courtesy of Don Reichert
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Alumni (NIRAA) Board of Directors gathered for their winter meeting at the South Point Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, December 9, 2021, during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR).
NIRAA Alumnus of the Year and Distinguished Contributor of the Year were discussed and details were reviewed for the NIRAA 30th Reunion on Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 18, 2022 during the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming. If you are a past NIRA Champion, NIRA Champion Team Member, or NIRA Student or Faculty President make plans to attend. Agenda and details will be in a future issue of Rodeo News.
The 2022 scholarship amount was established at $36,500 for winners at the CNFR. Go round winners, rookies, and average winners will be awarded $500 scholarships. $5,000 was again generously donated by an anonymous donor for the average winners.
Roger Walters, retiring NIRA Commissioner thanked the board for their impressive commitment to the scholarship program. Walters has been NIRA Commissioner since 2009. He facilitated having a NIRAA chute sign and the NIRAA Flag introduced in the arena during the College National Finals Rodeo for the NIRAA’s level of scholarship awards. He also introduced Jim Dewey Brown, new NIRA Commissioner effective January 1, 2022. Jim Dewey competed for Tarleton State University, was assistant coach at Tarleton, and coached at New Mexico State University for 13 years. Since 2009 he has been production manager for the CNFR. He stated he will continue the good relationship the NIRA has with the NIRAA and thanked the organization for the scholarship support.
About 15 NIRAA members and friends attended the World of Rodeo Reunion at the Orleans Hotel on December 10. Larry Jordan, past NFR Saddle Bronc Riding qualifier, organized the event with his son Brent as Master of Ceremonies. Connie Gjermundson (North Dakota singer and songwriter and brother of Brad Gjermundson, NIRAA Life Member and 4 time PRCA Saddle Bronc Champion) was one of the entertainers at the reunion. She stated, “I enjoy the World of Rodeo Reunion every year. Always get to visit with some pretty neat people!!” One of those neat people was Forry Smith, of Yellowstone TV series fame.
Several NIRA Alumni attended the retirement reception honoring Roger Wolters for his service to the NIRA at the South Point Hotel also on December 10 in Las Vegas. They enjoyed reminiscing with him and Dewey Jim Brown, new commissioner.
