Following the launch of the Olds College Agriculture Group (OCAG) under the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology (WSAT), Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has taken its next step in expanding Broncos Rodeo Team operations by transitioning to a multi-coach strategy.
To support this year’s Rodeo Team — made up of 31 athletes, including returning second-year students and a strong new cohort of first-year competitors — OCAG has officially named Rachel Kerr, Chanse Switzer and Tanner Girletz as rodeo coaches for the 2026–27 season.
These new staff announcements mark the operational rollout of OCAG’s new coaching philosophy — stepping away from a single head coach structure in favour of event-specific, specialized mentors backed by dedicated administrative support from OCAG Manager, Michael Frankiw. This also allows the coaches to focus more of their time and energy in the arena with the rodeo athletes.
Joining the Broncos for the first time is Rachel Kerr. Originally from Kamloops, B.C., Kerr brings a unique combination of professional rodeo success, horse training expertise and academic background to Olds College.
A former Canadian All-Around Cowgirl, 3x Provincial All-Around Cowgirl and National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) short-round winner — finishing 3rd in the nation in Girls Cutting — Kerr competed collegiately for Montana State University in barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping and goat tying while earning her Bachelor of Science in Education. She has since competed professionally in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA), winning events such as the Buffalo Lake Pro Rodeo in breakaway roping and qualifying for the Ponoka Stampede.
Beyond the arena, Kerr is an accomplished horse trainer who has developed all her adult competition horses finding success from futurities through to professional rodeos. Having ridden alongside National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifiers Billie Jack Saebens and Ivy Conrado-Saebens she has had the opportunity to learn from some incredibly accomplished horsemen and business people. In 2018, she founded Rodeo Road Academy, combining her K–12 and post-secondary teaching background with athletic development.
"What really drew me to coaching at Olds College was the opportunity to have an impact on young people during such an important stage of their lives,” said Kerr. “I love rodeo and developing athletes, but coaching has always been about so much more than what happens in the arena. I want our athletes to leave the program believing bigger for themselves, knowing what they’re capable of and equipped to become the best versions of themselves.”
Returning after joining the Broncos during the 2025–26 season as an assistant coach is Chanse Switzer, who brings a lifetime of multi-discipline rodeo experience and high-level professional competition to the OCAG framework.
Switzer grew up competing through the Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA) and college rodeo circuits in tie-down roping, team roping and bull riding. Over the past five years, he has competed professionally in both pro rodeo and PBR Canada. In 2024, Switzer was named PBR Canada Rookie of the Year, an achievement that qualified him to compete on major international stages, including Madison Square Garden in New York and the Australian National Finals Rodeo.
Switzer brings practical instruction experience spanning hands-on skills from technical bull riding clinics to welding, focusing on building learners confidence from the ground up. Returning to the team this season, Switzer is eager to build on the momentum created last year.
“Seeing our new and returning students learn and excel is what I'm most looking forward to,” says Switzer. “Working alongside great new coaches and management will amplify what Olds College can offer students in its rodeo program.”
The third individual to complete the official coaching team is Tanner Girletz. No stranger to the Broncos, Girletz coached from 2017 to the Spring of 2025, leading the team to two National Championships. Girletz himself is a former 2006 Canadian Bull Rider Champion, has nine Canadian Final Rodeo appearances, nine PBR Finals, is a 10 time PBR Canada Finalist, was selected three times to ride for Team Canada at the PBR’s Global Cup, coached the Team Canada Global Cup in 2021 and was named the Cowboy of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Finals Rodeo.
“I am pleased to formally announce my return to Olds College as a member of the Rodeo Program coaching team, alongside Rachel Kerr and Chance Switzer,” announced Girletz. “I am genuinely looking forward to returning and being part of the next chapter of the Olds College Rodeo Program. The College is making a number of positive changes and taking meaningful steps to strengthen the program, with an increased focus on the health, well-being, development and overall experience of our student-athletes.”
Broncos Rodeo athletes were welcomed back to campus on Aug. 31 for orientation as practices got underway ahead of the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) season opener on Sept. 12–13 in Benalto, Alta. Orientation week focused on team bonding among coaches, returning athletes and new recruits, while establishing strict operational and safety protocols.
The comprehensive orientation week covered critical safety, operational and technical preparation for the returning and incoming athletes. Renowned livestock handling expert Jennifer Woods led mandatory safety and animal care training that went over the animal use protocol at Olds College, understanding how and why we utilize animals within the Rodeo Program. Students also completed baseline health assessments, concussion testing, media day photo shoots and administrative check-ins.
Hands-on learning featured tractor operation and arena footing training guided by Jason Harder of OCD Earthworx — the contractor behind the footing for the Calgary Stampede and Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).
To wrap up the week, updated operational protocols were introduced alongside a new partnership between OCAG and Olds College Smart Farm leadership, familiarizing student-athletes directly with Smart Farm personnel and livestock management expectations.
"There was an exciting energy on campus during our first week back as we rolled out this new coaching structure," said Michael Frankiw, OCAG Manager. "Seeing our athletes dive into orientation, connect with our specialized coaching staff, and set the standard for safety and performance inside and outside the arena made for an exceptional start. I’m thrilled to step into this management role to support our coaches and student-athletes as we build an unparalleled collegiate rodeo experience at Olds College."
With the season launching immediately, new coaching and practice protocols are now active. Moving forward, athletes will attend weekly structured classroom sessions covering animal care standards, safety guidelines, competition scheduling and travel logistics.
Rough stock practice nights are returning with new safety protocols in mind to prioritize participant safety. Specialized practice schedules are now set, ensuring athletes receive dedicated event-specific coaching from Kerr, Switzer and Girletz throughout the season.
By uniting specialized coaching, updated safety standards and direct institutional support under OCAG, Olds College is laying a strong foundation for the future of its Rodeo Program. As the Broncos Rodeo athletes prepare for the season ahead, this updated framework ensures student-athletes are fully equipped to excel both in competition and throughout their collegiate journeys.
