story by Sharon Adams
“My goal has always been to make a difference” said Dennis Montgomery, new member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Alumni Board of Directors. When it comes to rodeo and especially college rodeo, Dennis Montgomery just can’t stop working and volunteering! He came a little late to the sport but once he became involved he went full steam ahead.
Montgomery retired in 2015 from his position as rodeo coach at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah and like most rodeo coaches, he keeps right on coming to the College National Finals Rodeo each June and “doing whatever they ask me to do”. And he keeps right on making a difference with professional rodeo, too.. This summer, like every summer, he was working as a volunteer preparing the arena for the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo, then working as Security Director.
He studied architectural drafting at Salt Lake Community College, went to the police academy, worked as a policeman and paramedic and spent 25 years on the Ogden City Fire Department. After retiring from the fire department, he was hired by Weber State University in Ogden as their Fire Marshall.. Along about that time he began helping the rodeo coach as an assistant and by 2003, he was the rodeo coach. In that year Weber State’s women’s team were reserve champions, runners up to the team from Vernon, Texas.
Three years later, in 2006, the Women’s Team from Weber State took the top spot. Team members Courtney Dobson, Josie Jarvis, Texie Rose and Sierra Thomas racked up over 500 points to beat out National American University.
He didn’t just coach the ladies. In 2008, one of Montgomery’s contestants, Cody Wade was the national college champion Steer Wrestler. That was also the year, Montgomery was chosen as the NIRA Coach of the Year. He served as the NIRA Faculty President for two years and worked at every college rodeo in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Montgomery is easy to spot at the College Finals rodeo. Tall and friendly with a memorable mustache he helps out wherever he is needed, behind the chutes, even showing off items and taking bids at the Fashion Show Lunch. He has nine sisters so you know nothing can intimidate him!
He and his wife Kathy live in Huntsville, Utah. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.
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