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College of the Redwoods athletics will begin a new era this fall, as the local community college gets set to compete in men’s and women’s rodeo for the first time ever.

And the new program got some good news this week when it was announced that the teams will practice, train and house its animals at the historic Ferndale Fairgrounds.

According to a press release, CR and the Humboldt County Fair Association have signed a memorandum of understanding that gives the new team a home base for training and growth. 

“This is a milestone collaboration for our rodeo community,” CR interim athletic director Ryan Bisio said. “We’re so thankful to the wonderful folks at the Ferndale Fairgrounds for sharing our vision and giving our rodeo athletes a home.”

The new team will be coached by Kelly and Gianna O’Day and will begin competition in the fall.

They can begin training at the fairgrounds beginning on Aug. 1.

“Years of dedicated work by many people has created this exciting outcome,” Bisio added. “I know our coaches and student-athletes can’t wait to get started at the Fairgrounds next month – with their eyes set on our inaugural intercollegiate competitions this fall.”

The team will also have access to stalls for horses and the opportunity to host one off-site rodeo event each year.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with College of the Redwoods to bring collegiate rodeo practices to the Humboldt County Fairgrounds for the first time,” CEO of the Humboldt County Fair Association Moira Kenny said. “This exciting collaboration celebrates our shared roots in agriculture and western tradition while supporting the next generation of student-athletes. 

“This partnership represents a new chapter in our mission to support youth and community programming, and we’re honored to provide a home for CR’s rodeo athletes to train and grow.

“It’s exciting to see the fairgrounds continue to evolve as a hub for tradition, education, and western heritage.”

According to the press release, CR has also proposed improvements to the arena facilities as part of the new partnership, aimed at enhancing usability and safety for both student-athletes and community members.

The new team currently includes three men and one woman, with more student-athletes actively being recruited.