Several MPCC rodeo athletes earn scholarships

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Several members of the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team have been awarded scholarships to help them continue their pursuit of a higher education.

Jace Richter, of Ogallala; Jett Sjeklocha, of Hayes Center; Dalton Kunkee, of Lexington; Kaden Wooters, of Elwood; Rex Day, of Bartlett; Kalyn Nielsen, of Verdigre; Nick Rettinger, of Amidon, N.D.; Maggie Underhill, of Hill City, Kan. and Malcom Imes, of Spirit River, Alberta, Canada were recognized Saturday night at Venue304 in North Platte during the team’s annual banquet.

Kunkee and Nielsen each took home a $1,000 Dual Excellence Scholarship from the Wranglers booster committee. The award is given to rodeo team athletes who excel in both the classroom and the arena during the fall semester. Selection is based upon GPA and total points earned.

Both Kunkee and Nielsen made the President’s List during the fall term. Additionally, Kunkee garnered 460 points for the rodeo team while Nielsen racked up 250.Rettinger was the recipient of the $500 Bob Hoyt Memorial Scholarship. Bob Hoyt, formerly of McCook, was an integral part of the MPCC Rodeo Team as a mentor and chute help, a position he was loved and respected for. Former rodeo team member Reece Weber created the scholarship in Hoyt’s