Horsing around at the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo

BY SHANNON BARBIN SM2 REPORTER

The 37 Annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo was held Jan. 27 and 28 at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center.

The arena was filled with darkness as the crowd waited in suspense. The announcer commemorated a tale of cowboys and cowgirls. The rodeo opened up with a fire roper performer followed by a performance by a gun spinner.

Southern Miss President, Dr. Joe Paul took on the role of Grand Marshal. He paraded around the arena with a smile on his face in a float waving and throwing out free Southern Miss merchandise to all the fans.

The rodeo featured trick ropers Rider Kiesner and Bethany Iles. Fans were also able to witness bull riding, barrel racing, cattle roping, horse bucking and an array of opening acts. The rodeo was sponsored by Southern Beverage, Xfinity, B-95, Pine Belt Motors, Keith’s Super Stores, Hattiesburg Clinic, Forrest General, Bourne Brothers, The Hattiesburg American, Neel-Schaffer, Service Master, Papa Johns, Eagle Dining, Southern Miss Campus Recreation and F45 Training.