Northern Lights College (NLC) is excited to announce a major milestone in the development of our Rodeo program: the program is now fully in-house, following years of growth and collaboration.
Launched in 2018 with the support of Engage Sport North (ESN), the NLC Rodeo program has grown into a celebrated and award-winning initiative. ESN played an instrumental role in establishing the Rodeo Team, providing valuable resources, guidance, and support that helped shape the program into what it is today.
In addition to Rodeo, ESN also contributed to NLC’s recreational offerings by supporting intramurals and activities such as cricket, volleyball, and basketball. Their efforts included hosting special sessions like “Learn to Skate” and “Learn to Ride,” which were especially popular among international students, many of whom had never worn ice skates or ridden a horse. We are deeply grateful to ESN for their continued partnership and support over the years. While we work on a comprehensive Sport and Recreation strategic plan, ESN will continue to deliver recreation programming throughout the region, ensuring that these activities remain accessible to the community.
As part of this exciting cost-neutral transition, we are proud to welcome Leanne Esau as the new Rodeo Manager. Leanne’s extensive experience and passion for rodeo make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her leadership will be key to taking the program to new heights. Additionally, world-class coaches Clayton and Stef Moore will continue to guide the team, bringing their expertise to ensure NLC’s rodeo athletes reach their full potential.
“We are thrilled to bring the Rodeo Program in-house and continue building on its success,” said Jessie Drew, Vice President of Community Relations and Institutional Strategy at NLC. “Leanne, Clayton, and Stef are a fantastic team who will provide the stability and expertise necessary to elevate the program. This is an important step in our broader vision to offer a wide range of athletic and recreational opportunities for our students.”
In addition to the Rodeo program, we are developing a comprehensive athletics and recreation strategy that will include the Speed Skating program, expanded intramural options, and more recreational activities for students. These initiatives will promote physical wellness, skill development, and foster a strong sense of community among our students at all levels.
NLC is committed to offering exceptional student experiences through diverse programs that support personal growth and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to expand our athletics and recreation offerings!