Tarleton State University announced this week the establishment of the Rodeo Hall of Fame to honor cowboys and cowgirls who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport.

Organizers of the Tarleton Rodeo Hall of Fame have formed a committee and will accept nominations through Feb. 27 for the inaugural induction ceremony.

“Tarleton rodeo has had a huge impact on the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and the NIRA Southwest Region,” said assistant rodeo coach Tibba Smith. “Today, Tarleton has one of the largest teams in the nation with 112 card-holding student members, and continues to demonstrate the winning tradition set years ago.”

The first rodeo team at Tarleton was formed in 1947. Since then, student competitors have won six national championship titles and 19 individual national titles, plus numerous event and team championships within the Southwest Region.

Individuals and teams named to the hall of fame will have performed at a level distinctly and significantly higher than that of their teammates or associates, said rodeo coach Mark Eakin. “Their performance will have brought honor and distinction to Tarleton State University. Induction reflects the university’s appreciation of these outstanding rodeo achievements and their commitment to excellence in a competitive environment.”

Individuals are eligible for nomination five years after the last season of rodeo participation at Tarleton, and the nominee must have competed in collegiate rodeo for a minimum of two years at TSU, although the nominee is not required to be a graduate.

Individuals other than student-athletes and teams may be nominated, however, these individuals must have made a significant and sustained contribution to the Tarleton rodeo program. Nominees may be living or deceased, and current coaches of Tarleton rodeo are not eligible for consideration.

Anyone interested in nominating a past Tarleton rodeo student or coach is encouraged to fill out the nominating form located under the “Hall of Fame” link online at: www.tarleton.edu/rodeo. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the rodeo office at (254)968-9187 and form will be sent to you.

After filling out the form, please return the application to Tarleton rodeo coach Mark Eakin, at [email protected] or fax to the rodeo office at 254-968-9492. For additional information, please call the Office of Rodeo Activities at 254-968-9187.