Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The South Dakota State University Rodeo Club was organized in October 1952 when approximately 50 students met in the campus Stock Judging Pavilion to establish a collegiate rodeo team. In its first year, members began competing through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association within what is now the Great Plains Region. The inaugural Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo was held May 20–21, 1953, in Clear Lake, South Dakota, marking the beginning of one of the university’s longest running athletic traditions.
The Stampede relocated to Rapid City in 1954, was suspended in 1955, and resumed in 1956, continuing annually thereafter. In 1956, the rodeo program began a longstanding partnership with the Sutton family, who provided livestock and equipment for competitions. With their assistance, the Rodeo Club constructed its first on-campus arena in 1958 using salvaged and donated materials. During the 1960s, designated rodeo grounds were established west of the Animal Science Arena for practice and competition. While competition later moved to indoor venues to accommodate weather and attendance needs, the grounds have remained in use for outdoor practice.
Each spring, the Jackrabbit Stampede draws competitors from across the Great Plains Region and is sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The event has received regional recognition multiple times and remains a central component of the university’s rodeo program. Since its founding, the program has included more than 1,200 participants and has produced numerous qualifiers for the College National Finals Rodeo. The SDSU rodeo program continues to operate within the structure of regional and national intercollegiate rodeo competition.