Cochise Rodeo Ready to Ride Into 2025 Fall Season

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — The fall slate of college rodeo action is here, and the Cochise College Rodeo Team is gearing up for another exciting season on the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) circuit. With a mix of veteran standouts and talented newcomers, the Apaches will test their skills across the Southwest in three marquee events this fall.

First Stop: Greenlee County Fair Rodeo – September 19th–20th (Duncan, AZ)

The Apache's open their fall campaign at the Greenlee County Fairgrounds in Duncan, Arizona. Held in conjunction with the Greenlee County Fair, one of Arizona's oldest and most community-driven county fairs, the rodeo brings top collegiate athletes into the small town nestled along the Gila River.

Known for its warm hospitality and classic small-town atmosphere, Duncan provides a lively kickoff to the season. Fans can enjoy fair rides, exhibits, and rodeo thrills all in one place — a tradition that celebrates both rural culture and rodeo heritage.

Home Arena: Cochise College Rodeo – September 26th –27th (Douglas, AZ)

The highlight of the fall season is always the home event at the Cochise County Fairgrounds in Douglas, Arizona. The rodeo coincides with the annual Cochise County Fair, which has showcased agriculture, livestock, and community pride since 1924.

Rodeo action kicks off each night at 6:00 p.m., with the short round promising big finishes under the arena lights. The Cochise Rodeo has become one of the largest-attended college rodeos in the nation, drawing fans from across the region to cheer on the Apaches in their home arena.

For head coach Lynn Smith, there's nothing like competing in Douglas:

"Our home rodeo is special — the crowd, the energy, the history. It's one of the best atmospheres in college rodeo," the coach said.

Third Leg: Mesalands Community College Rodeo – October 10th–11th (Tucumcari, NM)

The fall stretch concludes in Tucumcari, New Mexico, where the team will compete at the Quay County Fairgrounds, hosted by Mesalands Community College. This stop on the NIRA's Grand Canyon Region circuit combines tough competition with the unique cowboy culture of eastern New Mexico, offering a fitting challenge before the fall season wraps up.

New Faces, Big Talent

The Apache's welcome several newcomers to the roster:

• Taylor Broderson (Alberta, Canada), a breakaway roper, whose brother Teran returns as a key contributor, continues the family rodeo tradition.
• Kass Kimble (Moses Lake, WA), a tie-down roper who brings fresh energy and versatility
• Kylynn Bryson (Camp Verde, AZ) adds regional talent with a strong competitive background in Barrel Racing

Veteran Leaders Return

Cochise also returns a core group of standouts, including Macie Fowlie, Taten Erickson, Braulio Barraza, Murphy Gaasch, and Sealey Bottom — all proven competitors who competed at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) this summer- headlines the returners as a national-level athlete.

The CNFR, held each June in Casper, Wyoming, is the championship event of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), where the top student-athletes from across the country compete for national titles. Having athletes with that level of experience sets a high bar for the team heading into the fall.

Eyes on the Season Ahead

With a blend of seasoned talent and promising rookies, Cochise College Rodeo is aiming high in 2025. Competing under the banner of the NIRA's Grand Canyon Region, the Apaches know every stop matters on the road to qualifying for next summer's CNFR.

"Our riders are motivated and hungry," said Coach Smith. "We have the returners who know what it takes at the national level, and the newcomers who are ready to make their mark. It's an exciting mix."

As the chutes swing open and the first broncs buck, the Apaches are ready to ride into another season of grit, tradition, and Cochise Rodeo pride.