RAPID CITY - The reality of National American University competing in its final rodeo will probably not settle in until afterwards for coach Glen Lammers, who has guided the team for 13 years.

"When I come back and take all the pictures off the wall, that's when I'll realize it was the last ride," Lammers said.

With the decision to cut the program coming this past winter, National American University is going into its final rodeo Sunday. It is the 60th annual College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., and it will be one that the athletes and the coaches are sure to make everyone remember.

The Mavericks will send seven cowboys and one cowgirl to the competition. The men's team will be strong in both timed events and roughstock, and will be in the running for a national title. The team will be led by region all-around champion Ty Manke, of Hermosa. Manke is one of a couple of Mavericks who will compete in two events at the rodeo - he won region titles in the saddle bronc and bull riding. Adam Mueller will compete in the tie-down and team roping competitions. The other Maverick men, and their events, are Nick Guy, of Wisconsin, in steer wrestling; Chase Kukuchka, of Belle Fourche, in saddle bronc; E.J. Karp, of Owanka, in bareback riding; Dallas Cunningham, of Nebraska, in bull riding; and Weston Garrett, of Belle Fourche and the son of famous cowboy Marvin Garrett, in bareback riding.

The Mavericks' sole cowgirl is a top talent. Jena Lien, of Hemingford, Neb., is the defending all-around champion in the region and she also won the goat-tying championship. She will also compete in barrel racing.

NAU is entering the rodeo with one of its best teams.

"They're at the top of their game," Lammers said. "I believe we have the talent. It's like being at the Super Bowl, you've got to capitalize on each opportunity. There are no second chances."

The Mavericks have only one strategy, and that is to give it all they have.

"It's my year," Guy said. "It's my turn to go out there and show my stuff. I'm looking forward to it."

Guy said that he wants to represent NAU in a good way and try to prove that ending the rodeo program was a mistake. He said that many people were upset at the decision and the emotions ran strong with the team, but he will not let the decision weigh him down.

It means quite a bit to Guy to be a Maverick.

"I've invested a lot of time and money, and I've been representing them strong. I'm proud to wear the NAU vest."

Manke, a team leader making his first appearance at the rodeo, will also not let the decision weigh him down.

"It's kind of a bad deal, but you just have to move forward," he said. "It does stink that they are cutting a good rodeo program."

Manke believes his team has a great chance to win this coming week, especially because the Mavericks are well-represented in each event.

Lien said the Mavericks have always been competitive.

"We were always there for each other," Lien said. "(The competition) is a little different now than a year ago."

Lien said the competition will be tough, and there will be a little added emphasis being the final rodeo. But, she said she will enjoy the opportunity to compete and get to know people at the rodeo.

"I give a lot of recognition and thanks to our coaches," Lien said. "They deserve our recognition."

"The kids have a lot of pride in the team," Lammers said. "They've really been close. It's been like a family atmosphere. That's one of the hardest things, breaking up a family."

Moving on was tough for the athletes and coaches.

The decision to cut the program was a shock to both athletes and coaches. Lammers said he and the other coaches, Eudell Larsen and Jessica Painter, did everything they could to keep the program, and the students were behind them.

"Rough stock coach Eudell has been with the program for 12 years and his expertise and friendship have been an asset to myself and the team. Jessica started her first year as an assistant coach for the women after rodeoing for NAU for four years. She adapted well to her coaching position and brought enthusiasm and knowledge to our program."

But the choice to cut the rodeo program - and the volleyball program at the same time - was based on financial reasons. The university, consisting of mostly non-traditional students, wanted to align with the other NAU campuses, which do not have athletic programs.

The rodeo team was not struggling for success. In each of Lammers' 13 years with the program, the team has qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo. The team has numerous regional championships to its credit, including a men's title this season, and it had three individual national champions. The highest team finish was a reserve national championship in 2006 for the women's team.

"The community has been really supportive of our program," Lammers said.

After the decision to cut the program was final, he spoke individually to each athlete. He said that a majority will transfer to Black Hills State University next season, where he will be the coach. Still others will seek independent rodeo activities while finishing their educations at NAU.

But, regardless of what happens, Lammers said his athletes will take it in stride.

"They're going to be alright. They have a lot of things going for them. They're student athletes with positive attitudes and good character."

Lammers then spoke to his athletes as a team, in what turned out to be an emotional meeting.

"It was something you can make a movie out of," Lammers said. "The kids wanted the program. For the kids to put their hearts out there and say how much they wanted the program … it was not a hard decision to fight for the program. The changes were going to happen, and it was definitely a challenging situation.

"The way we see it, there's going to be challenges in life. You can look at it either way. The students showed a lot of character. I was very impressed with how the students handled the situation."

What he and the athletes at NAU will miss most are the people, the friendships and the good times that they have experienced.

"Our team's been that close, and it takes a long time to create that," Lammers said. "In our final team meeting, we reflected on the good times and the funny times. It was sad, it was funny, it inspired you."

"It's been a great experience for me. I've enjoyed the ride."