BC Athletes Ready to Excel in Upcoming Bakersfield College Rodeo
Thursday, October 15, 2026
The BC Rodeo Team will have more than 20 athletes competing in the 2026 Annual Bakersfield College Rodeo. The event takes place Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15th at the Kern County Fairgrounds. The family-friendly event provides the perfect environment to display the talents of the individual athletes.
BC Rodeo Team captain Trent Jones is a three-year veteran of the program and will be competing in the upcoming rodeo. He has competed in the collegiate national finals in team roping, and this season presents another opportunity to return and perhaps bring home a national title. "We are hoping to send him back one last time to get that title," said Julie Towse, associate professor of agriculture science and coordinator of the BC Rodeo.
One of the newest members of the team is freshman Emery Selby. He will enter the arena in November and compete in four different events. He will compete in saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and team roping. Among a field of approximately 235 collegiate athletes, he will be the only competitor taking on all four events.
This year will mark the 4th annual Bakersfield College Rodeo which first started in 2023. Each year, rodeo teams from several colleges come together to showcase their skills and compete against other teams from all around California and Nevada. This year, this two-day event will feature more than 225 athletes from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, UNLV, Bakersfield College, and others. More than 4800 spectators attended last year’s rodeo, and they are looking to build off that momentum and bring in even more attendees for the 2026 affair.
Towse has been working throughout the year to ensure this year’s production is the best one ever. “This is going to be a great family activity. We are going to have a live concert, great vendors so people can shop and eat, “she said, “and everyone gets to watch a great rodeo competition. We are excited to bring more than 5000 people together for a great night of entertainment.”
While this is an incredible event for athletes and fans, it also helps support and expand the BC Rodeo Team and its resources. “This is really our only fundraiser [for the rodeo team],” Towse said, “every red cent that comes out of this event we put back into the team.” The rodeo team participates in a variety of competitions throughout the year, and the funds help pay for travel, lodging, meals, and other operating costs for both the athletes and their animals. “Most athletes have their own trucks and trailers that they use to transport their equipment and horses,” says Towse, “and the fund we raise from the rodeo helps cover those costs.” They also want to grow the team and hopefully have their own practice facilities in the future.
You have the opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting events in Kern County! Come cheer on your Renegade rodeo athletes who will compete in an exciting slate of events including bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, goat tying, and many others. There will also be family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend including rodeo clowns, Mutton Bustin’, and a competition between the Bakersfield Police Department and Bakersfield Fire Department. Buy your tickets today at the BC Rodeo webpage. We hope to see you there!
