story by Merrill Ellis
Montana State Bobcat Rodeo (MSU) is one of the most storied programs in the history of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). In addition to nearly 30 years of hosting the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), MSU Rodeo Teams have claimed 8 National Team Championships, 32 individual National Championships and a multitude of Big Sky Regional crowns.
At this year’s CNFR, the BOBCATS had five qualifiers compete in the short round on Saturday night. When the dust all settled, the MSU Men’s Team ended up 6th in the Nation.
In addition to the NIRA championships won below, the MSU Rodeo Team and its members are heavily involved with community activities and are engaged with numerous community projects. Montana State University, the MSU Rodeo Alumni and MSU Foundation set out on an aggressive capital campaign. When it was completed, the group raised over $1 million, set up an endowment and an Annual Operating Fund. This was the first Rodeo Endowment in NIRA history.
The Bobcat Rodeo and the history at Montana State University runs deep and even though considered a Club sport, Rodeo remains the backbone of this Land Grant University.
Butch Bratsky, NIRA Alumni, Inc president was the 1974 NIRA Bull Riding Champion while attending MSU. He is also a member of the MSU Chute Boss Club.
He stated, “Blue and Gold run through the hearts of those that have attended and rodeoed for MSU. The program is in good hands with Andy Bolich as coach and an aggressive group of Bobcat supporters, known as the Chute Boss Club.”
Bratsky continued, “It is a very rewarding to help raise money and provide scholarships for MSU Rodeo Athletes as well as the ones we give at the CNFR for the NIRA Alumni, Inc.”
For additional information and the MSU Rodeo Program, please contact: Bobcat Rodeo Office, Andy Bolich, Coach; 239 Brick Breeden Fieldhouse Bozeman, Mt. 59717 or call 406-994-2403 email: andybolich@montana.edu.
Individual National Championships
1949 – Present (32)
1949 Bob Sauke Wild Cow Milking
1958 Vic Small Steer Wrestling
1960 Hale Jeffers Steer Wrestling
1961 Sue Burgraff Melaney Women’s All-Around
1961 Gary Murphy Steer Wrestling
1964 Karen Coleman Miller Goat Tying
1966 Carol O’rourke Smith Women’s All-Around
1971 Jan Walter Wagner Breakaway Roping & All-Around
1972 Bob Schall Bareback Riding
1972 Lynn Perry Steer Wrestling
1972 Dean Perkins Ribbon Roping
1972 Jock Mcdowell Saddle Bronc
1973 Jock Mcdowell Saddle Bronc
1974 Butch Bratsky Bull Riding
1975 Bud Munroe Saddle Bronc
1978 Dave Griffith Saddle Bronc
1979 Dave Griffith Saddle Bronc
1988 Ken Lensegrav Bareback & All-Around
1988 Rex Phillips Bull Riding
1989 Ken Lensegrav Bareback
1991 Shawn Vant Bareback & All-Around
1992 Dan Mortenson Saddle Bronc
1992 Lana Tibbetts Goat Tying
1994 Jason Jackson Bareback & All-Around
1995 Jason Jackson Bull Riding & All-Around
2011 Kate Sharon Goat Tying
2012 Ty Erickson All-Around
2013 Ty Erickson All-Around
National Championship Teams – (8)
1967 Women’s Team Reserve Champions
1972 Men’s Team National Champions
1974 Men’s Team Reserve Champions
1975 Men’s Team National Champions
1977 Women’s Team Reserve Champions
1986 Women’s Team National Champions
1988 Men’s Team National Champions
1989 Men’s Team Reserve Champions
1990 Men’s Team National Champions
1991 Men’s Team National Champions
1995 Men’s Team National Champions
2011 Women’s Team National Champions