Linsay Sumpter, a former California collegiate rodeo competitor at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is the OJC Rattlers Rodeo Coach. Now living in Fowler, Colo., and married to NFR Steer Wrestling qualifier Wade Sumpter, Sumpter is a third generation member of the Cotton Rosser rodeo family. She grew up helping to produce rodeos with the family’s Flying U Rodeo Company and working as the herd manager for Rosser Land and Cattle. As a collegiate competitor at Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo, Sumpter was a College National Finals Rodeo qualifier from 2003-2005.
Since 2001, she has owned and operated her own rodeo school, in both California and Colorado, where she trained young rodeo athletes in various rodeo events. In addition to marketing and promotion work with the Flying U Rodeo Company, Sumpter has also worked as a national sales manager for a western clothing company and worked for the Professional Bull Riders Inc. as a public relations/marketing manager.
Anxious to begin her third year as coach of the Rattler Rodeo Team, Sumpter said, “I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to being a part of the OJC team. I’ve been involved in rodeo all of my life and I’m proud to have a hand in bringing the traditions of the sport back to the Arkansas Valley and La Junta. With top athletes attending OJC, I’m confident that the Rodeo Rattlers will do Southern Colorado justice – in academics and in the arena.”
With the help of scholarship dollars from the college, Sumpter was able to recruit students from the local area, statewide and even nationally.
“OJC is located in La Junta, an area that has a great history of rodeo and rodeo competitors, in addition to having one of the best climates in the state. Excluding a few blizzards in recent years, most winters are very open, making this an excellent area to ride, rope, and practice year-round. In addition to scholarship that will help with tuition, we will also be providing these students with some practice opportunities and additional training in their events. Being able to rodeo as a college athlete is an excellent way for students to pursue a higher education while continuing to compete in the sport they love,” said Sumpter.
JW McCuistion, Sugar City, is the new assistant rodeo coach at OJC. He will be responsible for assisting Head Coach Linsay Sumpter with the day to day functions of the Rattler Rodeo program. His specialty will be working with the rough stock event competitors who compete in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.
McCuistion holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from Texas Tech University. He said he accepted the position at OJC because of his passion for athletics and rodeo and because he enjoys helping students and watching them do well in and out of the arena. “My goal for the coming year is to help our student athletes win a regional and national college title,” said McCuistion.
[TOP of PAGE]
