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Come watch college students from across the Central Plains Region compete in the new Bilbrey Family Event Center, February 19-22, 2026.
happy to invite toward the 2026 – 20 k-state bull riding achievement three operatively sunday evening!
come join us on bilbrey family reunion middle for such midday through june 21, coming years there as :1 2 private message (central time). prepare of between observer enticing speedway activity but instead applaud in your new favourite redskins but also multi – group! don’t forget out from the enjoyment as well as epinephrine of all this great occasion. hold your mates but also kinship, but instead encounter the joy of either a try living county fair efficiency! saturday evening has been youngster morning! children inadequately 10 become in complimentary as for required to pay elderly admittance. another youngster for every compensated individual. have used the promotional code rodeokids versus end up receiving the price reduction.
mark ones calendar events, but instead we’ll see you around!
The sun sat high over the Flint Hills as Saturday afternoon arrived in Manhattan, Kansas, bringing with it the third performance of the K-State Rodeo. By early afternoon, the stands at the rodeo arena were already filling with families, students in purple and silver, alumni, and rodeo fans from across the region. There was a different kind of energy in the air—less rush than the Saturday night crowd, but just as intense. Performance 3 is where consistency matters, where athletes settle in, and where the leaderboard often begins to take its final shape.
As the announcer welcomed everyone and the flag ceremony concluded, the arena crew wasted no time preparing for the first event. The dirt had been freshly worked, groomed to give competitors the best footing possible. Contestants leaned over the chutes, adjusting gloves and nodding to stock contractors, while teammates and coaches watched closely from the fence line.
Bareback riding opened the afternoon, setting the tone with explosive action. The horses came out strong, some of the rankest stock seen all weekend. K-State’s own riders drew tough assignments, but they matched intensity with focus. One Wildcat rider posted a solid ride early, spurring cleanly and staying centered through a powerful bucking pattern. The crowd responded with loud applause as the whistle blew, knowing every point would matter moving forward.
Steer wrestling followed, and the pace of the rodeo shifted dramatically. Speed and precision took over as competitors sprinted from horseback to wrestling steers to the ground. Several times were fast, but a few costly misses reminded everyone how unforgiving the event can be. A K-State competitor managed a clean, efficient run, keeping the Wildcat presence strong and drawing encouragement from the stands.
Team roping brought teamwork into the spotlight. Partners communicated through quick glances and practiced timing, knowing that fractions of a second could separate first place from falling out of the money. The headers and heelers worked smoothly, and a pair with Kansas ties stopped the clock with one of the best times of the performance, earning a roar from the audience. Even runs that didn’t go perfectly showed grit and composure, hallmarks of a well-prepared rodeo program.
The women’s events energized the crowd even further. Breakaway roping showcased speed and finesse, with several fast catches keeping the leaderboard tight. One K-State cowgirl delivered a calm, confident run, snapping the rope cleanly and posting a time that kept her firmly in contention. Barrel racing followed, and the atmosphere shifted once again as horses flew through the pattern. Precision was everything—tight turns, controlled speed, and trust between horse and rider. A clean, aggressive run late in the performance drew one of the loudest cheers of the afternoon.
Saddle bronc riding closed the roughstock portion with classic style and control. Riders focused on rhythm, marking horses out of the chute and matching each jump with smooth, disciplined movement. The judges rewarded balance and timing, and one standout ride earned high marks that shook up the overall standings. The crowd appreciated not just the difficulty, but the tradition and technique on display.
Throughout the afternoon, the K-State Rodeo team demonstrated depth and resilience. Coaches offered encouragement after tough runs and celebrated successes with equal enthusiasm. Teammates supported one another, reminding everyone that rodeo, while individual in competition, thrives on team culture. The Saturday afternoon performance reflected hours of practice, long drives to smaller rodeos, and commitment beyond the spotlight.
Between events, fans enjoyed the relaxed but engaged atmosphere. Kids leaned over the rail to watch cowboys and cowgirls prepare, while longtime rodeo supporters discussed scores and strategy. Vendors bustled, and the announcer kept the energy up with stories, humor, and recognition of sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible.
As the final scores were posted for Performance 3, it became clear how important the afternoon had been. Some competitors climbed the standings, others faced an uphill battle heading into the final performance. For K-State, the results showed promise and momentum—proof that the team could compete with anyone in the region.
Saturday afternoon at the K-State Rodeo wasn’t about flash or spectacle alone. It was about consistency, discipline, and the steady build toward a strong finish. Performance 3 highlighted the heart of collegiate rodeo: athletes balancing academics and athletics, tradition and competition, teamwork and individual drive. As the arena slowly emptied and preparations began for the evening performance, one thing was certain—the story of the 2026 K-State Rodeo was far from finished, and Saturday afternoon had played a crucial role in shaping it.