Students at Iowa State have many clubs available to join, one of which has grown exponentially during the past few years. 

The Rodeo Club at Iowa State is a close-knit group of students who are passionate about two things: their animals and rodeo. Students in the club, most majoring in agriculture-related fields, participate in a variety of activities.

The main draw for many club members is the opportunity to participate in rodeos with the club’s team. As of now, the team consists of 12 members who compete across the Midwest at colleges in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and other states.

Once a club member joins the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, he or she is allowed to compete. A lot of traveling is required to be part of the rodeo team, with competitions in the fall and spring.

Rodeo is very competitive across the nation, and national finals will take place in Las Vegas this spring.

“This school year is the first year that there has been a legitimate team,” said Emma Grotting, sophomore in agricultural business, a member of the competitive team and the club’s fundraising chairperson. “There were only two or three people competing in the past, but now there’s 12.”

Membership has grown exponentially in the past several years within the Rodeo Club, and it now has about 50 members with a variety of rodeo talents.

Cyclone Stampede is Iowa State’s annual rodeo competition, and members from all across the mid-plains region come to Ames to compete. Although Cyclone Stampede is a separate entity from the Rodeo Club, all of the members are involved with both organizations.

Cyclone Stampede is the biggest event of the year for Rodeo Club members, but the club participates in other events throughout the year as well. The members bond during cleanup days at the rodeo grounds and hold their annual Cowboy Ball as a year-end celebration.

For many of the students who own animals and participate in rodeo events, it’s a really important part of their lives.

“To me, rodeo is more than just an event. It’s the best environment to be around. Everyone is willing to help everyone else,” said Malachi Schroeder, freshman in agricultural studies, a member of the club and a competitive bull rider.

A very integral member of the club is Ashley Anderson, junior in veterinary medicine and coach of the competitive rodeo team.

“We give a lot of credit to her. She makes all this possible,” Schroeder said.

Though rodeo may seem like a tough hobby to get involved with, Stormy Baker, junior in public service and administration in agriculture and ISU Rodeo Club president, along with the rest of the club, encourages students of all backgrounds to get involved.

“We encourage all experience levels,” Baker said. “If they’ve never touched a horse before or if they’ve been rodeoing their whole life, anyone can learn from anybody else’s experiences.”

The club holds meetings the first Monday of every month in Kildee Hall.