LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – For some people, competitive rodeo is in their blood.
So does Texas Tech Rodeo interim coach Kyle Vanderleest.
“I’ve been around horses since I was a kid. Luckily, I have a few family members who participated in rodeos when they were younger, so I’ve continued to do that,” Vanderleest said.
For some, like Texas Tech interim coach Swaze Lee, it’s a self-discovered calling.
“I’m the first generation,” Lee said.
Lee was 6 years old the first time he rode a horse.
She said her parents were nervous at first, but that didn’t last long.
“They got to see what the lifestyle was like, and they were all into it and wanted me to follow that dream,” Lee said.
Lee became a member of the award-winning Texas Tech Rodeo team.
“It was amazing. I really enjoyed my time at Texas Tech, both as a student and as an athlete,” Lee said.
Now, she is working as an interim coach to give others the same opportunity.
“I truly enjoy my job. I strongly believe that God has a mission in my life, and I want to glorify God through this position,” Lee said. . “I feel like God led me to where I am now.”
Although Lee is not a contestant, he still feels the pressure.
“I’m definitely more nervous in front of my students. I want them to be very successful in whatever they do in and out of the arena,” Lee said.
VanDerLeest feels the same way.
“I’m just as nervous thinking about them, but it’s great to celebrate their wins. It’s a whole new experience, a whole new feeling, but it’s really fun for me,” Vanderleest said. said.
While the interim coaches have celebrated the victory with the students, challenges remain as the team adjusts to the change in leadership.
Lee and VanDerLeest said they are working to earn students’ trust.
“I think a lot of it is behavior. You can tell them that until they’re blue in the face, but a lot of it is behavior. I think that’s going to turn the tide,” Lee said. spoke.
John Pipkin is the new executive director of the Texas Tech University Equestrian Center.
Pipkin agreed that restoring the students’ trust is a top priority and is confident the interim coach can accomplish that.
“I could clearly see that both of them have a complete passion for rodeo. They live and breathe it, it’s a part of who they are, and it’s important for our students to embrace them.” “It will be,” Pipkin said.
The team has 120 members and currently has two interim coaches, but university leadership said they plan to return to one coach once a permanent replacement is found.
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When the university fired the previous coach, university officials cited financial mismanagement, disregard for animal welfare and policy violations that undermined the university’s ability to maintain accreditation. The former coach was also accused of failing to comply with funding agency requirements.
We asked Pipkin if there are any plans to separate the rodeo program from the university.
“The administration has indicated that they definitely want to aim to keep everything connected on campus at this point, and that’s primarily through the commitment of resources and the provision of those resources,” Pipkin said. said. “Additionally, there is salary support for coaches and other aspects of maintaining and operating a team, which would cease to exist if there was separation.”
This year’s fall rodeo is over and students are now preparing for the first rodeo of the spring semester.
Although some questions remain, Professor Pipkin said the university’s support for the program was unwavering.
“We have seen a tremendous amount of continued work into the future of Texas Tech Rodeo,” Pipkin said.
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