Rodeo Arena Building Fund Receives Sizable Donation
Tarleton State University's rodeo program is inching closer toward improving its facilities thanks to a $25,000 donation from Tommy Houston, family and Houston Ranches of Bluffdale, Texas.
Stephenville, TX (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 8, 2006 -- Tarleton State University's rodeo program is inching closer toward improving its facilities thanks to a $25,000 donation from Tommy Houston, family and Houston Ranches of Bluffdale, Texas.
The Houston family donated the money in memory of John D. Hall of Glen Rose, Texas. Hall and Tommy Houston met while going to school at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and competed on its rodeo team together.
"John always loved rodeo and we feel that our memorial contribution for Tarleton's efforts to cover its arena will help the students," said Houston. "We also hope that this will encourage others to help Tarleton cover its arena."
One reason Tarleton was chosen to receive the donation was because Houston's daughters, Amy and Emily, along with their husbands, Clay Bearden and James Barton, are all Tarleton graduates.
"The other reason Tommy chose our rodeo program is because he has seen that Tarleton is committed to preserving the western heritage through rodeo and feels that it's a worthwhile cause," said Bob Doty, Tarleton's rodeo coach.
Tarleton's rodeo program began in 1947 and has since become one of the most competitive and nationally recognized in the country. More than 85 students compete for the university in various rodeo events.
To date, Tarleton has won four National Championships, numerous Reserve National Championships, as well as 17 individual National Championships. Many of its team members have gone on to have successful rodeo careers including Cheyenne Wimberley of Tolar, Texas; Cory McFadden of Coleman, Texas; as well as J.J. Hampton, Turtle Powell, Cole Bigbee and Trent Walls, all from Stephenville.
In an effort to extend its reputation as one of the top collegiate rodeo programs in the nation, Tarleton and the rodeo team have concentrated their efforts on improving the existing facilities.
The program's current facility was completed in 1999. It had 16 stalls with feed rooms, a shop, a storage building, holding pens for practice stock, a bucking stock arena, calf roping arena and a general-purpose arena. In 2001, 20 stalls were added with donations from Walt and Debbie Garrison and the Tarleton Rodeo Association.
In addition to covering the arenas, new improvements to the facilities include an announcer stand, restrooms, vending machines, concession stand, additional parking for students and guest, 14 to 20 more stalls, and a classroom and viewing area that will be used for instruction purposes and during rodeo events.
"We estimate that the project will cost around $800,000," said Doty. "Fortunately for us, we have the administration's support and they have agreed to match whatever funds we raise."
So far, through donations, auctions and other fundraisers, the rodeo team has raised $80,000.
"We are extremely grateful for the donation from the Houston family," said Doty. "This donation is the largest we have received in several years and has really helped get us motivated again about raising the funds."
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