For Virden’s Terrance Vodon, it was the people who made his second rodeo season at Alberta’s Lakeland College so memorable.
“The part I enjoyed most about this season would have to be travelling to all the rodeos all season with some of the best friends I've ever made,” he said. “I was lucky enough to travel with some really positive people that always pushed me to do better.”
Early in the rodeo season, the son of Aurel and Rita Vodon was hampered by injuries. He was able to overcome them to earn berths into the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Finals Rodeo in both team roping and steer wrestling.
“Another great memory for me was pushing hard at the last few rodeos to secure a spot at finals in two events and managing to win rodeos when it was ‘do or die,’” Vodon said.
“Competing at the finals with some really good competition has to be a shoe in as well.”
The college finals were held on Lakeland College’s home turf in Vermillion this season. The local school, which also has a Lloydminster campus, won four buckles at the prestigious event.
“Being part of a successful rodeo team just makes you want to try harder and contribute more to keep up with the pace,” Vodon said. “Seeing your friends and teammates do well only makes me want to be at the top with them. They've always got encouraging words as well that make it a lot easier.”
Vodon also had the support of his family. He said when he was injured his family stood by him and kept his horses in shape and made sure everything was ready when he came back.
“My brothers, Trevor and Tyler, and I have always shared horses and even while I was two provinces away they still managed to make sure I could have good horses under me all year making it easy to be successful,” he said. “My family was always sure of sending good luck texts and phone calls right after each performance as well as driving out to the finals to support me.”
The Rustlers were pleased to have Vodon back on the team again.
“I enjoy Terrance as he is always at practice with a positive attitude and ready to practice and become better,” said Katelyn Ellis, Lakeland College’sequine and rodeo operations manager. “He is not afraid to ask questions and is always wanting to learn. This is what will help Terrance continue to be successful.”
Vodon graduates on June 1 with an agribusiness diploma. He plans to return to Lakeland College in the fall to study animal sciences and to continue to be part of the Rustlers rodeo team.
