Welcome to Tarleton Rodeo!
Tarleton hires new rodeo coach
 STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS—The most sought-after available coaching position in collegiate rodeo has been filled. Four-time Southwest Region Coach of the Year Mark Eakin has accepted Tarleton State University’s offer to continue its strong rodeo tradition and come on board as the university’s next head coach.
“We had a really good pool of applicants,” said outgoing rodeo coach Bob Doty. “It was a tough decision, but Mark just stood out the most.”
Eakin has long been around the sport of rodeo and, until about five years ago, an active contestant. During his contestant days, Eakin competed in steer wrestling, tie-down roping and saddle bronc.
For the last 11 years, Eakin was the rodeo coach at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon. During that time, he also held several positions with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). From 2006-2008, he served at the NIRA rules committee chairman. In 2003-2004, he was the president. And since 2003, Eakin has served as the roughstock director and chute boss for the College National Finals Rodeo.
In addition to his rodeo experience and knowledge, Eakin has an associate’s degree from Vernon Regional Junior College in Vernon, Texas, a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton and a master’s in animal science from WTAMU.
“I’m real excited about Mark coming to Tarleton,” Doty said. “Not only did he rodeo for me, but he is also a Tarleton graduate. I know he will carry the university’s tradition of having a good rodeo program as well as bringing in excellent students to the program.” |
Click Here for Scholarship Rodeo Results
Click Here for McMullan Roping Results &
Lady Wragler Breakaway Roping Results
The Tarleton Rodeo Association has been part of a winning tradition since 1947. Tarleton teams have won the national championship six times and have had 15 individual national champions.
Today Tarleton has one of the biggest teams in the nation with 91 card holding student members in 2006-07. The rodeo program comes under the Office of Rodeo Activities and is in the Student Life Division. Dr. Wanda Mercer, is Vice-President for Student Services, and Mr. Mark Eakin is director of Rodeo Activities and a head coach. Assisting Mr. Eakin is Raymond Hollabaugh.
Congratulations to the Tarleton State University Men's and Women's Rodeo Teams.
Click for more CNFR Results and Photos 2007
Congratulations National Champion Heeler, Matt Robertson!
Congratulations to the Tarleton Women's Team for their 2006-2007 Southwest Regional Championship.
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Jenna Erickson, Taryn Krantz, Jamie Mader, Kirby Eppert, Coach Bob Doty |
