logo
2025 PBR Chevron Showdown: The Ariat Texas Rattlers mentorship with Odessa College

2025 PBR Chevron Showdown: The Ariat Texas Rattlers mentorship with Odessa College

Yahoo12-06-2025
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The Ariat Texas Rattlers return to Odessa for the second straight year of the Professional Bull Riding Chevron Showdown at Ector County Coliseum. This year features the Rattlers, who were the 2023 PBR Team Champions, the Nashville Stampede who won in 2022 and also competing is our very own Odessa College Rodeo Team.
The Texas Rattlers have partnered with the Wranglers leading up to the Chevron Showdown to provide a mentorship, and OC head coach Tom Kelly says it's invaluable.
'For Chevron and Kent Quick to bring the Texas Rattlers to town and then for them to also include us in this event with this training, with working out with the Rattlers, with riding with them, practicing with them, you can't put a price tag on that.'
With the Rattlers back in Odessa, they are looking to expand their brand nationwide, starting with the Lone Star State.
'Our hometown is Fort Worth, but we want to be known all over the country,' Rattlers head coach Cody Lambert said. 'Coming here to Odessa, I want fans, I want to be looked at, I want the Rattlers to be looked at as Texas' team.'
In the 2024 PBR Chevron Showdown, Odessa College's Hayden Welsh won the event, and the team gives a lot of credit to the Rattlers team. 'It just started our year off well, and we carried the momentum through. In my opinion, we owe a big thank you to the Rattlers for helping us do that,' Kelly said.
Now, the 2025 PBR Chevron Showdown expectations are at an all-time high. 'We got some of the best bulls in the business, the best bull riders in the business. It will come down to who wants to win.'
The event is set for 7:00 p.m. at Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, and tickets can be found online at Etix.com or the box office for $25. Following the event, country music legend Dwight Yoakam will be performing.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

FAMU football to implement 'consequences' for flags after penalty-riddled 2024 season
FAMU football to implement 'consequences' for flags after penalty-riddled 2024 season

Yahoo

time6 days ago

  • Yahoo

FAMU football to implement 'consequences' for flags after penalty-riddled 2024 season

Things are getting physical. The pads are now on for Florida A&M football at its 2025 preseason training camp. And while head coach James Colzie III wants the Rattlers to be physical, what's also important to him is his players making the proper reads, making safe contact with their teammates, and playing smart football. 'We have times where we're in 'thud,' right? That's just making sure you're putting your head in the right spot,' FAMU's second-year head coach told the media following Tuesday, Aug. 5's practice. 'But you just hope we get to practice a little better ― keep people off the ground when we get into those periods. We had a couple of guys on the ground. That's not really what we want. But you heard a little more 'click clack' today. And at times we look good, but at other times, we have to make sure we practice like we're supposed to.' Tuesday was FAMU's second day of practicing in pads after introducing them to training camp at Sunday, Aug. 3's practice. The Rattlers practiced with energy and vehemently competed. Defense won the day, Colzie said. And it was mainly a clean day penalty-wise. 'We did a good job today,' Colzie explained. 'I thought the guys flew around. The defensive line probably won today. Defensively, we've got to make sure we watch the ball. There are different levels of discipline. But defensively, we didn't have any penalties, which is great. Offensively, we didn't have any foolish penalties. So today, on the discipline side, I thought we did good.' Coach James Colzie III remembers how penalties hindered FAMU football last season Padded practices have both mental and physical strain, which could lead to flags. And the Rattlers' having minimal penalties thus far could be a good sign, especially with the added element of contact and tackling. Last season, the Rattlers were amongst the top penalized teams in the Football Championship Subdivision en route to their 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. 'A lot of numbers flash in my head,' Colzie recalled last season's penalty struggles. 'We finished ninth with penalties in the conference and 104th in the country. Those are two numbers that could hurt you. I would say we lost a couple of games primarily because of penalties, not being able to put teams away, and giving teams extra possessions.' Those statistics Colzie named are now ingrained in the heads of FAMU football players, too. The Rattlers aim to lessen their penalty count in 2025. 'I showed them the numbers. They were surprised with the numbers, but that's what [the stats] were,' Colzie said. 'They vowed to me that we'll get better.' FAMU football players must continue to be penalty-free ― or lose playing time The Rattlers' discipline will be tested this week. FAMU football will have referees at its practices this week and utilize SWAC officials for the first closed training camp scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 9. How do the Rattlers maintain their clean track record of penalties so far in training camp? Knowing that petty flags could lead to Colzie and his coaching staff docking penalized players' playing time. 'There are consequences with penalties. The biggest thing our guys want to have is playing time,' Colzie said. 'If you get a foolish penalty, we'll get you off the field. So, if you want to play, then don't get penalized.' Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TV Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m., SWAC TV Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC), 5 p.m., SWAC TV Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football's James Colzie to deduct playing time for flags in 2025

FAMU football first 2025 practice: Competition, 'details' on forefront at training camp
FAMU football first 2025 practice: Competition, 'details' on forefront at training camp

Yahoo

time01-08-2025

  • Yahoo

FAMU football first 2025 practice: Competition, 'details' on forefront at training camp

The cleats were in the grass, and the whistles were blowing on Friday, Aug. 1. That means Florida A&M football began its training camp practice in preparation for the 2025 season, which opens against Howard on Aug. 30's Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium. The Rattlers used their grass practice field on Friday instead of performing on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium's turf. It was the first time FAMU used the practice field since the 2023 season, which ignited enthusiasm from second-year head coach James Colzie III. 'It was exciting to get back on some grass,' Colzie told the media after Friday's practice. 'I thought it was a good day for the most part. But we still got a lot of work to do.' Friday was a non-contact day for the Rattlers in Tallahassee's sizzling 90-degree weather. The opening practice for the 2025 season primarily focused on reading and reacting to plays. 'Today was a detail day for us,' Colzie explained. 'It's about steps and eyes. The majority of the time, we were stepping and looking at the right things. And then the other times when we weren't, it showed.' Quarterback battle, offense vs defense shine in FAMU football's first practice FAMU's quarterback competition is officially underway. All five Rattlers quarterbacks, Traven Green, Tyler Jefferson, RJ Johnson III, Jett Peddy, and Bryson Martin, got reps on Friday. 'You want to make sure you give everybody an opportunity to win the position,' Colzie said of the race to become QB1. 'All five guys made some good throws and made mistakes.' The quarterbacks led the offense to a win over the defense in the competition period to open practice. However, the FAMU defense got after its offense with its pass rush for the remainder of practice. 'I think the defense was a little bit upset with it,' Colzie said of the unit losing the competition period. 'We put a lot of pressure on the quarterback today. Some of it might've been a little schematic, but it's just the talent we have up front,' the FAMU coach later added. Familiar and new faces make plays to open FAMU football's training camp The Rattlers' standout players, such as HBCU National Player of the Year candidates, offensive lineman Ashton Grable, and cornerback TJ Huggins, were center stage on Friday. Colzie also gave props to All-Southwestern Athletic Conference First Team offensive lineman Charles Davis and returning players trying to crack the starting lineup in defensive lineman Nick Dimitris and defensive back Ah'Mare Lee. The FAMU coach added that the Rattlers 'had some players that stepped up that people probably didn't know.' Tulane transfer tight end Guiseann Mirtil had a touchdown catch while former Temple wide receiver Jamar Taylor Jr. made 'about two or three catches' on Friday. 'I could be here talking all day about individual performances,' Colzie said. FAMU football coach James Colzie III hopeful to minimize penalties The first day of practice will always provide some extracurricular activities. It's a time when players vehemently prove they belong, which could lead to some banter or scuffles. 'We have to hope that our emotional maturity improves,' Colzie said. 'We got in a couple of fights today, but good teams may fight every once in a while. But it can't be a 'get-out,' something that's going to cost us penalties.' Last year, penalties cost the Rattlers games as they finished with a 7-5 record in Colzie's first season as head coach. In 2024, FAMU lost 73 yards per game due to flags, among the worst of Football Championship Subdivision teams. 'I've been around here for four years, and the head coach last year,' Colzie said. 'Those are the things that hurt us. So, we have to continue to improve on that. And today, we did not do that.' Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TV Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m., SWAC TV Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC), 5 p.m., SWAC TV Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football begins 2025 practice: QB comp, offense vs defense shine

FAMU football 2025 season: 5 new stars who will rise for the Rattlers this year
FAMU football 2025 season: 5 new stars who will rise for the Rattlers this year

Yahoo

time31-07-2025

  • Yahoo

FAMU football 2025 season: 5 new stars who will rise for the Rattlers this year

The 2025 football season is a little over a month away. That means new stars will soon be born for Florida A&M during its 12-game regular season schedule, which starts with the Howard Bison at Miami's Orange Blossom Classic on Saturday, Aug. 30. The Rattlers have players that've never gotten any preseason or postseason Southwestern Athletic Conference recognition, but have the potential to shine this year. Here are some FAMU football players who could become fan favorites and top players for the Rattlers. Levontai 'Bo' Summersett, Running Back, Redshirt Sophomore Bo Summersett was FAMU's second-leading rusher last season behind Preseason All-SWAC First Team running back Thad Franklin Jr. In 2024, Summersett had 66 carries for 497 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The rising redshirt sophomore averaged an impressive 7.5 yards per carry last year. Since Franklin is returning, Summersett may not be the Rattlers' leading ball carrier this season. However, he could continue to cement himself as the next FAMU star running back for when he becomes an upperclassman in 2026. Goldie Lawrence, Wide Receiver, Sophomore Entering this season, FAMU lost its top three receivers in Jamari Gassett to graduate, and Quan Lee and Koby Gross to the NCAA Transfer Portal. Goldie Lawrence was fourth in receiving production for the Rattlers last year, with 21 catches for 251 yards and a touchdown in 11 games after transferring to FAMU from Florida State. Lawrence, at 6-foot, 190 pounds, is the most game-experienced receiver on the FAMU roster, and will likely command attention from opposing defenses. Antonio Camon, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Sophomore Antonio Camon didn't get much playing time with the Rattlers last season after transferring from the Power Four ranks at Pitt. But big things are expected for the rising redshirt sophomore. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound pass rusher performed well during spring practice and earned a starting spot on the Rattlers' ever-changing depth chart. Furthermore, Camon collected a few sacks during FAMU football's Orange and Green Spring this April. Nick Dimitris, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Senior Nick Dimitris could play a prominent role in replacing FAMU's former All-SWAC defensive tackle James Ash, who transferred to Auburn. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, Dimitris didn't get much run last season after joining the Rattlers from the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. However, his measurables and offseason progression could place him in a prominent role for the Rattlers as they look to correct their run defense this season. Brian Norris Jr., Linebacker, Graduate Student Brian Norris Jr. was one of FAMU football's biggest gets out of the transfer portal last season. But after suffering a season-ending injury during training camp, the former South Florida Bulls linebacker never got an opportunity to play in 2024. Norris has returned to the field and participated in FAMU's spring practice this year. Norris isn't the typical FBS-to-FCS transfer. He got some playing time at USF, tallying 47 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 34 games from 2019 to 2023. Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TV Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m., SWAC TV Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC), 5 p.m., SWAC TV Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football 2025 season: Goldie Lawrence, others on track to stardom

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store