2024 Program
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank you for attending the Emerald Coast PCA Rodeo! We are thrilled to have 3R Rodeo Company as our stock contractor once again, providing exceptional professional and affordable family entertainment to our community. This year, we’re excited to expand the event with the addition of a Thursday night concert with Drew Baldridge. The event helps raise funds for Northwest Florida State College Athletics and student clubs.
Our goal is to bring the community together and create lasting memories. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who make this event possible. Your enthusiasm and participation are what will make the Emerald Coast PCA Rodeo a cherished tradition in our community. We look forward to continuing this tradition and making each year better than the last.
Thank you for your support!
3R Rodeo Company
3R Rodeo Company is the Southern Regions Premier Stock Contractor and is a multigenerational company that started in 1990 By Gene Ray and his Son Jimmy Dale Ray. Dale Ray & his wife, Renate Ray have continued on with his father’s legacy. 3R Rodeo Company has provided the Southern Region with top scoring bucking stock and has been the top stock contractor & gold card holder for the PCA over the past 3 decades.
Born and raised in Robertsdale, AL. Jerry Byrd’s announcing career started over 20 years ago, announcing at the Jr. Rodeo level and then moving up to the Professional Circuit. Jerry’s energetic style of announcing and his ability to keep the rodeo moving along in a timely manner has afforded him the opportunity to be chosen to announce some of the most prestigious rodeos in the southeast.
For more information on 3R Rodeo Company you can visit 3rrodeo.com/about-us/ and their Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057433608550
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Order of Events
PRESENTATION OF FLAGS
BAREBACK RIDING
SADDLEBRONC RIDING
CALF ROPING
BREAKAWAY
STEER WRESTLING
TEAM ROPING
BARREL RACING
BULL RIDING
Kick-Off Concert
Thursday, November 7th
Mattie Kelly Amphitheater
JASON BYRD
At 19, Jason Byrd joined the Tallahassee Fire Department, fulfilling a lifelong dream, but soon found a new passion for Country music. Raised on hymns and Country tunes, he balanced his firefighting career with trips to Nashville, where George Jones and his wife Nancy became his mentors, transforming his career. After Jones’ passing in 2013, Jason returned to firefighting but eventually left in 2019 to focus on music. His 2021 duet with Jones, “Better Life,” was nominated for the Josie Music Awards. Jason continues to release new music, including his latest singles, with more planned for 2024.
DREW BALDRIDGE
With a voice as rich as the midwestern soil he was raised on, Patoka, IL native, Drew Baldridge’s music reflects small town life while living large on the simple things. His latest viral hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” has amassed over 400 million social media impressions and streams, all while starting a whole movement on TikTok called “The Daughter Trend”. His music catalog including songs like She’s Somebody’s Daughter, Rebound, Imma, and She Does has been streamed over 350 million times globally. He’s an acclaimed songwriter writing for Sony Music Publishing and having his songs recorded by Locash, Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Matthew and more. He has shared the stage with many artists including Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan to name a few.
Why the Raiders?
A proud name and a proud tradition: Northwest Florida State College is honored to use the name Raiders and pay tribute to the heroes of the past who have shaped our future today.
In the College’s first year of operation, in 1964, then OkaloosaWalton Junior College set about to choose a school mascot. The College chose the name “Raiders” in honor of the heroic airmen who trained at Eglin Air Force Base for their famous World War II raid on Tokyo.
To keep the legacy of the Doolittle Raiders alive, NWFSC is honored to feature various Raider memorabilia throughout the campus, including a museum at the entrance of Raider Arena, a painting bearing the signatures of surviving crewman from each of the 16 participating aircrafts, including Jimmy Doolittle himself, and an autographed edition of Doolittle’s autobiography.
Meet Jimmy Raider, known as J.R. Make sure to say hey next time you see J.R. at one of our Raider Athletic Games.
What is a Rodeo?
A rodeo is a competitive event rooted in the traditions of cattle herding and ranching. It features a series of events where participants demonstrate their skills in horseback riding, roping, and handling livestock. Popular events include bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and bronc riding. Each event tests the strength, skill, and courage of the contestants, making for an exciting and action-packed experience for spectators.
Rodeo events are typically divided into two categories: timed events and rough stock events.
TIMED EVENTS:
dismount,
Calf Roping (Tie-Down Roping): Competitors rope a calf, dismount, and tie three of its legs together as quickly as possible.
Team Roping: Two riders work together; one ropes the calf’s head, and the other ropes its legs. Steer Wrestling: Also known as bulldogging, the rider jumps off their horse onto a steer and wrestles it to the ground.
Barrel Racing: Predominantly a women’s event, it involves racing around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels in the fastest time.
Breakaway Roping: Similar to calf roping, but the rope is tied lightly to the saddle horn and breaks away when the calf is roped.
ROUGH STOCK EVENTS:
around
Riders try to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds using only one hand on a rope tied around the bull.
Saddle Bronc Riding: Riders use a specialized saddle and attempt to stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds.
Bareback Bronc Riding: Similar to saddle bronc, but riders use a rigging similar to a suitcase handle instead of a saddle.
History of the PCA
The Professional Cowboy Association (PCA), founded in 1995, aims to promote and preserve the sport of rodeo in the southeastern United States. Originating with a focus on fair and competitive events, the PCA quickly grew in popularity due to its commitment to professionalism and high standards, as outlined in its comprehensive rulebook. The association’s annual PCA Rodeo Finals is a highlight, drawing top competitors to vie for championships in various rodeo disciplines. Over the years, the PCA has significantly contributed to local economies, particularly in rural areas, and has supported the sport’s future through youth and educational programs.
Despite challenges such as economic fluctuations and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCA has adapted by enhancing safety protocols, modernizing its marketing strategies, and emphasizing animal welfare. The association remains a major force in the southeastern rodeo circuit, fostering community engagement and supporting charitable activities. The PCA’s dedication to tradition, ethical practices, and the wellbeing of its participants ensures its ongoing influence and reputation in the rodeo world.
Mutton Bustin’
Mutton bustin’ is a popular and entertaining children’s rodeo event where young participants ride on the backs of sheep. It’s a miniature version of bull riding, but with much less risk and on a much smaller scale. Here’s a quick overview:
How It Works
Participants: Children usually weigh less than 60 pounds to avoid overwhelming the sheep.
Equipment: Riders often wear protective gear, such as helmets and vests, to ensure their safety.
Event Setup: The child is placed on the back of a sheep, and once the sheep is released, the goal is to hold on for as long as possible.
Duration: Rides generally last a few seconds as the sheep quickly bucks and runs to get the rider off its back.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
February 1, 2025
December 6, 2024
February 22, 2025
April 12, 2025
January 7, 2025
Just For Fun!
SADDLE UP FOR SOME LAUGHS
Q: What do cowboys put on their salads?
A: Ranch dressing.
Q: Why did the cowboy adopt a dachshund?
A: He wanted to get a long little doggy.
Q: How did the cowboy know his cattle were behind him without looking?
A: He herd them.
Q: What did the cowboy say when his dog ran away?
A: Doggone!
Q: How do cowboys keep their pants up during the rodeo?
A: With “belt buckles”!
Q: Why did the rodeo clown bring a pencil to the event?
A: Because he wanted to “draw” attention away from the bulls!
DID YOU KNOW?
Where did the first recorded rodeo take place? Deer Trail, Colorado
How long must a bull rider stay on the bull to earn a score? 8 seconds
What is another name for rodeo clowns? Bullfighters
Which rodeo is the largest in the world? Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Kids can get a free sticker at the rodeo merchandise table under the red tent by the main entrance.
Raider Life’s goal is to engage all NWFSC students in campus life and offer opportunities for learning, leadership, service, friendship, and fun. Stay up to date on Raider Life events! @NWFRaiderLife /NWFRaiderLife Want to get involved in Raider Life? Email us at RaiderLife@nwfsc.edu. Visit nwfsc.edu/student-life to learn more!
The Student Advisory Board (SAB) provides a voice for the Northwest Florida State College student body in all college affairs while helping to further the goals of the College from a student perspective.
The Raider Rep Student Ambassadors represent the College in community events and lead campus tours for prospective students.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
