Gardner hopes to achieve goals at PCC rodeo

Growing up in a rodeo family, Mitchell Gardner always knew he wanted to be involved with rodeo and being at Pratt Community College is helping him to achieve that goal.

Gardner is a sophomore from Dover, Okla., and said he decided to come to PCC and join the rodeo team after a friend told him about the school.

“I thought it sounded like a good opportunity,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time here and have no regrets about my decision.”

Gardner started his rodeo career 10 years ago. When he first got involved he team roped and rode bulls. Bull riding was his main sport for nine years, “until he got too big for them.” He is now a steer wrestler. Along with bulldogging at the PCC rodeo this year, Gardner will also take part in team roping.

“I have team roped my whole life but don’t like it as much,” he said. “It isn’t as exciting to me as some of the other events. I like the more extreme stuff.”

Gardner said he is excited about the PCC rodeo this year because he jumped his first steer at the rodeo last year. He said he also made it to the second round last year, which he hopes to do again this year, along with taking home some money.

“Even though I had good luck here last year, that doesn’t mean anything for this year,” he said. “We have to compete against the livestock, which may look different any given night. It is anyone’s game to win.”

When Gardner graduates from PCC with a degree in animal science this May, he hopes to continue rodeoing full time. He said he would like to join the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and hopefully win a world championship.

Come out to support Gardner and the rest of the PCC rodeo team Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the Huffman Arena on Pratt’s main campus.

The rodeo kicks off Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. and will continue Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. with a cowboy breakfast that morning. On Oct. 2 there will be cowboy church that morning with the rodeo to start at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $7 for adult’s single performance or $18 for all performances, $5 for first through 12 graders and children under first grade get in free.