Tarleton Rodeo Coach Talks Team Strategy and Advantages
Tarleton State University is located in the cowboy capital of the world, Stephenville, Texas. The Tarleton rodeo program is known for being one of the best in the nation. The coaching staff, facilities, and support from the university is phenomenal.
Tarleton is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, competing in Southwest Region. As one of the toughest regions in the nation, the competition prepares Tarleton athletes well for those qualified for College National Finals, hosted in Casper, Wyoming, every June.
The Tarleton rodeo team has won 37 national titles with plans to add more to their collection at the end of the season.
The women's team head coach, Brittany Stewart, says that this semester the team implemented a new coaching hierarchy. Bringing in eight professional specialty coaches to help small groups of students in their individual events.
"The new specialty coaches brought our team to a whole other level of competitiveness and overall advantages," said coach Stewart. "They brought in the business side of rodeo while also teaching students skillsets of each event. They also taught them the importance of professionalism all the way around, and related it to things they've learned during their professional career on the road."
Stewart credits the teams success this semester to the both the women and men's team being a family and always having each others backs, and always cheering for each other.
Stewart noted how the veteran students on the team that know the different arena setups, the stock, and have a stronger mentality after being in college a couple years have an advantage in college rodeo. However, those members seem to be the biggest help to younger students.
Stewart says the best piece of coaching advice she has ever received has been, "You will look everyone in the eye on your way up, and you will look those same people in your eye on the way back down. Always be professional and respectful no matter what level you are at." She says she shares that advice with the team often.
It is no secret the pressure is there for the team to win. However, one of the main reasons the Tarleton rodeo team is so successful is due to the dedication and investment the coaches make to the program. They host weekly bible studies, team meals, bonding events, special kid events, and even their annual Halloween rodeo.
At the end of every meeting, head coach Mark Eakin encourages his team to be safe, and never leaves without saying "we love you guys."
