One thing we're trying to do right now is get a team started,' said Kris Blankenship of Waverly, who along with Mandy Schlichenmaier handles public relations for the club. Years ago, club members competed in rodeo events. UNK students would compete in the Mid-Plains region, which includes such states as South Dakota, Colorado, North Dakota and Wyoming. Blankenship said the major issue is finding funds to pay the NIRA membership fees.
Teams can accumulate points at events to qualify for nationals.
NIRA rodeo events include goat tying and barrel racing for women, and saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding, plus team roping, for men. Blankenship said there are a couple UNK students interested in competition. We're in a great area to have a team,' Blankenship said. Another purpose in reviving competitive rodeo at UNK is to help in recruiting students. The UNK club has an arena on North Railroad Street, near the Nebraska Safety Center.