Glue is a unique substance; it fastens without being seen. For the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Rodeo Team, Sue Etbauer is just that.
“Sue means more to OPSU Rodeo than most people will ever know. She’s the glue that holds us all together,” Shelbie Weeder-Rose, OPSU Rodeo Team Women’s Coach said.
In 2015, Sue joined the Panhandle State family as the Rodeo Team Assistant. But long before Sue joined her
husband and head coach, Robert Etbauer, at the helm of the legendary rodeo team, she played an integral part of the
program. She not only assisted Robert whenever the practice stock needed fed or computer work completed, but also kept track of the points for the all the weekly jackpots and made sure each student was filmed at the rodeos.
From welcoming college kids to their family home to making emergency room runs when inevitable occurred in the roughstock events, Sue made sure every student athlete was taken care of. After moving into her new position, Sue began taking care of those who rodeo at Panhandle State to an even higher degree.
“Sue is definitely a big part of the OPSU Rodeo Team by doing everything behind the scenes and making sure all the
paperwork and not so fun stuff is taken care of properly, and most importantly, on time. She did everything to make sure us college kids were lined out to rodeo,” said Katie Hughes, Panhandle State Rodeo Alumna.
Her qualifications exceed the job description. One can bet Sue kept Robert on track during his professional career, as he claimed two world championship titles in the saddle bronc riding. But aside from keeping Robert going down the rodeo trail, Sue raised three top-caliber rodeo athletes: Chancy, Trell and Shade Etbauer. All of the Etbauer children have
accomplished greatness inside the rodeo arena and are paving their own way into the history books.
Sue attended every youth, high school and college rodeo with her children. With her camera bag over her shoulder and clipboard in hand, the veteran rodeo mom never missed a time, score or filming a run. Often times, she had the points
figured before the official sheets even made their way to the rodeo office. She was the rodeo mom others in the stands aspired to be like, and now, she is helping to make the Panhandle State Rodeo Team one other programs across the country compare themselves to.
Panhandle State graduate Preston Kafka said, “Sue has always been a crucial part of the team and its success. She does a lot of work behind the scenes that keeps the program moving forward. Her hard work shows through the program and her family’s success.”
“We would be lost without her. She makes sure we have everything that we need and gets us to where we need to be,” Weeder-Rose said. “She doesn’t get near enough credit and I can’t thank her enough for all that she does.”
