Highlands University Rodeo Team Thanks State Sen. Phil Griego

The New Mexico Highlands University Rodeo Team invited State Sen. Phil Griego to campus Aug. 19 to formally thank him for his support during the 2010 legislative session.
 

Griego’s legislative advocacy resulted in a $100,000 legislative appropriation that allowed the university’s rodeo team to continue.
 

 “I’m very grateful for Sen. Griego’s support of the rodeo team,” said Rodeo Coach Jon Peek, who is now in his third year coaching at Highlands.”He also provided useful ideas about how to reach new heights with the program. Our university president, Jim Fries, has also shown his belief in our rodeo program, which we greatly appreciate.”
 

Four Highlands University rodeo athletes competed in the College National Finals Rodeo in both 2009 and 2010. Three rodeo athletes garnered regional championships in the same time frame. 
 

The rodeo team includes women and men.
 

“My rodeo athletes are such diligent, hard workers,” Peek said. “They work just as hard in the classroom as they do in the arena. We’ve had four Academic All Americans in the last two years.”
 

Peek said the Rodeo Booster Club established in April has made substantial progress developing relationships with ranchers, farmers and other community leaders who support the program.
 

“We’re all working hard and I’m confident the rodeo team will have longevity,” Peek said.

The third annual New Mexico Highlands University Rodeo Fundraising Dinner is scheduled for Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in the university’s Sala de Madrid building at 801 University Ave. The dinner will feature a dance with live music, along with a live and silent auction. For reservations and other details, please contact Peek at 505-426-4557 or jrpeek@nmhu.edu