Panola College’s Rodeo program was developed in 2004.  It is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and the Southern Region.  Panola College has qualified for the NIRA Finals 7 of the 9 years, with Tilden Hooper winning the National Finals Bareback Championship in 2005 on his way to the PRCA Rookie of the Year and a trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV. 

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association consists of Universities and Community Colleges all over the country.  The Southern Association consists of:  Panola College, Texas A&M University, Sam Houston State University, McNeese State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Wharton County Junior College, Texas A&M Kingsville, Lone Star College, Northeast Texas Community College, Trinity Valley Community College, Southwest Texas Junior College, and Hill College.

The rodeo team participates in all nine events sanctioned by the NIRA, which include:  bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, girls’ barrel racing, girls’ goat tying, and girls’ breakaway calf roping.

Panola College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for student athletes, and has a practice arena and stalls for Rodeo Team members.  All interested rodeo students are encouraged to contact Rodeo Coach Dameon White at dameon.white@panola.edu or call 903-693-2008.