Bakersfield College Rodeo

male riding a horse while throwing a rope during a past rodeo competition

BC Rodeo Team

The Bakersfield College Rodeo Team provides student-athletes the opportunity to compete in collegiate rodeo while pursuing their educational and career goals at Bakersfield College. Competing as a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) West Coast Region, the team represents Bakersfield College at rodeos throughout California and at the national level.

The program combines collegiate competition with academic achievement, leadership development, responsibility, and hands-on experience within the western and agricultural industries. Student-athletes compete in traditional rodeo events including team roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, goat tying, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, and bull riding.

Since its development, the BC Rodeo Team has continued to grow in both participation and competitive success. Bakersfield College student-athletes have qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), earned regional recognition, and represented the college on one of collegiate rodeo's largest stages.

More than a competitive program, BC Rodeo creates a collegiate experience centered on education, teamwork, horsemanship, leadership, and preparation for life beyond college. Through practices, competition, travel, community engagement, and industry connections, student-athletes have opportunities to develop skills that extend well beyond the arena.

BC Rodeo team standing together

BC Rodeo Club

The Bakersfield College Rodeo Club provides students with opportunities to become involved in rodeo, agriculture, western culture, community service, and campus activities beyond collegiate competition.

The club creates an avenue for students who share an interest in rodeo and the western industry to participate in the BC Rodeo program, including students who may not compete as members of the intercollegiate rodeo team.

Club members have opportunities to participate in activities connected to the annual Bakersfield College Rodeo, fundraising, community outreach, promotional events, student activities, and other projects that support BC Rodeo.

Participation provides students with opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, communication, event management, and professional skills while developing connections with fellow students and members of the local agricultural and western communities.

The BC Rodeo Club supports the broader mission of Bakersfield College by creating opportunities for student engagement, leadership development, community involvement, and connections between education and industry.

black and white of three men standing near a fence
silouette of several people in a rodeo setting, some on horses, some standing
rope tied to a rodeo gate

BC Rodeo

Each fall, Bakersfield College brings collegiate rodeo to Kern County with the annual Bakersfield College Rodeo at the Kern County Fairgrounds.

The two-day event welcomes collegiate rodeo athletes from throughout the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association's West Coast Region to Bakersfield for a weekend of competition, community, and western tradition.

Since hosting its first home rodeo in 2023, Bakersfield College has developed the event into much more than a collegiate competition. The BC Rodeo has become a community event that brings together student-athletes, families, alumni, local businesses, agricultural and western industries, sponsors, vendors, and rodeo fans.

Spectators can experience collegiate rodeo competition while enjoying an event designed for the entire community. The weekend features traditional rodeo events, vendors, entertainment, Mutton Bustin', sponsor experiences, and opportunities to support Bakersfield College student-athletes.

The Bakersfield College Rodeo also provides an important connection between the college and the industries and communities it serves. Local businesses and community partners play a significant role in the event through sponsorships, partnerships, vendor participation, and support of BC Rodeo student-athletes.

female riding a horse near a barrell during competition
male riding a horse while roping a cow
person riding a horse during rodeo competition

2026 Bakersfield College Rodeo

November 14-15, 2026
Kern County Fairgrounds

Join Bakersfield College for two days of collegiate rodeo and help us celebrate our student-athletes, western heritage, and the Kern County community.

Come watch. Get involved. Support BC Rodeo.

BC Rodeo Advisors & Coaches

Woman wearing a red button up shirt and a cowboy hatJulie Towse - Advisor
julie.towse@bakersfieldcollege.edu
adult male wearing a white shirt and a cowboy hatLaramie Collins - Head Coach
laramie.collins@bakersfieldcollege.edu
woman wearing a white collared shirt and a cowboy hatVail Carter - Assistant Coach
vail.carter@bakersfieldcollege.edu
male riding a horse and roping a cow
female rodeo competitor riding a horse while holding a lasso