This past weekend, rodeo fans from across the South were fixated on the Pike Cattlemen’s Ranch as the Trojan Stampede took place.

There, close to 20 different collegiate teams from the Ozark Region competed against each other.

“The rodeo itself went great,” head coach Josh Simmons said.

“We had good crowds despite the cold weather and I think everyone that was a part of it had a lot of fun.”

As for how the team’s performed, the women’s team finished with a score of 62.5 while the boy’s team finished with 30 points.

One of the highlights for the Trojans was Allyson Hayes, who finished in second place in Barrel Racing with a score of 34.31.

“We have won two rodeos this season, so I think we were bound to have one not go our way,” Simmons said.

“Overall, I thought our teams fought well.”

Simmons said that it was an emotional weekend for everyone surrounding the team because of the loss of a former teammate – Daniel Clemmons.

“Our time had a lot on its mind this weekend,” Simmons said.

Clemmons died this past July in a one-car accident.

As for the Ozark Region standings, the men’s team is currently in fifth place with 880 points while the women’s team is in second place with 787.50 points, trailing first place and the University of Tennessee-Martin, who has 865 points.

With the Trojan Stampede behind the team, Simmons said it is time to look forward to the remainder of the season.

“We had a really good time [this weekend] – now we get ready for what’s next,” the coach said.

The next rodeo the Trojans will be competing in will take place this upcoming weekend at the University of West Alabama.