ASU Rodeo Team Adds Assistant Coach, First Arena Manager

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The Angelo State University Rodeo Team has hired a familiar face as its new assistant coach, former team member Nathan Clawson of Olympia, Washington.

Now entering its fourth season in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), the ASU Rodeo Team has previously been led exclusively by Head Coach Casey Sisk. Clawson comes on board after competing for the Rams in the Lone Star Region last season and placing in the top 10 in tie-down roping. Prior to joining the ASU team, he competed three years at South Plains College.

"Nathan was the best candidate because he has prior college rodeo experience," Sisk said. "He knows how I want practice to run and he understands the goals and standards of ASU. He has hands-on knowledge of NIRA rodeo and he's a people person. Just having him here will help elevate our game. It will help me focus on more one-on-one coaching with each team member."

In addition to helping coach, Clawson will be the team's first arena facilities manager for the ASU Rodeo Complex at the San Angelo Fairgrounds.

"The upkeep on the arena is a lot, and there are still tons of renovations and improvement projects going on," Sisk said. "Plus, with the team growing every year, we had to have some help out there to keep things running smoothly and looking sharp. Bringing Nate in was necessary for all of our daily activities - from getting the arena ready for practice, to feeding and doctoring cattle, to general maintenance and cleanup. His presence will benefit the entire ASU Rodeo Team."

For his part, Clawson is excited to stay part of the ASU Rodeo program.

"It means a lot, because I can really relate to the students," Clawson said. "I'm a little closer to their age, I've been through two different rodeo programs and I've been a student here at ASU. I'm here to help them achieve their academic and rodeo goals all at the same time, as well as help them in their path after they are done here at ASU."

In addition to his college rodeo experience, Clawson has worked for a stock contractor, coordinated farrier schedules and guided hunting trips. He was also actively involved in preparing for and conducting the inaugural ASU College Rodeo last fall. So he is very familiar with both handling stock and arena management.

"Maintaining a safe and well-prepared arena is critical for both the student-athletes and the animals," Clawson said. "For the past six years, I have been responsible for preparing the ground at my home arena, ensuring safe and consistent conditions. I take pride in creating an environment that prioritizes safety and performance."

The ASU Rodeo Team starts the 2026-27 season at the Cisco College Rodeo Sept. 10-12. The 2026 ASU College Rodeo is scheduled for Oct. 22-24 at the outdoor Fiesta Arena at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. The Rams finished fourth and the Rambelles sixth in the Lone Star Region last season.