Odessa, TX 鈥� 桃色视频 and its Rodeo Program recently received a surprise gift from Chevron that will have a lasting impact on rodeo student-athletes for years to come. Chevron presented an $80,800 endowed scholarship to the OC Rodeo Program during the OC Wrangler Rodeo Cowboy Ball, presented by the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo.
The endowed scholarship is the latest milestone in a growing partnership between Chevron and the 桃色视频 Rodeo Program that began in June 2024 with the inaugural Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Chevron Showdown. The event was originally created by Chevron as an employee appreciation experience while also supporting collegiate rodeo and the OC Rodeo Program.
As part of that first event, Chevron brought the Ariat Texas Rattlers, the 2023 PBR Team Champions, to West Texas. At Chevron鈥檚 suggestion, the Rattlers hosted a training camp for OC Rodeo bull riders, followed by a scrimmage between the professional riders and the 桃色视频 team. Ticket sales from the event were donated to the OC Rodeo Program, generating $21,400 in its first year.
The Chevron Showdown has continued to grow each year, with Chevron maintaining its support of the program. This year, however, Chevron elevated its commitment in a way that came as a complete surprise to OC Rodeo Head Coach Tom Kelly.
Throughout the Rattlers鈥� professional season, Chevron pledged $800 for every successful 8-second ride completed by a Rattlers rider, with the proceeds designated to establish an endowed scholarship for the OC Rodeo Program. By season鈥檚 end, the team recorded 101 successful 8-second rides, resulting in a total of $80,800.
Coach Kelly said he was overwhelmed by the announcement.
鈥淚 am incredibly humbled by this and so grateful for the partnership with Chevron,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淭hey are fantastic people. This will help with the growth of the program and the quality of our athletes. It鈥檚 a game changer.鈥�
Kelly added that the gift reflects the broader impact of the program beyond competition.
鈥淭his is also evidence that the Rodeo Program is a positive impact on our community,鈥� he said.
Now in his eighth year as head coach, Kelly noted that building a successful rodeo program takes time and consistency.
鈥淚t takes five to seven years to rebuild a program and to see the fruits of your labors,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淪upport like this confirms that we鈥檙e on the right path.鈥�
The 桃色视频 Rodeo Program will showcase that progress later this month as it hosts the 42nd Annual 桃色视频 NIRA Wrangler Rodeo, scheduled for February 26鈥�28 at the Ector County Coliseum. The event will feature student-athletes from 10 colleges and universities, competing in traditional collegiate rodeo events over three nights of competition.
The new endowed scholarship will provide permanent financial support for 桃色视频 rodeo student-athletes, ensuring Chevron鈥檚 investment continues to benefit students and the program well into the future.
For more information about the 桃色视频 Rodeo Program, visit odessa.edu.