SDSU Hosts Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo April 8 & 9
The South Dakota State University Rodeo Club will be hosting the 2016 Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, S.D., April 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Buckles and Bling Fundraiser April 7
SDSU Rodeo Team members will be recognized on the eve of the Jackrabbit Stampede at the Buckles and Bling rodeo team fundraiser, Thursday, April 7, at the Swiftel Center. The fundraiser features a meal, program and both live and silent auctions. All proceeds support Rodeo Team scholarships and travel expenses. Attendees will once again have an opportunity to participate in a Calcutta competition, and can purchase sponsorship of a group of Rodeo Team members with the opportunity to win back money based on how the team members fare during rodeo competition.
The sixth annual Buckles and Bling Fundraiser is hosted by SDSU Rodeo Alumni and Rodeo Club members. A social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event for $30 through April 3, and $35 the night of the fundraiser. A $500 table sponsorship includes two tickets and recognition at the event. Register online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/buckles-bling-tickets-22113635479.
About the Jackrabbit Stampede
The Jackrabbit Stampede is a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association-approved rodeo that features Bareback Riding, Breakaway Roping, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Goat Tying, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Saturday night is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night, with participants supporting breast cancer awareness.
The Jackrabbit Stampede is managed by Sutton Rodeo. “The Sutton family has had a long tradition of supporting the SDSU Rodeo Club,” says Ron Skovly, SDSU Rodeo Coach. “The family started providing stock for the 1956 Jackrabbit Stampede and continues to be committed to making this rodeo the best it can be 60 years later!”
A Dance in the Dirt will be held Friday night in the Swiftel Arena featuring the Hicktown Mafia Band, and sponsored by Hills Western Outfitters. Tickets to the dance cost $10, or $5 in conjunction with purchase of a rodeo ticket.
“The Swiftel Center is great to work with and helps make every aspect of our rodeo run smoothly,” Skovly notes. “They help make the crowd feel welcome and take care of the team members to make sure they are safe so competition can run smoothly. They cover every detail, and do a great job right down to managing the dirt and supporting a great environment for the dance.”
SDSU Rodeo Team
The SDSU Rodeo Club was established in 1952. Though Rodeo Team members are part of the club, not all club members are competing members of the Rodeo Team. The Rodeo Club helps set up and take down equipment to support practices and provides behind-the-scenes support for the Jackrabbit Stampede.
The SDSU Rodeo Team has 52 competing members who travel a total of 5,500 miles, in their own trucks and trailers, to compete in 9 rodeos in addition to the Jackrabbit Stampede each year. Skovly says more than 1,200 SDSU alumni have been Rodeo Club and Rodeo Team members since the Club got its start in 1952. Members of the 2015-16 Rodeo Team are from South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Florida.
“We really appreciate the support we get from donors, sponsors and local businesses to help our Rodeo Team,” Skovly says. “The Jackrabbit Stampede and our Buckles and Bling event provide a great opportunity for us to thank everyone and showcase what our program has to offer. The entire team wants to thank the people who come to our rodeo every year, too.”
Jackrabbit Stampede Tickets can be purchased at the Swiftel Center, 824 32nd Ave., Brookings, during the event, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Contact the Swiftel Center Box Office at 605-692-7539 for more information.
–SDSU
