The “2013 Railtown U.S.A. Collegiate Rodeo,” presented by First National Bank and hosted by Mid-Plains Community College, has been deemed a resounding success by college officials and event organizers.
“The first annual Railtown U.S.A. Collegiate Rodeo was a huge hit,” said North Platte Community College Vice President Marcus Garstecki. “Between the two nights of the rodeo approximately 800 spectators showed up to watch the events. I was overwhelmed with compliments that I received from community members and participants from the other colleges that competed about how great of a performance we put on. A big shout-out to MPCC Rodeo Team Coach Dustin Elliott, Faculty Advisor Mike Janecek, the rodeo club members, and the rodeo committee for all the hard work they put into pulling this event off, as well as the faculty and staff who came out to watch the rodeo and support the club.”
Garstecki also expressed gratitude for the community support and assistance the college received after learning the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association had awarded them a collegiate rodeo competition earlier this summer.
“Many thanks to Don Kurre and his staff for allowing us to team up with the increasingly popular Rail Fest event,” he said. “We’re also grateful to First National Bank-North Platte for their sponsorship and to the Nebraskaland Days organization and North Platte/Lincoln County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for all they did to make this rodeo successful.”
Garstecki was also quick to thank the Gate Sponsors and Partners for the rodeo. Gate Sponsors included Complete Eye Care Associates, Double D Trailer & AG Repair, Eagle Radio (Mix 97 and ESPN), Great Plains Regional Medical Center, KNOP NEWS 2, Kwik Stop, Mid-Nebraska Physical Therapy and Sports Center, the North Platte/Lincoln County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Nebraskaland Days, North Platte Telegraph, Snell Services and Wayne Dowhower Construction, Inc. Stepping up as Rodeo Partners were Denny Hansen Construction, Pro Printing & Graphics and the Walmart Distribution Center.
Of course, it always helps if the hosting college does well in its hometown rodeo and the MPCC Rodeo Team, coached by World Champion bull rider Dustin Elliott, had its share of success among the 14 colleges competing.
“Tyler Viers of Comstock continued his hot streak and got some points for the team by winning second place in the bull riding event,” Elliott said. “Logan Lewis just missed the short round in the tie-down roping, which is awesome considering this was his first collegiate rodeo. And Nick Tenbrink got a chance to be the bull fighter as well as competing in the Team Roping event.”
Quality livestock, provided by Brookman & Hyland and some subcontractors, and professional announcing by Jared Slagle of Farnam also contributed to the success of the rodeo. A family barbeque, musical entertainment by Rascal, and perfect weather were the icing on the cake for MPCC’s inaugural collegiate rodeo.
“I would like to personally thank everyone involved to make this a success! I felt great support in my riding career and now the community has stepped up again and shown support here,” Elliott said. “Words can’t explain my appreciation and I’m already looking forward to next year’s rodeo.”