Rustlers Take To Home Dirt For Fall Classic

The dirt was flying and college rodeo athletes were back in action as Lakeland College hosted its annual Fall Classic Rodeo Oct. 16 to 18 in Vermilion.

Held at the college’s Livestock Learning Centre, the three-day event brought student athletes from across the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association circuit together for a weekend of competition, giving local rodeo fans an opportunity to watch some of the next generation of rodeo talent.

For the Lakeland Rustlers, the Fall Classic was an opportunity to compete on home dirt, with family, friends and community members able to come out and cheer them on.

Rodeo has been part of Lakeland College’s history since 1969 and continues to be a significant part of student life. With more than 120 students involved in the Rodeo Club this year and approximately 80 registered to represent Lakeland in intercollegiate competition, the program remains an important part of the college’s athletic community.

The weekend featured two separate rodeos, with the action getting underway Friday evening. Competition continued Saturday with morning slack and another evening performance before wrapping up Sunday.

Friday night’s festivities also included the Wild Ride, a crowd favourite that added a little extra fun to the competition. With representatives from participating colleges taking part, the event brought a lighter side to the rodeo and gave spectators something a little different to cheer about.

There was plenty of variety in the arena, with competitors taking part in pole bending, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, team roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing.

The evening performances also featured rough stock events, including bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding, adding another level of excitement to the weekend’s competition.

Under head coach Braiden Bach, the Rustlers continue to compete throughout the college rodeo season, travelling to events across the circuit while balancing their studies and the demands of competition.

The Fall Classic is one of two Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association events hosted annually by Lakeland College, with the Little Royal returning in the spring.

Beyond the competition, the weekend was another opportunity to bring college athletes together, build friendships and continue a rodeo tradition that has been part of Lakeland College and the Vermilion community for generations.

With another Fall Classic in the books, the Rustlers will continue their season, but rodeo action won’t be finished in Vermilion just yet. Lakeland College will host its Bareback/Saddle Bronc School Nov. 6 to 8, giving riders an opportunity to develop their skills and learn from experienced competitors. The weekend will bring more rodeo activity to the college’s Livestock Learning Centre before the Rustlers return to their home arena for the Little Royal in the spring.