Anderson signs with University of Montana Western's Rodeo Team

SWAN VALLEY - Iriey Anderson of Condon signed with the rodeo team and the University of Montana Western where she will study business and equine science. She was awarded a full-ride tuition scholarship and half housing scholarship.

"It meant so much to me the day University of Montana Western's rodeo coach told me they wanted me," she said. "It felt great, but it even felt better knowing that I earned and deserved it."

For as long as Anderson can remember, she has always wanted to be a barrel racer. As she approached her senior year of high school, she realized that wasn't the most logical goal.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I mostly just wanted to work and rodeo once I graduated," she said. "Well logically, that won't get me very far."

Anderson has been competing in rodeo since she was five years old. In her senior year of high school she promised herself that she would work extra hard in school and in rodeo in order to earn a scholarship to college.

This past year, Anderson won all-around titles and buckles at Helmville, Drummond and Conrad along with multiple pole and barrel average titles. At the end of the season she was fifth in the state in barrels. Her skills and titles have helped her prepare for the three events she will compete in on UMW's team: barrel racing, team roping and breakaway roping.

Although going into pro-rodeo directly after high school would have been possible for Anderson, she recognizes there are multiple benefits to going to college.

"College rodeo for me is going to be a way for me to learn and improve while experiencing new things like traveling and meeting new people," she said. "If I wanted to go pro, I could start right now if I wanted to. But my horses and I need to grow and improve a little more before I make that step."

UMW Rodeo Coach Iola Else said she wanted Anderson to come to UMW because she is a good student and person.

"Iriey has a great attitude and is a hard worker. She does very well in her rodeo events especially barrel racing," wrote Else in an email. "She will thrive at UMW."

Anderson credits her family with teaching her everything she knows and her horses for being the great "teammates."

"My grandma mounted me on good horses and taught me how to ride. And my mom taught me everything there is to know about everything else on the rodeo road," she said. "I'm so thankful for them all and will without a doubt continue their legacy as I start mine."

Anderson is also nervous for the new challenges college will bring. She's concerned about missing her dogs and making her mom worry. But despite the pre-college jitters, Anderson is ready to move onto the next stage in her life.

"I'm excited to grow as a person and a rodeo athlete," she said. "I'm still in the process of discovering who I want to become. Hopefully, college and rodeo will guide me a little closer!"