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It’s been five years in the making, but College of the Redwoods and Cal Poly Humboldt made an historic announcement on Tuesday.

The two local schools will begin fielding a new men’s and women’s sports program together in the fall after adding rodeo to their list of teams.

According to a press release announcing the news, “This innovative collaboration will provide students exceptional opportunities to engage in rodeo activities while pursuing their degree at both institutions.”

It’s something that has been in the works for the past five years.

“Since 2019, our two institutions have been strategizing about the implementation of a rodeo program that provides a home for our local students to compete in a championship environment,” CPH President Tom Jackson, Jr. said in the press release. “That time has come, and we are excited about the future of collegiate rodeo in Humboldt County.”

College of the Redwoods President Keith Flamer added that he is very excited to partner with Cal Poly Humboldt to bring collegiate rodeo to Humboldt County.

“I am very proud of our partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt to create these rodeo programs,” he said. “This collaboration offers a wonderful opportunity to elevate college rodeo in our area and create new pathways for student-athletes to pursue their academic and rodeo dreams.”

CR’s rodeo program will begin as a club sport with plans to transition to a full intercollegiate athletic team at some stage in the future. 

The Lumberjacks’ rodeo program will begin as a competitive sports club.

According to the press release, “In preparation for the program’s debuts, both CR and Cal Poly Humboldt plan to search for rodeo coaches and leaders.”

The teams will practice at the Ferndale Fairgrounds. 

The press release added “These collaborations will provide students with access to top-notch facilities and resources, enriching their training and competitive experiences, while the pathway for students from CR to Humboldt will be seamless.

“This collaboration will also deepen the partnership between both institutions and the community, while offering significant advantages to local student-athletes.” 

For more information on the new program, click here, or contact Cal Poly Humboldt Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Campus Recreation Dr. Nick Pettit at
nick.pettit@humboldt.edu, or College of the Redwoods Athletic Director Bob Brown at bob-brown@redwoods.edu.