On April 21, 2025, Taycee Renick signed her college letter of intent to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University and be on their rodeo team for barrel racing.
Barrel racing has a fascinating history rooted in both the development of rodeo as a sport and the evolving role of women in Western culture. Barrel racing began in the early 20th century, and unlike many other rodeo events—which were originally dominated by men and derived from ranching work—barrel racing was created specifically for women.
The sport started informally in Texas, often as a display of horsemanship rather than a timed competition. Early versions of the event varied. Some used a figure-eight pattern with two barrels, and it wasn’t always based on speed, it was more about grace and form.
The Girls Rodeo Association was formed in 1948, later renamed the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, or WPRA. The three-barrel cloverleaf pattern became the standard, and the focus shifted fully to speed and precision.
Thiswasapivotalmoment when women in rodeo began organizing for legitimacy and equal recognition. By the 1960s, barrel racing was a staple at rodeos, often the only event in which women would compete.
Although women participated, the sport was still underrepresented, and prize money and sponsorship lagged behind men's events. The WPRA worked hard to gain parity and respect, eventually partnering with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to get women's events included in more major rodeos.
Today, barrel racing is a premier event in professional rodeo, drawing massive fan followings, especially at events like the National Finals Rodeo. Top competitors are household names in rodeo circles, and some earn lucrative sponsorships. The sport has also grown at the youth and amateur levels, with associations like the National Barrel Horse Association promoting local and international competition.
Barrel racing is often seen as a symbol of strength, speed and partnership between rider and horse. It helped blaze a trail for female rodeo athletes and remains one of the most prominent showcases of women's talent in Western sports.
SE boasts a rich and storied rodeo tradition that dates to the mid-20th century. The SE Rodeo Club was established in 1949, marking the university's formal entry into collegiate rodeo.
By 1953, the club had constructed a practice arena on campus, underscoring its commitment to the sport. That same year, SE became a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, aligning itself with a national network of collegiate rodeo programs.
The 1970s and early 1980s were a golden era for SE rodeo. The men's team secured five consecutive NIRA nationalchampionshipsfrom 1976 to 1980.
Key contributors during this period included Jerry Beagley, who clinched the NIRA Bareback Riding Championship before transferring to SE and playing a pivotal role in the 1976 team title. SE has produced several distinguished rodeo athletes.
Roy Cooper, known as the 'Super Looper,' is a seventime PRCA world champion and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. His tenure at SE contributed to the university's esteemed rodeo legacy.
To honor its rodeo heritage, SE established the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Inductees are celebrated for their achievements both during and after their time at the university. The 2021 class included Blair Burk, Steven Bland and Cindy Ann Perrin.
In2022,SEunveiledplans for a new Rodeo/Agriculture Expo Center. This state-ofthe- art facility features a 135’ x 225’ lighted outdoor arena, livestock penning areas and seating for over 500 spectators.
Additionally, a 3,800 square-foot classroom building supports both the rodeo program and the broader university community. SE continues to host annual rodeos, attracting competitors from across the region. The university's commitment to the sport ensures that its rodeo traditionremainsvibrant and influential.
SE’s commitment to education and the sport of rodeo was elevated on April 21, 2025, as Madill High School senior Renick, signed her scholarship contract to be the newest rodeo competitor in barrel racing and roping events. Renick has demonstrated notableachievements in rodeo competitions, particularly in barrel racing and calf roping.
At the Saint Jo Rodeo in August 2024, Renick secured 3rd place in calf roping with an impressive time of 3.78 seconds and earning $258. In August 2023, she competed in the WWP Wednesday Open 4D, recording a time of 18.832 seconds on her horse 'Another Wild child.'
At the 2024 World Championship Junior Rodeo, Renick participated in the Junior Barrels Round 1, finishing with a time of 24.082 seconds, and during the Barrel Bash event in Guthrie, Okla., she achieved a time of 17.405 seconds, placing in the 2D division and earning $369. Renick said she looks forward to rodeoing at SE, while she works on her life goal of becoming a primary teacher and gaining an education.