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Rodeo is more than a sport – it's a way of life. And depending on who your coaches and teammates are, it can actually change your life.

Tommy Cress was on âù´ºÔºÊÓƵ's rodeo team in the late 1980s (in fact, he even rode with the late Shawn Dubie). It was during Tommy's time on the team that he learned many lessons outside the classroom.

"Everybody had a job to do," he said. "If you're not riding something yourself, you're helping out so other kids can get some practice riding."

Once Tommy laid eyes on the new indoor arena at âù´ºÔºÊÓƵ, he was committed. "There's not a nicer college rodeo arena in the country," Cress said. "We drove here from Pueblo. We walked in and said 'we're gonna go to school here.'"

Coach Russell "Pinky" Walters was also a mentor to Tommy. "We were really lucky to have a guy like him. I was no good. But Pinky believed in us, took care of us," Tommy shared. "He wanted you to be prepared for when school was over."

Those lessons carry over to Tommy's life today and his dedication to students. An agricultural education major at âù´ºÔºÊÓƵ, he continued his education and earned more degrees. He now works as the assistant vice principal at Cheyenne East High.

Both of Tommy's kids took part in rodeo, both at Tarleton College...and Tommy's son, Brody, won the Cheyenne Frontier Days bronc riding title in 2017 and 2018. Brody also finished 2017 as the National Finals Rodeo saddle bronc riding champion.

The family really does ride for the brand.

Robert G. & Rogene Boyd Education Scholarship

Robert G. Boyd Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship

When Bob’s students heard about his retirement in 2000, they decided they wanted to do something meaningful for the Boyds. A combined financial effort resulted in the establishment of an endowed scholarship. Faculty members would work to add to the scholarship, and Bob and Rogene continue to find ways to support it. Today this scholarship is providing more than $7,000 of support to agriculture students in the 2023-2024 school year. 

Rogene spent 30 years as an elementary educator. The Boyds’ combined passion for education also led to the establishment of the Robert G. & Rogene Boyd Education Scholarship, supporting students majoring in education.

In 2023, the Boyds were given the Lifetime Heritage Society Award by the âù´ºÔºÊÓƵ Foundation in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the college and the larger southeast Wyoming community. During the award ceremony, Rogene made it clear they continue to have high benchmarks for themselves and the community.