Lakeland College Rustlers Rodeo Team Rides High Into The Season

The Lakeland Rustlers Rodeo Team has charged into the 2025–2026 season with remarkable energy, kicking off what promises to be an unforgettable year. Boasting a record-setting 78 students, they are currently the largest collegiate rodeo team in the Canadian College Rodeo Association (CCRA). Their philosophy is simple yet powerful — no tryouts, no cuts. Every student with a passion for rodeo is welcome, offering them a chance to grow and compete in a supportive, educational environment.

This season has already seen the team compete in three major rodeos, beginning with the inaugural Benalto CCRA Shootout in Benalto, Alberta. The event, held September 13 and 14 and hosted by Central Alberta and Red Deer Polytechnic’s teams, brought out top performances from the Rustlers. Georgia Hale stood out with strong finishes in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending, while Avery Sardoff dominated Goat Tying, securing first place in both rounds. The team also showed depth in Breakaway Roping, Tie Down Roping, Roughstock, and Team Roping with multiple top ten finishes across the board, including standout rides from Weston Packet, Kristin Sardoff, and Matt Beatty.

The second stop took the team to Delisle, Saskatchewan, for the University of Saskatchewan’s rodeo, the only college rodeo hosted in the province. Once again, the Rustlers proved they were a force to be reckoned with. Avery Sardoff repeated her Goat Tying success, taking first place in both rounds. The roster continued to impress in Barrel Racing and Breakaway Roping, and Derek Ivanics delivered a dominant performance in Tie Down Roping, finishing first in round two. Team Roping saw great coordination and grit, including a first-place finish from AJ Jackson and continued success from riders like Daylee Storle and Weston Packet.

Their third event brought them west to Dawson Creek, British Columbia, for the Northern Lights College rodeo. While official results are still rolling in, early signs suggest the Rustlers continued their strong run.

Now all eyes are on the team’s home turf, as Vermilion gears up to host the next CCRA event on October 18 and 19. The Lakeland College Rodeo, run in partnership with the Vermilion Agricultural Society, will transform the college grounds into a high-energy showcase of collegiate rodeo. Competitors and fans from across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia are expected to descend upon Vermilion for two days of adrenaline-fueled action.

Event organizer Braiden Bach, Lakeland’s Rodeo Club and Equine Centre Coordinator, shared his excitement for the upcoming weekend. He spoke about the strong lineup of student athletes, the electric energy of the crowd, and the intense competition expected in events like Barrel Racing, Goat Tying, Team Roping, and Steer Wrestling. One of the most anticipated highlights is the Wild Ride event, a fun and chaotic icebreaker where each college enters a representative for a crowd-pleasing kickoff to the weekend.

The rodeo action will begin with morning Slack, followed by afternoon and evening performances, all culminating in live music, a beer garden, and overflow viewing areas in the Ag Tech Centre. It’s set to be one of the marquee weekends of the CCRA season, with seven post-secondary teams competing for critical points leading to the Canadian College Finals Rodeo.

Following the Vermilion Classic, the Rustlers will head to the Olds College Rodeo on October 25 and 26 before wrapping up their competitive circuit at the Southern Alberta Intercollegiate Rodeo in Fort Macleod on November 1 and 2.

The season will close with a celebration back home. From November 6 to 9, Lakeland College will host its first-ever Rodeo Gala, an event that blends rodeo tradition with community connection. The gala includes a dinner, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment. In true Rustlers fashion, the students will run the show, serving guests and sharing their experiences first-hand. It’s a chance for the public to meet the team, support their journey, and celebrate their hard work.

The weekend of November 7,8,9, after the Rodeo Gala is the Rustlers will have their annual Bronc School event. A thrilling slate of bronc riding to bring the season to an action-packed finale.

As the October rodeo approaches, the anticipation is building. The Lakeland Rustlers Rodeo Team continues to define collegiate rodeo not just with results, but with heart, camaraderie, and a deep-rooted passion for western sport and culture. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a newcomer to the stands, this fall promises an unforgettable rodeo experience you won’t want to miss.