Head in the Game: Camarae Chavez Prepares for College Rodeo and State Finals

MORIARTY — Camarae Chavez has been chasing fast times since she was 3 years old. On Tuesday, the Moriarty High School senior officially ensured that chase will continue at the collegiate level, signing her National Letter of Intent to join the powerhouse rodeo program at Western Texas College.

The signing marks a pivotal step for Chavez, a standout in breakaway roping and team roping, who chose the Snyder, Texas-based college for its rich rodeo tradition and its academic offerings in agriculture.

“I love all things Ag,” Chavez said. “Right now, I’ll be going into Ag Business, and then after I finish my two years, I’ll transition into Ag Communication and Media.”

Chavez’s journey from “speed events” like barrel racing and pole bending to the precision of roping has been guided by a deep respect for the sport’s legends, including world champion Jackie Crawford. But her most immediate influence comes from her trainer, Glen Easley, whose mantra—”head in the game, elbow up, and tip down”—resonates in her mind before every run.

The commitment comes at a high-stakes moment in her senior season. Chavez is currently preparing for the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association (NMHSRA) State Finals, held May 21–24 at the Lea County Fairgrounds in Lovington. A strong performance there would punch her ticket to the National High School Finals Rodeo.

For Chavez, the sport is about more than just the “fast time” she loves to see on the clock; it is about preserving a heritage.

“It’s definitely like a dying breed,” Chavez said of the cowboy spirit. “You want to keep it going instead of letting it wither away.”

---

Scouting the Westerners: Western Texas College

By heading to Western Texas College (WTC), Chavez joins one of the most respected programs in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

• The Program: Located in Snyder, Texas, WTC competes in the Southwest Region, arguably the most competitive region in college rodeo. The “Westerners” have a history of producing national champions and consistent College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) qualifiers.
• The Leadership: The program recently saw a major shift as long-time head coach Greg Rhodes stepped down in April 2026 after 29 years. During his tenure, he oversaw 13 National Champions and 13 Reserve National Champions. The program remains a destination for top-tier talent looking to transition into the professional ranks (PRCA/WPRA).
• Facilities: WTC boasts a dedicated rodeo complex including the WTC Coliseum, a nearly 4,000-seat arena that hosts an annual NIRA-sanctioned rodeo every March.
• Proximity: At roughly five hours from Moriarty, Chavez noted the location is “not too far from home,” allowing her the independence of college life while remaining close enough for family support.

Chavez’s immediate goal is clear: make her mark in the NIRA. But her eyes are on the horizon. “Definitely try and make it out there into the actual PRCA,” she said. “But right now, I’m going to take my time and see what I can do in college.”