story by Don and Pat Reichert
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Alumni, Inc. was recognized at The World of Rodeo Reunion and Gold Card Gathering for its work in organizing reunions and awarding scholarships during the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. Rodeo athletes were awarded $11,000 in scholarships at the CNFR last June.
The Gathering, during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, was attended by people from the 1950’s through the 2000’s and from 19 states, Canada and Belize. Larry Jordan, past NFR Saddle Bronc Riding qualifier, organized the event with his son Brent as Master of Ceremonies.
Rodeo Families, Ladies of Rodeo, and members of the Far West Rodeo that toured Europe in 1969 were also honored.
NIRAA, Inc. board members attending the event in Las Vegas were Butch Bratsky, President, 1971 NIRA Champion Bull Rider; Jerry Beagley, 1974 NIRA Champion Bareback Rider and 1977 NIRA Champion Bull Rider; Ken Adams, 1957 NIRA Champion Bull Rider; and Don Reichert, 1966 and 1968 NIRA Champion Bull Rider.
The NIRAA, Inc. is also instrumental in preserving the history of the NIRA and rodeos by working with the Special Collections Library archives at Texas Tech, Lubbock, TX. Former NIRA members are encouraged to donate their memorabilia to add to the early records of the NIRA already located there. Contact Dr. Monte Monroe, Collection Archivist, Texas Tech University SW Collection/Special Collections, monte.Monroe@ttu.edu. The records are available to anyone doing research on college rodeo.
One of the entertainers at the gathering was Ivan Daines, guitarist and singer from, Innisfail, Alberta. Daines was the 1966 NIRA Champion Saddle Bronc Rider and a former NFR contestant. He also accompanied 92 years young Deb Copenhaver, 1955 and 1956 RCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider when the crowd was blessed to hear Copenhaver sing an inspiring rendition of “Because He Lives”.
Numerous other past champions were in attendance including Cody Custer, 1992 PRCA Champion Bull Rider, PBR co-founder, and 2017 Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductee; Don Johanson, 1978 Canadian Bull Riding Champion, 1986 Canadian Pro Rodeo Cowboy of the year, and 2011 CPRA Hall of Fame Inductee; and Dave Dahl, 1967 NIRA Champion Saddle Bronc Rider and bronc saddle maker. 10 or 11 of the top 15 bronc riders at this year’s WNFR were riding saddles made by Dahl.
More information on the NIRAA reunion, memberships, and the mission of the organization is in your December, 2017 issue of RODEO NEWS. You may also contact any of the NIRAA board members.
