April 23, 2012

University Housing to host Saluki Rodeo Ride-off

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Saluki Rodeo Ride-off is a chance for Southern Illinois University Carbondale students to relax and have some fun as they gear up for the end of the semester and final exams.

The University Housing event is April 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. on west campus in the Thompson Point area between Bowyer and Steagall halls.  Students can climb on the mechanical bull and give it a whirl, navigate the rapid-fire inflatable bungee run and enjoy good music.  There will also be plenty of food including cotton candy, snow cones and grilled treats.  And, it’s all free.

There’s a competition too, for interested students.  Log onto www.housing.siu.edu/rodeo no later than April 25 to register for the double mechanical bull-riding contest.  Winners of the bull-riding contest will receive prizes. 

In keeping with the University’s sustainability efforts, organizers also note that the dozens of straw bales they will use at the event are coming from the College of Agricultural Sciences and afterward, will be used at the campus farm gardens, which in turn provide food for the residence halls.

The West/East Campus Student Area Councils and University Housing are sponsoring the Saluki Rodeo Ride-off with funding from the University Housing Student Activity Fee.

The Saluki Tram will provide shuttle service for the event as well, transporting students between a central location on the east campus in the vicinity of the towers and the rodeo site.