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- Scholarships
- Rodeo Results
- FAQs
- Contact
Rodeo
Riding with Pride
The A&M-Commerce Rodeo Team has achieved many successes and continues to be a place for high-level rodeo talent to showcase their skills. Multiple Lion Rodeo Team members have captured championships at the College National Finals Rodeo since the program was restarted in 2013.
Our Program
Head Coach Dameon White and the rodeo team utilize the new and improved amenities at the Equine Center, which includes a new covered riding arena, stalls, wash racks, saddle racks and accessible restrooms. In addition, an existing roping and riding arena is on the grounds, along with a number of barns and improved teaching classrooms.
Scholarships
To compete in college rodeo while attending Texas A&M University-Commerce is a privilege. Rodeo scholarships are available for those who have the ability to do college-level coursework and who are competitive in the rodeo arena. Students are evaluated in a holistic manner, and thus student information such as SAT and/or ACT, GPA, and success in and outside the arena will be considered. For timed event participants, horses being ridden will also be considered in the holistic process. Scholarships amounts may vary per academic year. You are also strongly encouraged to apply for university-wide scholarships as well. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for more information.
You will be considered for a scholarship if:
- You have been competing in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) but have smaller rodeo scholarships (or no scholarship) and meet the holistic criteria, both academically and competitively. You will be given first priority for larger scholarships.
- You are not competing in NIRA rodeos and meet the holistic criteria both academically and competitively in rodeos outside of the NIRA collegiate rodeos.
- You are a transfer student or high school graduate with outstanding records (i.e. Year-End Champions, Regional Champions, National Champions).
Application instructions
1. Complete and gather the following:
- Lions Rodeo Scholarship Application (include short answer responses)
- Current Resume (required)
- Unofficial Transcripts (required)
- Video, DVD or website URL highlighting your talents in the rodeo arena (required)
- Include the URLs in your application. Make sure they are not broken. Your application will be considered incomplete if the links are broken.
- Letter of Recommendation (optional)
2. Mail or email the packet to:
- Dameon White Coach, Lions Rodeo
Texas A&M University-Commerce
P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429-3011 - [email protected]
Incomplete files will not be considered until all items above have been received. No exceptions! If you are attending in the fall semester, you should submit your scholarship packet as soon as possible due to limited scholarships.
Rodeo Results
You will find up-to-date regional NIRA standings in all of the rodeo events, including the Men’s and Women’s Team results for rodeos in the Southern Region.
Southern Region
Texas A&M University-Commerce is in the Southern Region of the NIRA. The Southern Region provides in-depth information about coaches, schools, entry information and more.
- National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association – NIRA
- College Finals Information
- Cowboy Sports News
- Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association – PRCA
- Professional Bull Riders Association – PBR
- United Professional Rodeo Association – UPRA
- United States Team Roping Championships – USTRC
- Women's Professional Rodeo Association – WPRA
- World Series of Team Roping
Frequently Asked Questions
What requirements must I meet to compete on the rodeo team?
We look for individuals who will represent the university and rodeo community well. Team members are required to member with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). The 2020-2021 cost of the NIRA membership is $270.00. You must remain in good academic standing, follow team rules and maintain NIRA membership to compete on the rodeo team.
How do I apply for a Rodeo Scholarship?
To apply for a rodeo scholarship, you must include:
- Resume
- Academic transcript
- A video highlighting your talents in the rodeo arena
Please send all documents to:
Lion Rodeo
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
You can also send your application electronically to Dameon White, head rodeo coach. If you do not receive a confirmation within three days, please contact the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at 903.886.5358. Incomplete files will not be considered.
All students are eligible to apply for rodeo scholarships.
Does A&M-Commerce offer Rodeo Scholarships?
Yes, rodeo scholarships are available for those who have the ability to do college level coursework and who are competitive in the arena. Students are evaluated in a holistic manner. Student information such as SAT or ACT, GPA, and success in the arena will be considered. For timed event participants, horses being ridden will also be considered in the holistic process. Scholarships may vary per academic year.
Does the Rodeo Team travel together to and from rodeos?
No, the team does not typically travel together. Each student is responsible for their own transportation to and from rodeos, including lodging accommodations.
How many individuals can be on the Rodeo Team?
The coach will choose six men and four women to be on the points team for the college, which is determined by points accumulated at the collegiate rodeos. The team can be different from week to week. Those not on the team can also accrue individual points, but they will not count towards the team points.
How many Rodeos are held each year?
There are generally five rodeos every fall and spring semester. Most rodeos begin on Friday and end on Saturday. Location varies each year.
Does the Rodeo Team practice together?
Yes. Rodeo team members are expected to attend designated practice times. Failing to attend practices could jeopardize team members’ scholarships.
If I am on a Rodeo Scholarship, do I need to attend all College Rodeos?
Yes, you must attend all college rodeos. Please contact Dameon White for more information about athlete requirements and expectations.
If I am a transfer student who wants to become a member of the A&M-Commerce Rodeo Team, what should I do?
If you are interested in becoming a member of the A&M-Commerce Rodeo Team, contact rodeo coach Dameon White at [email protected] to discuss your interest.
Contact Us
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011