Broncos Host Sold-Out CCRA Fall Rodeo at Brawn Arena

Rodeo athletes across the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) have been battling hard all season, and for the fifth stop on the schedule, the action moved to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology for the annual Fall Home Rodeo. Over the weekend, the Brawn Arena on campus came alive as 32 Broncos athletes and 99 visiting CCRA competitors took to the dirt in front of a packed hometown crowd.

The Fall Rodeo has been a campus staple for years, bringing together students, staff, alumni and rodeo families every autumn. However, this year marked a milestone as the event operated for the first time under the management of the Olds College Agriculture Group (OCAG) alongside a new multi-coach model.

“An event of this scale relies on countless people working behind the scenes,” said Michael Frankiw, OCAG Manager. “We couldn't have asked for better support, and the weekend wouldn't have run as smoothly without everyone pulling together. I'm truly grateful to work alongside a team so dedicated to our students.“

That team effort was on full display from the moment the weekend kicked off. The Broncos set the pace on Friday with their "Tuition in the Turn" barrel racing jackpot, inviting open competitors of all ages to test their speed. It was an exciting start to the festivities as 72 barrel racers carved up the dirt inside the Brawn.

The energy from the jackpot carried right into the Fall Rodeo events. Saturday slack kicked off at 10 a.m. with stands full of supportive friends, families and fans — a true testament to the close-knit rodeo community.

By the Saturday evening performance, all available tickets — online and the limited tickets set aside for purchase at the door — were sold out. With the Brawn Arena filled to capacity by students, friends, family and community members, local excitement spilled into the surrounding community; fans unable to secure arena tickets gathered at watch parties across town, including The Crossing Pub and Bulldog’s Saloon, both of which live-streamed the action.

Powered by loud hometown cheers and familiar arena walls, the Broncos made the most of their home-dirt advantage Saturday night. Olds College athletes delivered stellar runs across the board, securing 15 top-ten finishes and three event wins: Emilee Langford captured first place in Pole Bending, Camryn Elder won the Barrel Racing and Kayl Hankins took top honours as the Team Roping Header champion of the night.

Bright and early Sunday morning, the arena was full once again as the slack and second performance were combined to showcase all 131 competitors. The Broncos kept their foot on the gas, earning ten more top-ten finishes. Brooke Jeffreys claimed the top spot in Goat Tying, while Camryn Elder posted another blistering run to sweep the Barrel Racing. Elder’s back-to-back victories earned her the title of Barrel Racing Average Champion for the weekend, while teammate Cooper Seelhof joined her at the top of the leaderboard as the weekend's Steer Wrestling Average Champion.

Behind the performances in the arena lies an incredible effort from the student-athletes themselves. Beyond competing at a high level, Broncos team members managed livestock, ran event logistics for their teammates and competitors, and prepared the arena in advance for a sold-out crowd and hundreds of competitors. 

“It’s always exciting to have the opportunity to compete in front of a hometown crowd and showcase the hard work, dedication and pride our athletes put into this sport every day, “ said Rachel Kerr, Olds College Rodeo Coach. “As coaches, we want to see our athletes grow not only as competitors but as individuals, and weekends like this are a big part of that. I’m incredibly proud of this group and the way they continue to represent Olds College. We’re also very fortunate to have such a supportive community behind our program. Seeing everyone come together to support these athletes and the future of college rodeo is something pretty special.”

“The privilege we have as cowboys and cowgirls in such an amazing sport is second to none,” reflects Tanner Girletz, Olds College Rodeo Coach. “That being said, to get to compete in front of a sold out hometown crowd is even more rewarding. The kids all showed up this past weekend and put in the effort that it takes to win. Watching the moments where it clicks for them and they figure out how to win is all I need as a coach! We have a great group of kids and it was a great rodeo had by all!”

Of course, an event of this caliber would not be possible without the dedicated officials, stock contractors, arena crew and medical staff working tirelessly behind the scenes. The College was especially proud to welcome back two alumni — announcer Dom St. Amand, who got his start right at Olds College, and judge Colin Hollywood. Joined by judge TJ Nash, music director Dave Kilby, and timers Rhonda Henry and Suzanne Kelly, the event execution crew ensured everything ran seamlessly from start to finish.

“I also want to recognize our coaches — Rachel, Tanner and Chanse — for their hard work inside and outside the arena,” said Frankiw. “Keeping a rodeo running, managing details and keeping things on track while supporting our student-athletes takes immense time and coordination. I deeply appreciate everything they did to make the weekend a success.”

Essential support came from stock contractors Circle C Team Roping and Duffy Rodeo Company, while pickup men Daniel Gratton and Philip Schellenburg, bullfighters Will Scott and Dillon O’Neill, and the paramedic team from Adrenaline Medical Services Inc. worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to keep every athlete safe.

Thanks to these standout performances, the Broncos Rodeo team solidified their position near the top of the league. Heading into their final fall circuit stop this weekend in Fort Macleod, Olds College sits proudly in second place in the CCRA standings.