Arena of Academic ExcellenceJennifer Obrigewitch and Todd Hall will be inducted into the Dickinson State University Rodeo Council’s Arena of Excellence on Saturday, November 1st at the Elks Lodge. The Arena of Excellence is part of the rodeo council’s annual Cowboys & Candlelight fundraiser and recognizes Dickinson State University alumni who were members of the rodeo team and achieved academic distinction.

Jen competed in goat tying and barrel racing in 1996 through 1999 and finished in the top ten in the region in both events three times. Following graduation from DSU with a B.S. in Integrated Ranch Management, Jen obtained a Master’s degree in Animal and Range Science from NDSU. She worked for the USDA-NRCS in the Dickinson Field Office as a soil conservationist for two years before coming to work in the DSU Agriculture Department in 2006. Jen has taught classes in Range and Weed Science as well as Equine Science and also works in the GIS Center as a mapping specialist. Jen signed on as the advisor to the PAS (Ag) Club last year and last week was named the new assistant coach for the rodeo team. Jen and her husband Dey ranch in the badlands north of Medora with their two sons, Birch (3) and Coll (1). Jen enjoys starting colts and running barrels when she’s not busy chasing kids or cows.

Jennifer Obrigewitch

Todd HallMy name is Todd Hall, and I am from Killdeer, ND. I am a married to Patti Jo and have four sons, Thadd, Tristan, Tommy and Devin. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Dickinson State University, Dickinson, North Dakota and my Master’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota.

I am a livestock producer who owns and operates a commercial cow-calf operation in Dunn County and we also raise Registered American Quarter Horses. I currently sit on the Board of Directors for the DSU Alumni Association, and am a Board of Trustee member for the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. I am a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and a Badlands Circuit Finals Steer Wrestling Champion. Currently, I am hauling my boys to Wrangler Junior High Rodeos and to National Little Britches Rodeos in addition to my own rodeo ambitions. While at DSU, I was a member of two conference championship football teams playing nose-guard and defensive tackle. I was a member of one conference championship wrestling team, wrestling heavyweight for the Hawks. I was a member of the rodeo team in 1992 where we won runner-up for the Great Plains region, and I qualified for the College National Finals in the Steer Wrestling and the Team Roping. I eventually finished in the top 10 year-end standings of the Steer Wrestling.

Earning my diploma at Dickinson State was the keys to a vehicle of personal success. I consider it my greatest achievement here at DSU. However, the combination of athletics and academics is what made me want to drive that vehicle in the first place. While at DSU, I was fortunate to participate in winning programs and compete with some tremendous athletes and rodeo hands. I was also nurtured by an academic atmosphere that allowed me to mature scholastically as a student. This would eventually lead me to pursuing goals which are not only self-servant, but to serve as a selfless steward for the overall public-good as well. Thank you.

DSU Rodeo CoachesScott Kleeman is the head coach for the Dickinson State University rodeo team and is a former three-time College National Finals Rodeo qualifier and regional director for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Prior to being hired by Dickinson State University, Kleeman worked as sales and financing manager at a truck and trailer dealership in Belle Fourche, S.D. He has also worked as assistant barn manager for the National American University Equine Center, helping to organize and supervise events held at the center.

Kleeman earned a master’s degree in business administration from National American University and also holds a bachelor’s degree in applied management from that institution.

DSU Rodeo TeamThe DSU Blue Hawk Rodeo Team has started off the 2008-2009 season with a bang. Currently both the men’s and women’s teams are leading the great plains regional standings and the men’s team is ranked second in the national standings and the women’s team is ranked third.

On the regional level, Ty Thompson is only forty points off the lead in saddle bronc riding behind last year’s NIRA National Champion, Chase Kukuchka. Trevor Viara and Jeremy Means are holding spots in the top eight and Troy Viara, as a sophomore, is holding a hundred point lead in the bareback riding event for the year.

The tie down roping seems to be our strongest and deepest event. We’ve had over half of the contestants in every short round this fall. Currently, Isaiah Pemberton leads the region, with John Pfaff, Justin Miller, Ryan Routier, Turner Harris, Drew Gartner and Ty Thompson taking up seven of the top fifteen spots.

Jade Harper has been the man to beat in the steer wrestling this fall with a commanding lead in the region. Justin Miller is also consistently winning points in the steer wrestling.

Ryan Routier is second in team roping on the heading side and Isaiah Pemberton, Jade Harper, Turner Harris and Layne Carson have also all won points on the heading side. On the heeling side, Justin Miller, John Pfaff, Drew Gartner and Kirby Longbrake have all won points.

In the women’s events, Halley Treeby is out in front in the breakaway roping with Lizzy Murphy and Stacy Dollin in the top twelve. In the goat tying, reigning World Champion Kobi Olineck has been dominating the region with nearly a two hundred point lead. Halley Treeby and Lizzie Murphy are also giving the team some depth in that event.

In barrel racing, returning CNFR qualifier Alyssa Slinn and CNFR hopeful Halley Treeby are in a close race, sitting third and fourth respectively.

We have a good young team with some upper classmen being key leaders. There are 41 student members, six rodeos to go to next spring and then the College National Finals in Casper, Wyoming in June.

Ashton JohnsonParents: Brent and Anna LloydHome town: Regina, SaskatchewanEvents: Barrels Accomplishments: Making the change from show jumping to rodeo Hobbies: Show Jumping

Justin MillerParents: Neil and Brenda millerHome town: Neepawa ManitobaEvents: Steer Wrestle Calf Rope and Team RopeAccomplishments: Provincial champion in all three events. 6th in nation at 2008 CNFR.Hobbies: playing hockey, huntingFavorite Quote: “A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything.” “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: setting the arena record at the 2008 CNFR in the short go.

Something you want said about you in the program: I would like to thank my family for their support over the years.

Turner HarrisParents: Gene and GynellHome town: Killdeer, NDEvents: Calf Roping and Team RopingAccomplishments: Made College FinalsHobbies: Riding, roping, hunting, playing sports Favorite Quote: “Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.”

Lizzie MurphyParents: Tom Murphy & Naomi & Roger RossowHome town: Killdeer, NDEvents: Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, Team RopingAccomplishments: Passing my LPN board exam, College finals, Highest GPA scholarship

2008-2009&M E N ’ S W O M E N ’ S R O D E O T E A M

Hobbies: Nursing, rodeo, city league sports, scrapbooking, hunting, going to the lake, drinking late night coffee.Favorite Quote: “Never look back”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: The four hour whitewater rafting trip gone bad in Casper, WY. Something you want said about you in the program: I am enjoying my senior year at DSU and love all my teammates.

Drew GartnerParents: Duane and Julee GartnerHome town: Killdeer, NDEvents: Calf Roping, Team Roping Accomplishments: 2008 high school calf roping championHobbies: roping, riding and hunting Favorite Quote: Winning isn’t everything wanting to is.Favorite College Rodeo Memory: When Stacy smashed her head on the center council of the pickup for the last raisin.

Jade HarperParents: Brian and Darci HarperHome town: Faith, SDEvents: SW, Team Roping, Goat Tying, Breakaway RopingAccomplishments: Graduated High School!!Hobbies: Hunting and fishing

Troy VairaParents: Shane and Jo VairaHome town: Richey, MT Events: Bareback Riding Accomplishments: Currently leading the Great Plains Region Bareback StandingsHobbies: Living in the 80’s, hunting and fishing Favorite Quote: “Scott Kleeman is the man!”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Getting

help to fix our trailer lights from some McDonalds Guy. Something you want said about you in the program: Second year of college rodeo, have a brother that rodeos as well.

Dane MaherParents: Douglas and Melissa MaherHome town: Eagle Butte, SDEvents: Bull RidingAccomplishments: 2004 SDRA Year End Champion, 2004 NRCA Year End Champion and Finals ChampionHobbies: Anything that doesn’t involve workFavorite College Rodeo Memory: The trip to River Falls Wisconsin last year when Seth Murphy filled his diesel pickup up with gas.

Ty ThompsonParents: Roddy ThompsonHome town: Wanblee, SDEvents: Saddle Bronc, Calf Roping, Team RopingAccomplishments: Made National High School final 3 out of 4 years in high school in 2 different events. Hobbies: Roping, Riding horses, Hunting Memory: In Ames, Iowa when I placed in the Bronc Riding, calf roping, and won the all-around.

Trevor VairaParents: Shane and Jo VairaHome town: Richey, MTEvents: Saddle bronc ridingAccomplishments: ‘08 NDRA finals qualifier, Ditrict 1 HS champion, MT state finals qualifier Hobbies: hunting, fishing, and having funFavorite Quote: “It isn’t the size of the dog in the fight that matters; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” - Mark Twain Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Seth

Murphy putting gas in his diesel pickup and me and a few lucky others getting stranded in Monticello, MN among other places on the way home from River Falls.

Jeremy MeansParents: Galen and Sharon MeansHome town: Eagle Butte South DakotaEvents: Saddle BroncHobbies: Riding Colts, Ranching, and under water basket weaving Favorite Quote: “If your not first your last”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Meeting the Viara’s

John PfaffParents: Darcy and Laurie PfaffHometown: Jamestown, NDEvents: Calf Roping and Team RopingAccomplishments: ’07 NDHSRA Calf Roping Champion, ’08 RRA Calf Roping ChampionHobbies: Hunting, Basketball, Golf Favorite Quote: “Talk Low, Talk Slow, and Don’t Say Too Much,” -John Wayne Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Winning my first college rodeo.

Layne CarsonParents: Monty and Carrie CarsonHome Town: Grassy Butte, NDAccomplishments: I won the AA in high school rodeo in North Dakota and the Great Plains Region Champion header in ‘08.

Jessica J. HemphillParents: Joe and Rhonda HemphillHome town: Tulelake, CAEvents: Breakaway, Team RopingAccomplishments: Reserve Great Plains Region Champion Heeler 2007

Hobbies: Rodeo and Ranching. I like to go snow skiing, water skiing, and travel as much as time permits. Favorite Quote: “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Undallying at DSU’s college rodeo in the short go and knowing Chance just won the region and that we were headed to Casper!!!

Stacy Marie DollParents: Doug and Janet DollHome town: Buffalo, SDEvents: Breakaway, Goats, BarrelsAccomplishments: 2x high school rodeo allstar team member, 2x NHSRA qualifier, 2008 SDHSRA Champion Girls Cutting,Hobbies: Reading, cooking, making jewelry, banging my head into stuff (unintentionally), and hanging out with friendsFavorite Quote: “If god brought you to it, God will bring you through it.”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Driving all through the night to different rodeos and the stuff that you think of to occupy the time, I travel with Ryan Routier...enough said.

Shawn Harris Parents: Ron and Jill HarrisHome Town: Prairie City, SDEvents: Bull RidingAccomplishments: High school state champ, 2x National qualifier Top Ten finish, 3x All star, SDRA and NRCA finalist, Hobbies: Hunting Favorite Quote: “Shoot for the curve and everything above its gravy.” James P. ConnollyFavorite College Rodeo Memory: Being on the cover of the Collegiate Arena

Sydney MeansParents: Galen and Sharon MeansHome town: Eagle Butte, South DakotaEvents: Barrel Racing and Breakaway RopingHobbies: Beading, riding horses, road tripsFavorite College Rodeo Memory: Watching Patrick freak out driving through Minneapolis on the way to River Falls

Halley TreebyParents: Hollis and Karen TreebyHome town: Hecla, South DakotaEvents: Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Goat Tying, and Team RopingAccomplishments: 3 time NHSFR qualifier, 2006 SDHSRA Champion Goat Tyer, many different state titles for SD 4-H rodeo.Hobbies: Riding and making and selling jewelry Favorite Quote: “Reach for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars.”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Dane trying to teach me how to ride a roping steer out of the bull chute with a bull rope and everything! And also this fall when one of our calves decided to hit the goat and I was right behind it not knowing if I should save the goat or myself!Something you want said about you in the program: I just want Scott to admit how much he loves East River to Brittany and I!

Ryan RoutierParents: Laurie & Terry GoehringHome Town: Buffalo SDEvents: Calf Roping, Team RopingAccomplishments: 2 time CNFR QualifierHobbies: Riding, roping, golfing, anything to keep me busy

Favorite Quote: “Rodeo embodies the frontier Spirit as manifested through the aggressive and exploitative conquest of the west, and deals with the reordering of nature according to the dictates of this ethos. It supports the value of subjugating mature, and reenacts the “taming” process whereby the wild is brought under control.” – Lawrence. “Don’t know what that means but is sounded good” – RyanFavorite Memory: This year I must say it was when a certain traveling partner fell off the back seat and smacked her head into the center council, all over racing for the last raisin.Something you want said about you in the program: You know what I love about rodeo...Everything

Patrick MonsonParents: Barb & Steve Waagen, Greg, & Darlene MonsonFavorite Quote: “Anything can happen”Achievements: Quail Bruce Jr. Sportsmanship award, 2008 RRA Jr Calf Roping Reserve Champion, 2007 TNT High Point Heeler Saddle Roping, 2007 NDRA Saddle Bronc Horse of the YearFavorite Memory of DSU: Traveling to the rodeos with Tanner and Sydney and telling scary stories about Big Foot and Albert

Alyssa SlinnParents: Dave and Vivian SlinnHometown: Regina SaskatchewanEvents: Barrel Racing Accomplishments: 3rd in the region 2007, CNFR qualifier Hobbies: Roller blading, swimming, team penningFavorite Quote: “Luck: a loser’s excuse for a winners postion”Favorite College Rodeo Moment: 2nd run at the Dickinson State rodeoSomething you want said about you in the program: Competed at the national level

in gymnastics, before a knee injury ended my gymnastics career, decided to start barrel racing and have been ever since.

Kalsey Alayne WengerParents: Kevin and Karyn WengerHome town: Granville, NDEvents: Breakaway and Goat TyingAccomplishments: Wrangler All Star Team, 4X State High School Qualifier, National High School QualifierHobbies: Rodeo, Volloeyball, Working with kids, and Spending time with familyFavorite Quote: “~I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.~Maya Angelou”Favorite College Rodeo Memory: All the moments in the precious tree house!Something you want said about you in the program: I am a Business Education and Computer Science major and also teach Nursery School.

Charmaine GradParents: Kevin & Marla GradHome town:Vibank, SK CanadaEvents: Barrel RacingAccomplishments: Dean’s List, Honors Student, CCA Finals Champion Barrel Racer, CCA Year End Champion Barrel Racer, National High School Finals Qualifier - Barrels, CuttingHobbies: rodeo,volleyball, badminton Favorite Quote: Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Listening to everyones crazy stories in the “tree house” (aka Kalsey’s Pickup) on the way to rodeos, along with Trevor screaming in a rather girlish voice, “We’re gonna die” the whole way through the cities.

Tanner WznickParents: Jim and Jennifer WznickHome town: Cavalier

Events: Calf roping Team ropingHobbies: roping, riding colts, and huntingFavorite College Rodeo Memory: Riding with Patrick while he drove through Minneapolis

Katy PflegerParents: Lowell and Tami PflegerHome town: Rapid City, SDEvents: Barrel Racing and BreakawayAccomplishments: National High School Qualifier, 4 Time High School State Qualifier, and College Rodeo at DSUHobbies: Rodeo, Friends, and Family Favorite Quote: “God NEVER performs his greatest feats in you yesterdays.” Joel Osteen Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Making the team and meeting new people who will be life long friends.Something you want said about you in the program: I would like to say Thank You to everyone that has been supportive of me throughout my wonderful 19 years.

Coralee BulaniParents: Lynda & Dennis BulaniHome town: Bigger, SK, CanadaEvents: Goats, BarrelsHobbies: Riding, swimming, jogging Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Every Rodeo I’ve gotten to travel to with Scott

Evan Lee FarnsworthParents Name: Ed and Lorie FarnsworthHometown: McHenry, North DakotaEvent: Bull RidingHobbies: Showing Cattle, Ranching, Snowboarding, Hunting, Basketball, Baseball, Rodeo Favorite Quote: Don’t be afraid to go after what you want to do, and what you want to be. But don’t be afraid to be willing to pay the price. By Lane Frost (Bull Rider)

Favorite College Memory: College Rodeo in Lincoln, Nebraska last spring.

Troy BunnParents: Jeff & JillHome town: Lisbon, NDEvents: Bull Riding

Bailey KahlParents: Gene & Marcie KahlHome town: Solen, NDEvents: Barrel Racing

Kirby LongbrakeParents: Mike & DianaHome town: Howes, SDEvents: Team RopingHobbies: Roping and talking

Isaiah PembertonParents: Dennis & Laurie PembertonHome Town: Bagley, MNGrade: Freshman majoring in Social ScienceAccomplishments: 2007 Minnesota High School Rodeo Association Champion Calf Roper

Kobi Laura OlineckParents: Tim and Terry OlineckHome town: Ponoka Alberta Canada!!!Events: Team Rope, Goats, BreakawayAccomplishments: CNFR ChampionHobbies: Roping, riding, swimming, jogging Favorite Quote: Winners don’t quit and quitters never win! Favorite College Rodeo Memory: Winning College Finals

Kobi Olineck is the reigning National Collegiate Goat-tying Champion

1958 Bull Riding Dale Jorgenson – 3rd in the Nation Ribbon Roping Frank Appledorn – 4th in the Nation Bareback Riding Pete Fredericks – 2nd in the Nation1959 Bull Riding Freddie Kist – National Champion1976 Bareback Riding Monte Carson – 4th in the Nation 1977 Bareback Riding Monte Carson – 3rd in the Nation1978 Saddle Bronc Brad Gjermundson – 5th in the Nation1979 Saddle Bronc Brad Gjermundson – 2nd in the Nation1980 Saddle Bronc Brad Gjermundson – National Champion1983 Bareback Wayne Herman – 3rd in the Nation Steer Wrestling Bob (John) Irwin – 3rd in the Nation1984 Bull Riding Quint McDermand – National Champion Steer Wrestling Bob (John) Irwin – 3rd in the Nation1985 Saddle Bronc Kevin Plummer – 5th in the Nation Team Roping Calvin Feland – 8th in the Nation1986 Saddle Bronc Kevin Plummer – 7th in the Nation1987 Breakaway Roping Kristy Hersrud – 3rd/4th split in the Nation Breakaway Roping Kayleen Chaffee – 3rd/4th split in the Nation1988 Barrel Racing Bobbi Woodbury – 4th in the Nation Goat Tying Roxanne Herberholz – 8th in the Nation1989 Calf Roping Arlie Hulm – 8th in the Nation Barrel Racing Bobbi Woodbury – 3rd in the Nation Goat Tying Kristi Lensegrav – 10th in the Nation1990 Goat Tying Kristi Lensegrav – 5th in the Nation1991 Men’s All Around Arlie Hulm – 4th in the Nation Calf Roping Arlie Hulm – 5th in the Nation1993 Men’s All Around Arlie Hulm – 4th in the Nation Calf Roping Arlie Hulm – 4th/7th split in the Nation Team Roping Arlie Hulm – 5th/6th split in the Nation1994 Saddle Bronc Shaun Stroh – National Champion Men’s Team Dickinson State University – 12th in the Nation1995 Men’s All Around Will Laduke – 2nd in the Nation Calf Roping Will Laduke – 2nd in the Nation Men’s Team Dickinson State University – 9th in the Nation1996 Saddle Bronc Jeremy Crane – National Champion & Rookie of the Year Men’s Team Dickinson State University – 9th in the Nation Women’s Team Dickinson State University – 19th in the Nation1997 Men’s Team Dickinson State University – 3rd in the Nation Women’s Team Dickinson State University – 9th in the Nation Saddle Bronc Jeremy Crane – 3rd in the Nation Bareback James Thompson – 5/6 split in the Nation Bull Riding Joe Blankenship – 4th in the Nation Team Roping Chad Smith/Seth Arndorfer – 6th in the Nation Goat Tying Faye LaDuke – 2nd in the Nation1998 Saddle Bronc Jeremy Crane – National Champion Men’s Team Dickinson State University – 2nd in the Nation Women’s Team Dickinson State University – 8th in the Nation Saddle Bronc Zac Crane – 5th in the Nation Saddle Bronc Scott Ree – 7th in the Nation Calf Roping Matt Otto – 8th in the Nation Goat Tying Faye LaDuke – 3rd in the Nation Bull Riding Beni Paulson – 8th in the Nation1999 Calf Roping Matt Otto – National Champion Men’s Team Dickinson State University – 7th in the Nation Women’s Team Dickinson State University – 11th in the Nation Goat Tying Brandi Nelson – 6th in the Nation Barrel Racing Sarah Hausauer – 8th in the Nation Bareback Damian Paulson – 6th in the Nation Saddle Bronc Cody Smith – 8th in the Nation2000 Breakaway Roping Jackie Olson – 3rd in the Nation2004 Team Roping Chad Day – National Champion Healer Barrel Racing Alison Sismey – 5th in the Nation2005 Calf Roping Joe Schmidt – 5th in the Nation Team Roping Kyle Smith – 10th in the Nation Team Roping Chad Day – 11th in the Nation2006 Steer Wrestling Brent Dolezal – 9th in the Nation2006 Saddle bronc Rollie Wilson – 12th in the Nation2007 Breakaway roping Brittany Brown – 12th in the Nation2008 Goat Tying Kobi Olineck – 1st in the Nation Justin Miller Steer Wrestling – 6th in the Nation Seth Murphy Steer Wrestling – 7th in the Nation

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champions Brad Gjermundson – 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985 Four-Time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Wayne Herman – 1992 World Champion Bareback Rider Troy Pruitt – 1990 World Champion Calf Roper

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