Tribute To A Cowboy

All over Western Canada you hear about the great reputation Lakeland College has for their Agriculture Programs and their Rodeo Team. These two qualities are one of the reason we decided to attend Lakeland College. We decided to write this blog about the guy who plays a role in making the college’s reputation as good as it is. Lee Macmillan is the Lakeland College rodeo coach and equine manager, and from ourselves and the rest of the members of the rodeo club we would like to thank Lee for all that he has done to make our college experience outstanding.

Lakeland College's Rodeo Coach and Equine Manager

Everyone knows that owning horses has risks. There is chance of injury, illness, and even death. Even though we all know these risks, when a “catastrophe” occurs people still get shook up. Did any of us think that Lakeland College would have a positive coggins test result? No, we sure didn’t. Unfortunately, we did have a positive case. People worried about their own horses coming back positive and they worried about the fact that all college rodeos for the fall were cancelled. The federal veterinarians were involved and all horses were tested, and if you have not heard, all horses came back negative for the first test. We have one more test coming up on November 24^th, and if all is negative we are in the clear. How often does something like this occur? Rarely, would be our answer. Lakeland College was thrown in to a very “sticky” situation and thanks to the members of the rodeo club and the Lakeland College Staff it was handled both professionally and responsibly. Since Lee Macmillan is the Lakeland College Rodeo coach and equine manager quite a bit of the stress fell on to his shoulders. He could have done the bare necessities but he didn’t. He stepped up, made sure all of us were as comfortable with the situation that we possibly could be, and made this fifty days of quarantine a blast.

For the Lakeland College Team, we had three CIRA rodeos cancelled. The three weekends that were cancelled counts as half our rodeo season. We all could have been sitting here at this college attending practice and nothing else. Was it expected of Lee to coordinate events so that we could get the competitive experience we thrive for? No it wasn’t, but he did it anyway. On Halloween we had a barrel and pole jackpot which combined your runs and paid out to four places. It cost us a measly $40 to enter and all entries and money made on the beer gardens went into payouts. To make the event even more entertaining, they had blankets up for “best dressed” costumes.

Winner of the "Best Dressed" Award.

Coming up, we have a team roping switch ender where team ropers make two runs heading and two runs healing. It costs $40 to enter and all entries and money made on beer gardens goes into payouts. Lastly, on Saturday, November 15, 2011 we have a “Draft” Rodeo. The Lakeland College team was divided into 6 teams and leaders selected members they wanted on their team. There will be six competitors in tie down, breakaway, goat tying, and team roping. There will also be twelve competitors in barrels and poles. Each team’s runs will be put together and payout goes to the first and second team. Following the rodeo, there will be a dance in the arena. The event starts at 7:30 pm.

Club Members Team Roping

Now that I just listed the three big events that Lee coordinated, you can easily see how he went above and beyond what was expected of him. Our group, and the rodeo club really appreciate the amount of time he puts in to our events and practices. He makes it possible for everyone here with a horse to be part of something. There is always practice or some kind of competition that everyone can be involved in. I do not know very many other places that make it possible for everyone to be involved. Most people work an eight to five job, and then head home to their families and their own personal life. Lee comes to work early in the morning and half the time doesn’t leave until ten at night because of the college practices. How many people do you know that put in that many hours at their job? Unfortunately, the rodeo club takes for granted the hours Lee and other staff members put in, but we do notice, and we do appreciate it.

We strongly believe that one of the reasons why Lakeland college’s rodeo team is so highly recognized in Canada is because of the coach we have. He steps up to the plate and goes above and beyond what we all expected. We have had some of the best years of our life at Lakeland College and we know we’ll walk away from this place with some amazing memories. Having our horses here and being able to rodeo is the highlight of our college career. Therefore, in closing, hats off to Lakeland College and especially Lee Macmillan for offering the best college rodeo experience.

Lee Macmillan

If you want to stay connected with the Lakeland College Rodeo Club click here or if your interested in bringing a horse to Lakeland College in the future click here.