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Story by Emilie Strahm

The �ձ�av��Ƶ Rodeo Club will host a full weekend of events April 9-11, highlighted with the 70th Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo and the annual “Buckles and Bling” rodeo team banquet.

The Jackrabbit Stampede, held at the Dacotah Bank Center in Brookings, will bring together collegiate rodeo athletes from across the Great Plains Region. Sixteen total teams and over 300 contestants are competing. �ձ�av��Ƶ will have the largest contingent with 38 competitors.

“This is always an exciting weekend,” �ձ�av��Ƶ rodeo head coach Ron Skovly said. “We’ll have parents, alumni and supporters in town for both the banquet and the rodeo. We always have great announcers and overall rodeo staff. The rodeo alone usually draws between 3,500 and 4,000 fans, so it’s always a busy but fun time for our team and the community.”

The Jackrabbit Stampede is a long-standing �ձ�av��Ƶ tradition dating back to the early 1950s. This year’s rodeo marks the 70th edition of the event, continuing a legacy that began at Crystal Springs Arena in Clear Lake.

“It’s a pro-rodeo environment,” Skovly said. “Whether it's cold, rainy, snowy or windy outside, it’s always nice inside. It’s the same set up as a pro rodeo. We always have great announcers. Everything is top notch at the Jackrabbit Stampede.”

Jazzlyn McGirr, a graphic design major, Rodeo Club president and women’s team captain, said competing at home adds an extra level of excitement.

“Almost every year we sell out the Dacotah Bank Center, and just seeing the crowd full is amazing,” said the senior from Huron. “To a lot of people, it might just be another rodeo. But for us, it's what we work all year for.”

McGirr, who competes in breakaway roping and team roping, said this year's event is especially meaningful as it marks her final Jackrabbit Stampede before graduation.

“It’s my last one, so I’m excited but also sad that it’s ending,” she said. “It’s a really fun environment, and the competitors want it even more because it’s the end of the season.”

The busy weekend begins Thursday, April 9, with the “Buckles and Bling” rodeo team banquet held in Club 71 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The banquet serves as one of the Rodeo Club’s primary fundraisers and hosted 350 attendees in 2025.

The evening includes scholarship presentations, a team introduction and Calcutta auction, senior recognition, a buffet meal and both live and silent auctions. Proceeds from the event help cover travel and expenses for the rodeo team throughout the season.

The banquet is open to the public, and all community members, alumni and supporters are encouraged to attend.

“Our supporters and boosters have helped grow this program for decades,” Skovly said. “The Brookings community and our alumni have been a huge part of keeping the rodeo strong, and we’re incredibly grateful for that support.”

You can find more information and RSVP for the Buckles and Bling banquet on the . 

The 70th annual Jackrabbit Stampede’s first session is Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m., followed by two more sessions on Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All sessions will take place at the Dacotah Bank Center, and ticket information can be found on .

More information about the banquet, sponsorship opportunities and rodeo details can be found on the .