DSU Rodeo Team’s Annual Blue Hawk Stampede – September 26-27th

Collegiate athletic teams are gearing up for a competitive fall season, including the Dickinson State University (DSU) rodeo team, which, under the guidance of the new head coach Joe Schmidt, will host their annual Blue Hawk Stampede at the Stark County Fairgrounds on Friday, September 26th, and Saturday, September 27th.

Featuring 16 collegiate rodeo teams from the Great Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), the Blue Hawk Stampede is the DSU rodeo team’s chance to demonstrate their hard work directly to the community and celebrate the much-needed renovations to the university’s indoor rodeo arena and agriculture building. “It’s important to have a home event, to compete in front of friends and family with a home field advantage,” said Coach Joe Schmit, who competed himself for DSU from 2003-2006.

Last year at the Blue Hawk Stampede, the DSU women’s rodeo team scored 320 points, taking first place. The DSU women’s rodeo team finished last season second in the Great Plains Region and seventh nationally. The DSU men’s rodeo team scored 360 points and tied for fourth place at the Blue Hawk Stampede last fall, ending the season in fifth place for the Great Plains Region and 52nd nationally.

With a new head coach, renovated facilities, and a strong team, the DSU rodeo team is heading into the 2025 season ready to achieve its next goal: to send both the men’s and women’s teams to the finals in Casper, Wyoming, at the end of the season.

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Written by Sarah Griffis – DSU HF Content Writer