Reprinted with permission from the Snyder News. See the original article on their website at https://www.thesnydernews.com/
Greg Rhodes' coaching legacy at Western Texas College will come to a conclusion in June, hopefully with another trip to the College National Finals Rodeo.
Rhodes recently was named the incoming head coach of the Oklahoma Wildcatters, who competes in the Professional Bull Riders Association. He confirmed his intention to finish the current season with the WTC program.
During his 29 seasons, Rhodes has coached 16 national champions and won two team national championships. "Coach Rhodes will stay through the college finals," WTC Athletic Director Tammy Davis said. "It is a wonderful opportunity for him. We are excited and proud of him and also thankful for what he has done for our rodeo program."
Rhodes said the new job opportunity came as a surprise and unexpected.
"I received a phone call before our home rodeo from the Wildcatters general manager," he said. "It came totally out of the blue. I consider this will be a great opportunity and a move up. Coaching at the college level has been a great life for my family and me. I've enjoyed every minute of coaching at WTC."
Rhodes already began preliminary work for the Wildcatters, but said his main focus remains on the Westerners and Lady Westerners.
"Part of my preparation is preparing for the upcoming player draft in June and building a team," he said. "But I'm taking care of my responsibilities at WTC and plan to get them to the College Finals."
WTC is in position for another championship run, and Rhodes said that remains his main focus.
"We are in a good position," he said. "We've three individuals in position to qualify for events with three rodeos too. I expect everything to go well."
The top two teams will advance to the National College Rodeo Finals, plus the top three individuals in each event.
Meanwhile, Rhodes said he and his wife, Canita, will remain living in Snyder, but he will be in Oklahoma City (Tophatters' main office) once a week. The team's practice facility is located in Ardmore, Okla.
Rhodes said he will be leaving a lot of lifetime memories.
"It will be the athletes that went through the program," Rhodes said when asked about the memories. "I received a ton of messages from people that go back a long time. It's going to be a nice opportunity."