courtesy of Don Reichert
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Alumni, Inc. (NIRAA) was incorporated in 2001 after having reunions of past college rodeo participants for about 10 years prior to that date. One of the major purposes of the NIRAA is to organize and host an annual reunion of past and current National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) participants in order to honor past NIRA championship teams, individual champions, presidents, and award scholarships to current NIRA participants.
Members receive a 1 year subscription to Rodeo News, the premier magazine with “Nothin’ but Rodeo”. Every issue has one page dedicated to NIRA Alumni News and profiles of past and present college rodeo notables such as Jack Roddy, Tom Miller, Cotton Rosser, and Casper College Team Champions (1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966).
This year at the annual reunion (June 17 and 18, 2022), recognition will be given to event champions, team champions, and presidents from the years ending in “2”. Those recognized will be introduced during the Friday night College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) and receive 2 tickets to the NIRA Foundation Cinch Luncheon on June 18 where they can support the NIRA Scholarship program at the style show and auction. Because this year is the 30th reunion all past team and event champions and presidents from all years are invited. Membership dues support the reunion and operation of the organization including recognition awards, Alumni of the Year, and Contributor of the Year. Members will help raise scholarship donations to support today’s college rodeo athletes. In 2021 over $40,000 in scholarships were awarded at the CNFR.
NIRA Alumni, Inc. Membership Dues are: $35 Individual Membership, $50 Individual and Spouse Membership. These dues are to be paid yearly in January or you may purchase a $500 one-time Life Membership. Dues can be paid online with a credit card at https://www.fundraise.com/niraalumnimembership or you can pay with a check. Please make checks payable to NIRA Alumni, Inc, and mail to NIRA Alumni, Inc. 3211 Elys Path, San Antonio, Texas 78230. A membership form can be downloaded and printed at http://www.collegerodeo.com/resources/alumni or is on this page of Rodeo News.
“For me, college rodeo created unforgettable memories and friendships. Becoming an NIRA Alumni, Inc. member and attending the annual reunion refreshes those memories and renews friendships,” explained Don Reichert, NIRAA President and 1966 and 1968 NIRA Bull Riding Champion.
He continued, “It also provides anyone associated with college rodeo an opportunity to support the scholarship program for student rodeo athletes or help obtain donors for the program. It is very rewarding to be able to give current college rodeo athletes financial support while they are earning a marketable degree in college.” Your contribution will support scholarships to aid in the educational goals of college cowboys and cowgirls. The NIRA Alumni is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization so your scholarship donations are income tax deductible. Contribute online at www.fundraise.com/niraascholarshipfund or send a check to NIRA Alumni, Inc. 3211 Elys Path, San Antonio, Texas 78230.
Keep the Tradition Alive!”
