Jate Saults of Big Springs, Nebraska, made his way to the second edition of the National Finals Steer Roping College Division. The event took place May 27th in Clarendon, Texas.
Saults ended up seventh overall, while Slade Wood of Southwest Texas Junior College was named the National Champion. Though the event did not go as smoothly as Saults would have liked, he appreciated the opportunity to compete.
“I had a couple mistakes that cost me, but I learned quite a bit,” Saults said. “I felt a lot more confident coming in this year than I did last year as I was the only freshman competing.”
Though steer roping is not yet officially sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, the National Finals Steer Roping College Division is providing athletes with a chance to compete in the unique event.
The first college steer roping was held in the fall of 2022. Saults says this event came to fruition thanks to the tireless efforts of Don Ed Eddleman, rodeo coach at Cisco College. While rodeo events like breakaway roping and barrel racing were seeing tremendous growth, Eddleman observed steer roping events were struggling to get entries and decided to do something about it.
Eddleman and his wife, Pam, have spearheaded efforts to bring steer roping to the college level. While Don Ed provides coaching and stock for athletes, Pam works behind the scenes as a secretary for many of the events.
Saults was in attendance at the very first college steer roping, an experience he recalls fondly.
“It was cool to be a part of the “first” of something,” Saults said.
Saults is no stranger to rodeo. As a third-generation rodeo competitor, he is proud to continue his family’s legacy.
“My grandpa Ralph started out bulldogging and came out west to be a cowboy,” Saults said. “It has stuck with our family ever since.”
Saults credits much of his success to the support of his parents, Scott and Jill, his brother and built-in team roping partner, Ralph, and his sister and current Miss Rodeo Nebraska, JoSee. Saults also expresses gratitude to his uncle, William McBride, and his rodeo coach, Jess Tierney.
“It’s a big deal to have family that supports you doing what you love,” Saults said.
Listen to our full interview with Jate here:
