Practice makes perfect — or at least improvement. K-State’s new construction meant success for the Wildcat rodeo team
Just like in any other sport, rodeo skills are strengthened and sharpened by repetitive and consistent practice. With a new arena to practice and perform in, K-State’s rodeo team is already experiencing competitive success.
A new facility
Before the construction of K-State’s Bilbrey Family Event Center, the K-State rodeo team only had indoor access to Weber Arena for four months of the year. The rest of the time, it was forced to practice outside, which led to frequent cancellations due to inclement weather conditions.
“When we first got to see the plans for the Bilbrey Arena, we were really blown away,” said Madeline Meyer, K-State rodeo president. “Weber was already impressive to me compared to what I grew up picturing, but Bilbrey was something else altogether.”
When they practiced at Weber, team members had to haul panels and livestock to the arena for practices. Sometimes, they had to practice at night and on weekends because the old facility had limited availability.
Not only does the new stadium allow for more practice, but it also features many helpful additions:
- Bleacher seating for 3,000 people
- Purple stock pens with bucking chutes and roping boxes
- 80-by-80-foot staging area
- Wash pens
- On-site classroom and restrooms with showers
- Concessions
- VIP area overlooking the arena
- Accessibility
- Big-screen projector
The rodeo members were especially excited about the on-site classroom area.
“The classroom is a great place for rodeo members to plan for the day, socialize, eat lunches and study or do assignments in between practices or clinics,” said Kassandra Shoemaker, K-State rodeo team member and professional rodeo athlete. “We can capitalize on community and being student athletes.”
Saddled up for success
For rodeo events, precision and accuracy is essential. Speed is pivotal, and a missed millisecond can be the difference between winning and losing. A controlled indoor environment helps both horses and riders be better focused.
“The rodeo team performed much better than average this year, and I think that can be attributed to the practice time we had access to at the new facility,” Shoemaker said. “We had five K-State rodeo members make it to the final round.”
The new rodeo coach, Christi Broderick, has also been a huge help to the rodeo team.
“She has done a great job of getting us good stock to practice on, as well as setting up structured practice time with the new facility,” Shoemaker said.
The new arena has also increased general publicity for the rodeo team and the university as a whole, due to the location and the commanding presence the building boasts.
“Bilbrey has brought a lot of attention to the rodeo team and the university, with its big shiny roof on a main road and the activities that are associated with it,” said Brooke Kienhoff, rodeo executive team member. “When I have a rodeo jacket on, people stop me and ask about the team, and I think that has a lot to do with the new construction.”
Future events
The K-State rodeo in February — a sellout — was only the beginning. Bilbrey is equipped to host many different revenue-building events. From 4-H events and livestock shows to country concerts, the opportunities are endless — and entertaining!
Stay tuned for the next Bilbrey showdown.
By Kate Ellwood