Rodeo Coaches

Bronc Rumford has been named the new head coach of the Fort Hays State University's rodeo team. Rumford was on the rodeo team while a student at FHSU, competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, and calf roping. In 1973, he was one of three men from FHSU to go to the College National Finals in All-Around Cowboy Classification. Fort Hays State is the only university to ever qualify three men for the all-around classification. He graduated in 1974 from FHSU

Rumford is the owner/manager of Rumford Rodeo Company in Abbeyville. The Rumford Company produces rodeos all around the USA. Rumford Rodeo Company has qualified either bulls or horses for the National Finals Rodeo almost every year. Rumford has been on the National Finals Rodeo contractors committee and also has been the president of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. He also breaks and trains horses at the ranch in Abbeyville.

Ross Russell is the assistant coach.  Russell is a 2008 graduate of Fort Hays State University with a degree in justice studies. He is originally from Minden, NE, where he participated in rodeo in high school. He was on Colby Community College's rodeo team and joined the FHSU rodeo team when he transferred in fall 2006.

Rumford and Russell replaced Dr. Garry Brower, who coached the rodeo club for 25 years.