Get to Know UM Rodeo

For over 80 years, the University of Montana Rodeo Team has developed talented student athletes who embody excellence, teamwork and the enduring spirit of Montana rodeo. Whether you’re interested in joining the team or spectating a signature event, like the annual Spring Rodeo, this team of student-athletes delivers a good time steeped in Montana tradition. 

Scroll further to learn more about UM Rodeo, meet a student-athlete and learn about how to join this dedicated group of student-athletes. 

Everything You Need to Know about UM Rodeo 

The University of Montana Rodeo Team competes in the Big Sky Region alongside teams from across the state, and UM Rodeo student-athletes have earned spots in the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) every year since 1990. The majority of the team came up through Montana high school rodeo, though outstanding student-athletes from across the West and beyond are welcome.

 Currently, UM Rodeo participates in six men’s events and four women’s events, led by Coach Kory Mytty. Scholarships and tuition support are available to every student-athlete on the UM Rodeo team, and every member of the team is responsible for their own horse, including boarding, and devotes 20 to 30 hours per week to the team.  

UM Rodeo Events

Here are the current events that UM Rodeo participates in: 

Men’s Events

• Tie-Down Roping

• Steer Wrestling

• Team Roping

• Bull Riding

• Bareback Riding

• Saddle Bronc Riding

Women’s Events

• Barrel Racing
• Breakaway Roping
• Goat Tying
• Team Roping 

Meet Lacey Lawrence – UM Rodeo Student-Athlete

Lacey Lawrence is from Jordan, Montana, where she participated in high school rodeo before being recruited to UM Rodeo. She’s a fourth-year student studying Pharmacy at UM, and participates in the Barrel Race and Breakaway Roping events. And she was kind enough to take some time from her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her experience with UM Rodeo:

Question: How much time do you devote to being a UM Rodeo athlete?  
Lacey: We all have our own horses, and we take care of them. It’s a big commitment, feeding them and making sure that they're exercised not only in practice, but also out of practice. And we practice four to five days a week, usually Monday through Thursday or Monday through Friday. We start practice around 5, which means I usually leave town at like 3.30-ish so that I can get out to the horses, get them saddled, and get to practice. We practice for two or 2 1/2 hours. Then I take them home, feed them, and put them away for the night. 

Q: Considering the time commitment on top of your schooling, what is it about UM Rodeo that has kept you so dedicated to UM Rodeo the last four years?
Lacey: I've always grown up around horses, and I think rodeo is just such a great break from my school. It's like actual time set aside that I don't have to be doing school. It's kind of like my therapy, but it's really fun. And the people are so great. I love the people on my team. We all get along so well. And they've said this forever, but it's the only time in your life where rodeo is a team sport. 

Q: You participated in rodeo throughout high school. What was your experience like getting onto the UM Rodeo team once you graduated?
Lacey: What I did is I made a highlight video of some of my runs, and then I put together a cover letter explaining what my goals were, what my school would look like, and what I wanted to be participating in for rodeo. I emailed that to Kory, and he got back to me, and we got in touch that way.

Q: What are the first steps for someone interested in joining UM Rodeo?
Lacy: College coaches go to the high school rodeos in Montana and the surrounding states, and you can kind of touch base with them there. But I would say the first step is to reach out to schools and head coaches that you're interested in going to. 

Q: The Spring Rodeo is UM Rodeo’s biggest event, and the final stop on the Big Sky Regional Circuit. What are your encouragements for anyone to attend and spectate?
Lacey:  I've always said that Rodeo is for everyone, even if you don't know what's going on, because the environment is so much fun. Rodeos are a blast. The announcers do a great job of explaining what's going on. So even if you don't know the technicalities of the events, it's still super fun to watch all of the horses and the bulls and the athletes compete. It's all really exciting and fun to watch. 

Lacey Lawrence in Action

Spring Rodeo & Cowboy Ball 

UM Rodeo always has something going on, but their two biggest events happen on opposite sides of the year: The Spring Rodeo and the Cowboy Ball in the fall.

Spring Rodeo (Early May)

The University of Montana Spring Rodeo is the last stop on the Big Sky Regional Circuit, hosted by UM Rodeo under the new grandstands at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. This is one of the team’s biggest spectator events, bringing in the home crowd for a packed rodeo featuring six other schools competing for a coveted spot at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.  

Cowboy Ball (October)

UM Rodeo’s largest fundraiser, the Cowboy Ball, takes place in the fall and features a feast, fancy footwork on the dance floor and a celebration of the Western way of life. Come for the prime rib and live music, leave excited and proud of the traditions that make us Montana. All proceeds go toward scholarships, travel expenses, practice space/livestock, and equipment for student-athletes.

How to Join UM Rodeo

Students interested in UM Rodeo need to complete a few steps to be considered for participation. All prospective athletes need some rodeo experience before applying. To be considered for UM Rodeo, you must complete the following:

• Resume 

Complete a resume with your high school or previous college experience, especially highlighting your past rodeo experience.

• Video

Provide a video reel of your rodeo experience.

• Transcript

Include a copy of your high school or college transcript for academic review.

• Reference

Submit the contact information for two references who can speak to your rodeo experience. 

After compiling this information, mail or email your materials to:
Kory Mytty
2800 S Reserve 
Suite 100
Missoula MT 59801
Email:  ksmytty@windermere.com

More Information about UM Rodeo 

For more information about UM Rodeo, visit their homepage at www.umt.edu/rodeo or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UniversityOfMontanaRodeoTeam.