Third Annual Fall Gather Event Brings Success

The third annual Fall Gather was held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Thunder Island on campus.

Fall Gather was started by students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences with the vision to create an event that brings together students, families, community leaders and professionals in the agriculture industry.

At this year's event, an estimated 1,000 attendees enjoyed food, fellowship, live music and a cornhole tournament, all while celebrating agriculture in the panhandle.

Each year the proceeds from Fall Gather benefits clubs and student organizations in the Department of Agricultural Sciences.

"The third annual Fall Gather absolutely blew our expectations away," said Fall Gather Executive Committee Chairwomen and senior Agricultural Media and Communication major, Addie Brown. "It was incredible to see the community come together to celebrate our local farmers and ranchers and enjoy the products they work day in and day out to produce."

Ranch Horse Team Earns 𝐂hampion D1 Collegiate Title

The defending National Champion WT Ranch Horse Team opened their 2025-2026 season at The Aggieland Classic show sponsored by Stock Horse of Texas, in Bryan, TX from Sept. 25-28. In addition to earning the Champion title, many students earned placings in the top ten.

"I was really pleased with the individual performances at our first show of the year," said Dr. Lance Baker, Professor of Animal Science and Ranch Horse Team Head Coach. "We noted some areas that we need to improve on and will work on those at our next show as we get ready for our World Championship in Abilene at the end of the month.”

Congratulations to the Ranch Horse Team and safe travels as they travel to their next show in Ardmore, OK on Oct. 11.

Individual Results

Novice

• Avery Turner: 3^rd

• Tess Lewis: 4^th

• Elizabeth Iandoli: 6^th

Limited Non Pro

• Marin McCarthy: Champion

• Haylee Triplitt: 6^th

• Lela Chisholm: 8^th

Non Pro

• Parker Ralston: 4^th

• Cutter McLaughlin: 8^th

• Ashley Wortham: 10^th

Natural Sciences Hosts Family

Weekend Event

The WTAMU Natural Sciences Family Weekend event was held on Sept. 26th in the atrium of the Natural Sciences Building.

The event gave families the opportunity to connect with professors, tour the NSB, and learn about academic and community opportunities offered to students.

"Families were invited to campus to meet faculty, connect with their students, and experience the welcoming atmosphere of our departments," said Dr. Dale Stevens, Assistant Professor of Biology.

This event was hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences.

WT Rodeo Team Competes at Frank Phillips College Rodeo

The WT Rodeo team traveled to Canadian, TX to compete at the Frank Phillips College Rodeo from Sept. 25-27.

“I am very proud of how this team showed up at the first two rodeos of the season," said WT Rodeo Head Coach, Mr. Cody Bonds. "We had 5 make the short go at the opener and then 11 maroon vests under the lights Saturday night at the second. Our culture is on the right track and it’s setting the tone for an exciting year ahead.”

Individual Results

Breakaway Roping

Kaiden Stricklen

5^th in short round
5^th in average
Reserve Women’s All Around

Barrel Racing

Tori Huddleston

6^th in short round
4^th in average

Goat Tying

Dalle Robison

4^th in short round
4^th in average

Steer Wrestling

James Colvin

6^th in short round
6^th in average

Justin Wright

10^th in short round
10^th in average

Team Roping

Heath Harkins and Kaiden Stricklen

9^th in short round
9^th in average

Corbin Nix and Karsen Collier

10^th in short round
10^th in average

Tie Down Roping

Weston Peters

1^st in short round
2^nd in average

Henry Jones

10^th in short round

Congratulations Buffs!

Herdsmen Hold Bison Education Event during Tri-State Fair

Members of the Herdsmen team recently organized a community event to share their knowledge about bison at the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo.

The Herdsmen covered topics such as the history of bison on the Great Plains, the importance of bison to the ecology of the region and Native Tribes, as well as the current state of bison here in the Texas Panhandle.

"We are so thankful for the opportunity to go to the Fair this year," said Herdsmen senior, Sam Blanton. "Educating the public about these amazing creatures is one of the best things about being a Herdsmen."

Event attendees had the opportunity to see Thunder XVI or "Doc" and Thunder XV or "Sally" and take pictures with the mascots.