What is the NIRA?
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association was officially formed in
April of 1949 when the final approval of the constitution was granted
during the first NIRA National Convention. The NIRA was originally
made up of three regions and thirteen member schools. In August of
that same year the NIRA was granted non-profit status which marked
the official legal birth of the college rodeo governing board and the first
College National Finals Rodeo was held in August of 1949 in San
Francisco, CA. In 1962 College National Finals Rodeo appeared on
ABC's Wide World of Sports and by 1966 member schools totaled 97.
The 70's saw the beginning of National Sponsors joining forces with
College rodeo. By the 1980's college rodeo was at an all time high with
member schools totaling 155. Wrangler Jeans and Shirts signed on as
national sponsor and NIRA officials began to receive payment from an
official's judging fund. In the 90's the National Intercollegiate Rodeo
foundation was created, offering relief for injured athletes,
scholarships, historical preservation and the wellness program
"RAWHIDE". Over the years the NIRA"S history has included some very
big names such as Roy Cooper, Chris LeDoux, Ty Murray, Tuff
Hedeman, Dan Mortensen and many more.
Over the last fifty years the theme of the NIRA has been "Preserving
Western heritage through collegiate rodeo". Today over 100 college
rodeos are held annually with over 3500 students competing from 137
member schools and universities.
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association was officially formed in
April of 1949 when the final approval of the constitution was granted
during the first NIRA National Convention. The NIRA was originally
made up of three regions and thirteen member schools. In August of
that same year the NIRA was granted non-profit status which marked
the official legal birth of the college rodeo governing board and the first
College National Finals Rodeo was held in August of 1949 in San
Francisco, CA. In 1962 College National Finals Rodeo appeared on
ABC's Wide World of Sports and by 1966 member schools totaled 97.
The 70's saw the beginning of National Sponsors joining forces with
College rodeo. By the 1980's college rodeo was at an all time high with
member schools totaling 155. Wrangler Jeans and Shirts signed on as
national sponsor and NIRA officials began to receive payment from an
official's judging fund. In the 90's the National Intercollegiate Rodeo
foundation was created, offering relief for injured athletes,
scholarships, historical preservation and the wellness program
"RAWHIDE". Over the years the NIRA"S history has included some very
big names such as Roy Cooper, Chris LeDoux, Ty Murray, Tuff
Hedeman, Dan Mortensen and many more.
Over the last fifty years the theme of the NIRA has been "Preserving
Western heritage through collegiate rodeo". Today over 100 college
rodeos are held annually with over 3500 students competing from 137
member schools and universities.
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| Photos courtesy of the College Of Southern Idaho Rodeo Team. |
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