CR's June 12, 2026 Times Standard Article: Commitment to the Success of CR Rodeo

Published on Jun 9 2026

The College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees and I believe that the strength of our communities is inextricably linked to our ability to give people from all backgrounds access to higher education. It is this belief, coupled with the conviction that athletic programs serve as a gateway for many students to access higher education, that informed my decision to add rodeo to the list of intercollegiate sports we offer. 

My fascination with rodeo began as a young man when I read about Nat Love. Nat was born into slavery in 1854, later freed, moved west and became an impressive cattle-driver. It was his exploits in rodeo events that made him a legend across the country and fueled my belief that that rodeo can be a means to a greater end.

I remember talking with Cal Poly Humboldt President Emeritus Dr. Tom Jackson several years ago about the promise of college rodeo. We understood that college rodeo is not just athletic; it also incorporates educational components like livestock. management, animal husbandry, agricultural practices, and land stewardship. I was fortunate to find an outstanding higher education leader who shared my vision of providing an opportunity for high school rodeo athletes to get a college degree and participate in intercollegiate rodeo 

At the time, creating a rodeo program at CR was little more than an aspirational idea. Turning that idea into reality took years of planning, partnership building, and community support. It is thanks to Athletic Director Ryan Bisio that we were able to bring CR Rodeo to life last year. 

What a year it has been!

Our team’s success started when we hired Kelly and Gianna O’Day as faculty coaches. Kelly and Gianna brought deep ties to the rodeo community, along with extensive collegiate and professional rodeo experience. Their leadership, expertise, and ability to recruit and mentor talented student-athletes laid the foundation for our program’s success. 

Over the past year, their focus has been on making sure our student athletes are supported, encouraged, and able to finish the academic year strong. Rodeo student athletes Vivian Arntz, Mackenzie Frick, Casey Huston, Cora Killoran, and Madalyn Pecora were phenomenal competitors and great students. Additionally, despite their responsibilities outside of the classroom, they contributed to a rodeo team's grade point average of 3.022 last year. 

Next year is shaping up to be a strong one as well.

I am excited that we have received commitments from Jerryn Kilby, from Eureka High School, Mckenzie Hawk from Fortuna High, Taylynn from Ukiah High and Karlee Johnson out of West Valley High to continue their rodeo careers and education at CR. With Ryan Bisio as our athletic direction and Gianna and Kelly as coaches, I believe that our rodeo students will be ready to compete on the national collegiate rodeo stage in a year. Who knows, maybe we will have another Hayle Stillwell, 2026 American Rodeo Barrel Racing Champion, competing on a future CR rodeo team. 

The enthusiasm surrounding CR Rodeo has exceeded our expectations, and the momentum generated by our student athletes and coaches has opened the door to an exciting and remarkable chapter for our program. Thanks to the indomitable spirit of our rodeo coaches, CR will be the beneficiaries of the first-ever rodeo fundraiser. The “Outlaw Rodeo" will be held on August 15, 2026 at the Ferndale Fairgrounds. Proceeds will support CR Rodeo and its student athletes.

Putting on a college rodeo is not a simple endeavor. It is only possible thanks to the exceptional vision of our rodeo coaches, the partnership with the Spirit of Ferndale, and the outstanding support of our CR Rodeo Advisory Committee: Billy Bugenig, Andy Westfall, Justin Mora, Jullian Santos, and Jerry Goodrow. They understand that the rodeo is more than just competition; it is about celebrating our heritage, strengthening our core value of community, and bringing people together. 

I appreciate Supervisor Rex Bohn’s advocacy on our behalf and the Humboldt County Fairgrounds Board of Directors willingness to move CR’s “Outlaw Rodeo” from a concept into action. Thank you to Fairgrounds CEO Moira Kenny, Andy Titus – President, Greg Gomes and Lawrence Dwight – Vice Presidents, Clint Duey – Treasurer, Sandy Hooks – Secretary, and board members Johanna Rodoni, Darren Hansen, Wayne Wilson, Ben Hawk, and Hollie Miller. This event not only reflects the spirit of Humboldt County, but it will also create economic ripples throughout our community.

I also want to recognize the College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees for their support of rodeo. They understand, as I do, that the CR Rodeo program is an important part of who we are as an institution, culturally, historically, and strategically. We have tremendous pride in our rodeo program and deep appreciation for the passion and history it holds in our community.