Crownpoint, NM – On May 7, 2026, the university community gathered from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM to celebrate these student-athletes in the SUB Lobby at the NTU Main Campus.
The event allowed the NTU community to personally congratulate the qualifiers, including bareback rider Alvaro Begay, an Energy Systems major from Nazlini, AZ. Begay has emphasized the importance of balancing his education with the demands of the practice pen, noting that NTU has provided a strong foundation for both his academic and rodeo careers.
Coach Pino states, “Many may not realize the success of our NTU Rodeo program. For the past 10 years, I have led the team—it has consistently had students qualify for the CNFR. Qualifying is a significant achievement, especially given that the team competes against top contenders like the NMSU men’s team, ranked #1 in the nation. Our student-athletes deserve this recognition for their hard work and dedication.”
In a collaborative effort to share their stories with the wider community, the team met with KCZY radio to discuss each qualifier’s background growing up and how their education relates to the sport they love. The discussion highlighted the unique intersection of academic rigor and the discipline required for competitive rodeo, emphasizing that the support from Navajo Technical University has been instrumental in providing a strong foundation for both their professional careers and their success in the arena.
This significant milestone comes as the team prepares to compete in Casper, Wyoming, from June 14–20, 2026, following their performance in the Grand Canyon Regional. Among those recognized was Isaiah Tom, who recently earned the Grand Canyon Region Bareback Championship.
Ms. Nicole Pino
NTU Head Rodeo Coach – Athletics
P: 505-387-7385 X1029
E: npino@navajotech.edu