SENATOBIA – For the second year in a row, when Northwest Mississippi Community College hosted a three-day intercollegiate rodeo, the first day brought threatening thundershowers and muddy conditions.  Despite the bad weather on Thursday and Saturday, new rodeo coach Bruce Lee is excited about the outcome of the event.

"I'm proud of our athletes," Lee said. "They represented the college well. Overall, I'm thrilled with this rodeo. The attendance was up for all performances, and our sponsors were pleased."

Calf Roper Cody Skelton of Holly Springs scored a 10.9 his first night, 13.1 in the second round for a 24.0 in the average. This score earned him a third place in the event and a ninth place in Ozark Region standings.

Bull riders representing Northwest were Brian Dowdy of Pontotoc, Shane Campbell and Lucas Boatwright, both of Olive Branch.  While none of the Northwest cowboys placed in the short round, Dowdy is currently seventh in regional standings.

"Brian sustained a hand injury while he was still loaded in the chute on Friday night," said Lee. "That injury cost him about 10 stitches."

Ashley Williams of Newton ran out of luck in the barrel racing and breakaway roping categories. Teammate Callie Alexander of Yazoo City made a qualified run in the long go but did not score in the finals.

The rodeo would not have been so successful without a team of dedicated volunteers, according to Dolores Wooten, manager of Alumni Affairs and one of the main organizers of the event. Football and Softball Coach Scott Oakley and Basketball Coach Shane Oakley took up tickets at the door along with retired Cosmetology Instructor Vicki O'Dell and current instructor Regina Luellen.

Foundation Director Sybil Canon and Foundation Assistant Carla Townsend greeted judges and other officials in the hospitality room which was stocked with food donated from the faculty and staff from the Senatobia and Southaven campuses. "Thanks to Joy Brinkley from DeSoto Center for getting donations of food from Dominos, Subway and Kentucky Fried Chicken all three nights," said Wooten.

Career-Tech faculty including Counselor Doug Freeze, Welding Instructor Rodney Steele and Civil Technology Instructor Tommy Watson helped cook food for the concession stand which was staffed by Northwest Foundation Scholarship recipients.

A dedicated team of rodeo alumni worked behind the chutes and in the arena. Tate County 4-H Horse Club members from Young Riders and Hoof Prints greeted fans and handed out programs. 

Coach Lee is already making plans for the next Northwest event, which will be Bull-A-Rama, scheduled for this fall. 

There are three more college rodeos left for the Northwest team: Mississippi State University, April 9-10; University of Tennessee-Martin, April 15-17; and University of Arkansas-Monticello, April 22-24.