Northeastern State Univeristy Adds Rodeo Program

Northeastern State University is bringing rodeo into its intercollegiate athletics lineup, becoming another school to recognize the opportunity college rodeo offers student-athletes.

Announced June 25, the new program is expected to begin competing in sanctioned events in 2027, pending approval. Based in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the team will practice and compete at Rockin P Arena, with 12 time PBR World Finals qualifier Ryan Dirteater helping with coaching, recruiting and program development.

For rodeo, the addition is about more than another team on the college schedule. It is another opportunity for a university to invest in athletes who are already competing at a high level while working toward a degree.

College rodeo has continued to grow, with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association reporting an increase from 3,493 members in 2022 to 3,815 in 2025. The organization also expanded its regional structure in 2025 to accommodate growth and create more opportunities for athletes and schools.

The talent competing at the college level is not something new to the sport. College rodeo athletes come from rodeo families, high school programs and years of experience in the arena. Many are already balancing school with practice, travel, livestock care and competition. Building a program gives a university the chance to provide more structure and support around those commitments.

That is part of what makes NSU's announcement important. Rather than leaving students to find a way to compete around their college experience, the university is building a program around both.

Director of Athletics John Sisemore said the opportunity is personal to him as a lifelong rancher who grew up with rodeo as part of his life and the culture of the region.

The program will have access to Rockin P Arena through owners Craig and Waynita Philpott. The facility offers indoor and outdoor space for practices giving the team a home base as it begins recruiting and building its roster. Rockin P Arena recently hosted an inaugural PRCA rodeo as well. The amazing facility alone will be enough to draw rodeo students in. 

Dirteater, a Cherokee citizen from Hulbert, Oklahoma, will help guide that process. A 12 time PBR World Finals qualifier and the 2016 PBR World Finals event winner, he brings experience from the highest level of professional bull riding to a program that will be developing its own group of talented student athletes.

He also sees the connection between what students learn in the arena and what they need to succeed outside it.

“Rodeo teaches grit and perseverance,” Dirteater said in NSU's announcement. “Success isn't about never failing, it's about getting back up and trying again. Those are the same qualities it takes to earn a degree and succeed in life.”

For students in Northeast Oklahoma, the program could also mean staying closer to home while pursuing both goals. Dirteater noted that talented rodeo athletes have often had to leave their communities to find opportunities to compete while earning a degree. NSU's new team will give those students another option.

A hiring committee is being formed to begin the process of bringing in a full time coach and starting recruitment of students. 

As the program takes shape, NSU has an opportunity to build something that serves its athletes, university and surrounding community. College rodeo requires a commitment that extends well beyond competition day, and a university willing to treat it as an athletic program can help its student athletes manage those demands while continuing their education.

The sport is built around young people pursuing big goals in and out of the arena, another  program is a welcome addition. NSU's next step is turning that announcement into a team and giving future RiverHawks a place to compete in the arena.