BOZEMAN – Andy Bolich, a Montana State University alumnus who has 15 years of experience with MSU Rodeo as both a coach and competitor, has been named MSU’s new head rodeo coach. He will assume the position on July 27.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Bolich will provide oversight and management of the team. He will report to MSU Vice President for Student Success Chris Kearns.
“I look forward to continuing the winning tradition of MSU Rodeo, Bolich said. “I hope to provide our student-athletes with a solid foundation for success in the future. I’ve spent a good part of my life with MSU rodeo, and I’m really looking forward to working with these young student-athletes and helping them be the best they can be, both in the arena and in the classroom.””
Bolich’s experience includes serving as MSU assistant rodeo coach for 12 years, where he has helped recruit student-athletes, managed practices and cared for animals used in rough stock rodeo events. Bolich has also been involved in fundraising for the rodeo team and in managing its finances.
His rodeo career includes six professional rodeo circuit titles in the Montana and Columbia River circuits. He also competed five times at the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit finals. As a student-athlete at MSU, Bolich qualified in four different years to represent the university at the College National Finals Rodeo in four events – bareback, bronc riding, tie down roping and team roping. Bolich also previously served as an endorsee of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for the U.S. Army, where he worked with Army officials and affiliates to coordinate events and promote a partnership between the U.S. Army and the sport of rodeo.
“Andy is not only a top-notch rodeo athlete in his own right, but he is also a dedicated educator and mentor with a talent for sharpening the skills and drawing out the leadership qualities of our student athletes,” Kearns said.
A nine-member search committee composed of representatives from MSU and the rodeo community selected Bolich after a national search The committee was co-chaired by Jeff Bader, director of MSU Extension, and Brenda York, director of the MSU Office of Disability, Re-entry and Veteran Services. Other search committee members included Cathy Beyer, Rob Higgs, Melanie Stocks, Tyler Holland, Jane Mersen, Gene Surber and Mark Norem.
MSU Rodeo has a strong history of success. The program has claimed more than 50 national team titles, eight Big Sky regional titles and 33 individual national championships since its inception. More information about MSU Rodeo is available online at http://www.montana.edu/rodeo/.
Bolich has a bachelor’s degree from MSU in animal and range science. He succeeds Mike True, who will retire on Aug. 1, after serving as head coach since 2005.
Source: MSU News Service
Image courtesy of Andy Bolich
