McCook helps with 'Partner Up'

Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team member Kaleb Fritz (right) grabs the handle on a bucking barrel while Tracey McEntee, of Ogallala, prepares to ride. She gets instruction from Fritz's teammate, Nate Bausch (left). Courtesy photo.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- They were cowboys and cowgirls -- if only for a day.

A total of 166 children with special needs turned out for the Partner Up Rodeo at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds on Wednesday.

They rode on horses and wagons, sat on a bucking barrel, swung ropes and petted don- keys, goats and a camel among many other activities. They made friends with their heroes.

"We have several members of the Mid- Plains Community College Rodeo Team paired up with the kids out here today," Lou Fornander, Partner Up Rodeo committee member, said about the team featuring athletes from both McCook and North Platte campuses.

MPCC Rodeo Team members Kaleb Fritz, of Creighton, and Nate Bausch, of Waterbury, were in charge of the bucking barrel and arguably had as much fun as the children did.

Bausch said one of the best parts for him was watching the kids get out of their comfort zones and have fun doing it, Fritz agreed.

"It's just so nice to see the smiles on everyone's faces, and to know you helped with that," said Fritz. "Plus, this is a great way for our team to stay involved with and give back to the community that supports us."

Fornander said the event wouldn't have been nearly as successful as it was without the rodeo team.

"We're just so glad they're here," he said. "The team brings that authenticity that most of these kids probably would not have a good chance to experience otherwise."