12 Texas Schools Join McNeese Rodeo for 70th Annual Cowboy Classic

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - The McNeese Rodeo Team is gearing up for the 70th Annual Cowboy Classic later this month.

In Louisiana, the Cowboy Classic is the biggest rodeo in the state and the only collegiate rodeo.

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KPLC spoke with McNeese Rodeo coach Justin Browning. He said it's also the 10th Annual Halloween Rodeo on October 23 at 8:00pm where the cowboys and cowgirls will dress up in costumes while riding and competing.

What To Expect At The Cowboy Classic

Not only will McNeese Rodeo athletes be performing at the Cowboy Classic, but Browning says 12 universities from Texas are also coming to compete.

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When Is The Cowboy Classic Rodeo In Lake Charles?

• When: October 23-25
• Where: Burton Coliseum
• Times:
  • Thursday, October 23 - 8:00pm
  • Friday, October 24 - 7:30pm
  • Saturday, October 25 - 7:00pm
• Admission: $15 via Ticketmaster or Burton Coliseum ticket office

How This Rodeo Supports McNeese Athletes

The event is the primary fundraiser for the McNeese Rodeo program. All event proceeds support the rodeo student-athletes' supplies, travel, and scholarships.

There will be a variety of competitions every night, including barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, goat tying, team roping, bareback riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, and bull riding.

This year, in order to accommodate more spectators, the rodeo will take place in the coliseum rather than the outside arena. The McNeese rodeo team's coach, Justin Browning, hopes to raise $500,000 for the McNeese Rodeo program by packing the Burton Coliseum with 6,000 people per night. The program will also be collecting donations at the doors.

For more information about the McNeese rodeo team, contact Browning at jbrowning@mcneese.edu.