The Jackrabbit Stampede celebrated 70 years of rodeo this past weekend with 15 teams totaling over 300 competitors, some of whom competed in multiple events.

The teams came to Brookings from North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. 

The South Dakota State Rodeo women’s team placed 2nd overall, with freshman Laney Hoier taking home the title of Women’s All-Around.

“I was very happy with how the entire week and weekend went,” SDSU head coach Ron Skovly said. “We had very good crowds again this year and had 10 team members qualify for the top 10 finals ‘short go’ on Saturday night.”

“It means a good deal to get the women’s all-around at our home rodeo,” Hoier said.

The freshman accounting major said that winning the all-around was the cherry on top this weekend.

“Colt and Trey Frank winning the team roping and Laney Hoier winning the women’s all-around at our home rodeo was very special to see,” Skovly said. 

The rodeo is a long-standing SDSU tradition dating back to the early 1950s. This year’s rodeo is the 70th edition of the event, continuing a legacy that began at Crystal Springs Arena in Clear Lake.

The team also hosted the Buckles and Bling banquet on Thursday, which included scholarship presentations, a team introduction and Calcutta auction, senior recognition, a buffet meal and both live and silent auctions.

The Proceeds from the event help cover the team’s travel and expenses.