LA Rodeo Members Head Back to School at IGRA University

Six of the LA Rodeo association members headed to Las Vegas during the last weekend of February for the third annual IGRA University.  It was a chance to bond, learn, and have some fun in Sin City.

Scotty Shadix, Chris Keene, Joseph Olney, Jackie Griffith, Jim Gant, and Chris Hulse split the schedule of classes up to ensure they covered as many subjects as possible over Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning.  Selections included courses such as "Running a Safe Rodeo", "Managing Contestant Registration", "Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers" plus a new sampling of available dance classes begins a new tradition that will result in the Annual Dance Competition moving to IGRA University beginning in 2009.

Las Vegas provided a fun-filled backdrop to the educational setting... allowing students to blow off steam at a blackjack table, eating at an world renown buffet or watching the NGRA Royalty Competition at Charlie's Las Vegas.  Following University classes on Saturday night, there was a well attended Jack and Jill dance at the host hotel's ballroom.  Sunday afternoon all University attendees were invited to a graduation luncheon where all 99 students recieved degrees or achievement certificates, and IGRA President Brian Helander made himself available to answer any questions.

All in all, it was a great opportunity to meet fellow rodeo enthusiasts from around the country and Canada and discuss chapter and rodeo planning, issues and solutions with a new sets of faces.