cobb
- 2004 Walt Garrison Award Recipient- JW Todd
- 2004 National Champion Saddle Bronc Rider- Marty Eakin
Meet The Coach
Cody Bonds serves as the head coach of the WTAMU Rodeo Team and is also an Instructor of Animal Science at WTAMU, joining the university in 2023. He earned a B.S. in Agriculture from Eastern New Mexico University in 2007 and an M.S. in Animal Science from West Texas A&M University in 2009.
Throughout his education, Cody competed in college rodeo in saddle bronc. He holds the record for the most money earned in one year in a single event with the Texas Cowboys Rodeo Association. Additionally, he has qualified for the California Circuit Finals twice, as well as the Prairie and Turquoise Circuit Finals as part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
In his professional career, Cody has significantly contributed to the development of agricultural programs. He started a commercial fed steer program while working at the Boys Ranch in Amarillo, and he revitalized the agricultural programs at Adrian ISD, including chartering the FFA program and cattle company at Wildorado ISD. At Wildorado ISD, Cody also served as the first football coach and helped two students reach the state finals in pole vaulting.
His dedication to both rodeo and education continues to shape the future of the WT Rodeo Team and the students involved in the program.
For team inquiries, email rodeo@wtamu.edu, or Coach Bonds can be reached at cbonds@wtamu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a member of the WT Rodeo Program?
Email rodeo@wtamu.edu with your rodeo portfolio, including a résumé, at least three videos of your performances, a biography, and references.
Coach Bonds and Assistant Coach Brandon will evaluate videos sent to them by the interested student as early as 12-24 months prior to the student enrolling at WT. The coaches will assess the competitiveness of the horse and rider in the event in which they will compete. Following a positive evaluation, prospective team members are then invited to campus for an University tour and an interview.
Who makes up the points team?
The points team consists of 10 members (6 men and 4 women), chosen based on their potential to score points at college rodeos and their commitment to practices.
Can I still rodeo for WT if I'm not on the points team?
Yes! The active roster on the team is currently around 45 members who wear our vests at the rodeos, collect points individually, make short rounds, and qualify for the college finals without being on the points team.
What are the eligibility requirements to compete?
A student must take a minimum of 12 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to travel to rodeos.
Do I have to have my own horse?
Any rider competing in a timed event is expected to arrive with their own horse. Rough stock riders will have stock provided for them at practice.
Where can I keep my horse?
The WT rodeo arena holds 30 stalls that are allocated by Coach Bonds through scholarships. Additional boarding options are available in Canyon and Amarillo areas.
Does the team cover my travel expenses?
Students are responsible for their transportation to and from college rodeos, with a stipend available to those on the points team.
Does the team provide feed for personal horses?
The team does not provide feed for personal horses, but they do cover the costs for practice stock.
Where and when does the WT Rodeo Team compete?
WT Rodeo is part of the Southwest Region competing with 17 other schools in the state of Texas and New Mexico. There are ten rodeos a year, five in the fall and five in the spring. For more information, visit southwestregionrodeo.com
What do practices look like?
Practices are divided by events with individualized time slots. The men’s and women’s teams work together to ensure smooth sessions and maximize training opportunities.
How can I support the team?
Follow the giving link to make a difference! https://www.givecampus.com/61fqnb
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