News

Officials from the NEO Agriculture Department and rodeo team awarded three scholarships at the Seventh Annual NEO Alumni/Recruiting Rodeo, with a full ride scholarship going to Ethan Griffin, High Point Winner and senior from Afton, Okla. The rodeo took place on Nov. 19 and hosted hundreds contestants. (Photo: Kolby Ungeheuer, rodeo coach, awards a two-year tuition scholarship to Ethan Griffin with the help of McKenzie Nygren, NEO Agriculture department chair.)

The day began with long rounds in several events and the top six competitors in the high school and alumni divisions made the short round, which started at 7 p.m. Over 300 riders competed at this year’s rodeo. Alumnus Kory Keeth again served as the announcer for the rodeo. Students in NEO Agriculture programs ran sound, prepared the arena, and operated gates. “The event seems to grow each and every year,” said Rodeo Coach Kolby Ungeheuer. “I can’t be more excited about the turnout and look forward to a great spring season for the NEO Rodeo Team.”

Ethan Griffin from Afton was the high school high point winner, and NEO Rodeo Coach Kolby Ungeheuer awarded him a two-year full-tuition scholarship. The NEO Development Foundation also provided two $500 book scholarships to Martie Shockley of Alma, Ark. and McKenzie Wansing of Garden City, Mo. “This event is so successful thanks to the NEO staff and administration and their hard work,” said Ungeheuer. “We have so many generous volunteers who not only help keep the rodeo on track, but serve as terrific ambassadors for NEO.”

Results: High Point Scholarship Winner – Ethan Griffin, Afton, Okla. Reserve High Point Book Scholarship Winners – Martie Shockley, Alma, Ark. and McKenzie Wansing, Garden City, Mo. Calf Roping – High School: Ben Piazza, Twin Oaks, Okla. Alumni: Garrett King, Bentonville, Ark. Breakaway Roping – High School: McKenzie Wansing, Garden City, Mo. Alumni: Britney Wiggins, Hahira, Ga. Steer Wrestling – High School: Steven Richmond, Gallen Okla. Alumni: Kevin Wiseman, Paola, Kan. Goat Tying – High School: Martie Shockley, Alma, Ark. Alumni: Dana Spitzke Vinita, Okla. Team Roping – High School: Ethan Griffen, Afton, Okla. and Coy Arnold, Pretty Prairie, Kan. Alumni: Cale Markham, Vinita, Okla. and Nicky Simmons, Jay, Okla. Barrel Racing – High School: Rylin Rouse Delaware, Okla. Alumni: Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo. Bull Riding – No Qualified Scores