Alumni Spotlight: Denny Phipps ’06

Since May of 2022, Dickinson State University alum Denny Phipps has led the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA), originally as General Manager. More recently, his role evolved into Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

A native of Saskatchewan, Canada, Phipps grew up in a rodeo family and started competing at age 12 in steer riding. By the time he graduated high school, he had already built an impressive track record, becoming a two-time high school finalist in all three rough stock events. He was recruited by multiple colleges but ultimately chose Dickinson State for its strong education program and its supportive rodeo culture.

“At DSU we had some great mentors around the rodeo team such as Brad Gjermundson and Wayne Herman, and a strong team culture that helped prepare me for the pro ranks,” Phipps reflects. He says that the team environment and mentorship, combined with a solid education and supportive community, laid the foundation for who he is today.

Over his 20-year professional career, he built an impressive list of accomplishments. At 18, Phipps was the Calgary Stampede Novice Bareback Champion. While at DSU, he was a two-time college finalist in bareback riding. Phipps’ success in college propelled him to turn professional in 2007, driven by a desire to challenge himself and to see how far he could go. He then went on to qualify three times for the Canadian Finals Rodeo (two in Novice Bareback, one in Open), and seven different times for the PRCA Circuit Finals (Badlands, Montana, Columbia River, Maple Leaf).

He finished 13th in Canada three times, most recently at age 39, when he narrowly missed qualifying for his third Canadian Finals by just $132. Still, he looks back on his career with gratitude. “I was really fortunate to have a lot of great opportunities provided to me through the sport of rodeo and my riggin bag,” Phipps says. “I was lucky enough to have a 20-year career and grow old in a young man's game and remain relatively healthy.”

One moment stands out above the rest: “Winning the Novice Bareback riding at the Calgary Stampede at 18.” During this formative experience, Phipps was mentored by those he’d only ever seen on TV. “Then to go on and win it in front of 20,000 people was something I didn’t realize the impact and gravity of at the time,” he shares. “But it instilled in me the importance of helping the next group of kids. Even one moment of building them up can be career changing.”

The road wasn’t without its challenges. As a bareback rider, health was always a major concern, as was the financial strain of building a career while starting a family. “Being a rodeo cowboy doesn’t pay well when you're starting a family,” he admits. Long hours on the road and the wear and tear of the sport tested his resilience. Despite these challenges, he takes pride in both his rodeo accomplishments and his current leadership role. “I have been lucky to have a long rodeo career, and then to step into a leadership role is something I am exceptionally proud of.”

Today, Phipps lives with his wife, Navada, and their two children: Ryder (11) and Baylor (7). As CEO of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association, he continues to shape the future of the sport he has devoted his life to, both as an athlete and now as a leader.

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By Alician Parks – DSU HF Student Writer