Owls flock to Reliant Stadium for Rice Night at the Houston Rodeo

An owl in western wear is an unusual sight, unless you happen to live in Houston, in which case it’s the norm this time of year. On March 5, Rice University Owls decked out in cowboy boots and hats, shiny belts and bolo ties flocked to Reliant Stadium for Rice Night at the 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR).

“This is an organization and event that so reflects the spirit of Houston, and we are so proud of our affiliation with the rodeo,” Rice President David Leebron said.

The Rice community got a head start on the day of rodeo action when the Staff Activities Committee hosted its monthly Lunch Bunch in the McMurtry College Commons. HLSR speakers committee member Ivan Butterfield, sporting a dinner-plate-sized belt buckle, gave a presentation titled “Rodeo 101,” complete with a lassoing demonstration.

The evening events kicked off with the presentation of a $100,000 check from HLSR Chairman Steve Stevens in honor of the HLSR’s immediate past chairman and Rice alum Butch Robinson ’71. The funds will establish a scholarship to support a Division I athlete enrolled in Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business.

“This is such a great gift to the university, reflecting our first priority, which is making it possible for students, regardless of their means, to benefit from our education,” Leebron said. “That is something the rodeo has always stood for.”

Following the check presentation, members of the Rice delegation headed to Reliant Stadium, where they climbed into wagons and mounted horses for the evening’s Grand Entry into Reliant Stadium. Leebron and his wife, University Representative Y. Ping Sun, were among the Rice representatives participating in the event and rode into the stadium on horseback under a sign that read “Saluting Rice University.”

“I’d just like everyone to say a little silent prayer that I don’t fall off that horse,” Leebron joked.

After the Grand Entry, members of the Rice community took in traditional rodeo events like bareback riding, barrel racing and roping, carnival rides, a concert by the Eli Young Band and a wide selection of rodeo delicacies ranging from tamale pie to fried Kool-Aid.

Rice senior Marielle Schweickart was among the students who enjoyed the evening’s events. She said she was “channeling Taylor Swift” with her jean jacket, sundress and cowboy boot ensemble. She called the rodeo “a great time for students.”

“Half of our student body is from around the country, so this is an opportunity for them to come out and see what Texas is all about,” Schweickart said.

“It gives them a taste of a life they’ve never seen before,” added Rice senior and Texas native Matt Sawyer.

HLSR Chief Operating Officer Leroy Shafer said it seems like Rice and the HLSR “grew up together,” with the rodeo celebrating its 80^th birthday and Rice commemorating its centennial this year. He called Houston and Rice “melting pots” and said it’s important to expose students to the city and events like the rodeo.

“(The rodeo is) a celebration of our western heritage and culture and Houston’s and Texas’ pioneer spirit, and the fact that we can do that together makes it that much better,” he said.

Leebron and Sun also rode in the Feb. 25 rodeo parade through downtown in a 1912 Model T displaying a banner promoting Rice’s Centennial Celebration.