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Buffs in Vegas

Two WTAMU Rodeo Team alumni are headed to the bright lights of Vegas to compete in the pinnacle of rodeo in their respective events.

Quade Hiatt ‘23, with over $101,000 in season-earnings, secured the 15th spot in the tie-down roping world standings. This guaranteed his first qualification for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the Super Bowl of rodeo. His season success included impressive wins at the New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo, the St. Paul Rodeo and the Las Vegas Days. The 24-year-old will be competing for 10 days from Dec. 5 to Dec. 14 in the infamous Thomas & Mack Center. During his time sporting the maroon vest as a Buff, he won the men’s all-around title at the College National Finals Rodeo in 2023. 

Jordon Jo Hollabaugh ‘12, ‘14 claimed her second National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) qualification this year after her first in 2020. She will be competing Dec. 3 through Dec. 4 for the world champion title in the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. The top 15 breakaway ropers will compete for $300,000 during the two-day, 10-round performance. While at WTAMU, Hollabaugh was the assistant rodeo coach and became the first Cheyenne Frontier Days Breakaway Champion in 2019. 

Field Trip to New Mexico 

Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of Environmental Science, led students on a two-day field trip to northern New Mexico for immersive lessons in human ecology and water management, as part of WTAMU's course, ENVR/BIOL 6509: Human Ecology. 

The trip began in Truchas, New Mexico, where students explored the complex relationships between politicians, businesses, and local water interests. From there, they traveled to Velarde, New Mexico, to study irrigation systems, planning, and human ecology, focusing on creating sustainable irrigation solutions for local communities.

The group also visited the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority and the Ute Lake Meredith Salinity Control Project Headquarters to examine ongoing efforts to reduce the salt load in the Canadian River.

The final stop was at El Vado Lake, where students learned about the San Juan-Chama Project, a Bureau of Reclamation initiative that channels Colorado River water into New Mexico via the San Juan and Chama rivers, ultimately supplying the Rio Grande.

2024 Champion NCHA Futurity Horse Judging Team 

The WTAMU Horse Judging Team has been crowned the 2024 Champion NCHA Futurity Horse Judging Team. Four of their members earned spots in the top ten, and the team brought home both the individual Champion and Reserve Champion titles.

Andie Byrd, a junior Animal Science major, claimed the individual Champion title.

Karlee Frank, also a junior Animal Science major, secured the title of Reserve Champion.

Chloe Hamaker, a junior Agricultural Media and Communication major, placed 6th; Morgan Holcomb, a senior Biochemistry major, finished 8th; and Laney Gates, a junior Agricultural Education major, rounded out the team in 11th.

Giving Back

On Saturday, Nov. 23, WTAMU’s chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) volunteered at the High Plains Food Bank for second time this semester, under the guidance of Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry and ACS faculty advisor. The event saw an overwhelming response, with more than enough students volunteering.  

#ICYMI

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