PIERCE COLLEGE : Intercollegiate Rodeo Set May 10

Bareback riders, calf ropers and steer wrestlers from colleges and universities throughout California and Nevada will compete May 10 and 11 in the annual Intercollegiate Rodeo at Pierce College.

The rodeo, which returned to Pierce last year after a four-year hiatus, was discontinued in 1986 because the college could not find liability insurance for contestants.

But the college changed insurance companies last year and obtained coverage, said Bill Norlund, vice president for administration.

“The rodeo puts students in a leadership role, carrying on the tradition of the cowboy’s rugged independence,” rodeo director Ronald Wechsler said.

Bronc riding, saddle-bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and team roping will also be featured at this year’s rodeo, which begins at 8 p.m. both days in Shepard Stadium on the Woodland Hills campus, 6201 Winnetka Ave.

A Western-style barbecue dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m.

Rodeo tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students, senior citizens and children.

A combination rodeo and barbecue ticket is $12 and must be purchased in advance.

Proceeds will benefit the college’s agricultural program.