CCC Grad Takes Reins of the Equestrian Team

After serving a year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota in 2022, Colby Community College alumna Adrianne Schaunaman returned to Kansas this month to begin her new post as coach of the equestrian team.

She replaced Shanda Mattix, who coached since 2007. Mattix will co-coach during the spring semester and continue teaching a full load as director of the equine program.

Schaunaman attended CCC from 2017 to 2020 and earned degrees in equine science, horse production and management, and art. The Aberdeen, S.D., native was a member of the equestrian team for three years, two seasons on the rodeo team, and a year on the livestock judging squad. During those years, she was also a student worker in the horse unit at the college farm.

After her time at CCC, she attended the University of Minnesota-Crookston, graduating in 2021 with a degree in equine science and equine business management. At UMC, she was active with the equestrian team, showing on the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and NCAA teams.

As Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Schaunaman was an ambassador of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and professional rodeo in South Dakota. Her preparation for Miss Rodeo America included riding different horses in competitions across the country in a similar format used by the IHSA.

Before her term as Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Schaunaman was a colt trainer for Janssen Performance Horses, a cutting horse operation in Rush City, Minn. She also worked as a veterinary assistant at Northern Plains Animal Health in Aberdeen, S.D.

"I am excited to share my passion, knowledge, and diverse experience with a great group of riders," Schaunaman said.

Though she is a coach, she has not given up riding.

"I am excited to get back in the show pen myself. I ride reining horses, soon reined cow horses, and run barrels. I love western fashion and being involved in rodeo production."

With Schaunaman's background, her orientation as a new employee is progressing faster than most.

"It's been a seamless transition as she has a strong history with the equestrian team," said Mattix. "She has a lot of unique experience to bring back to CCC. I'm thankful she made the move to return to Colby and am excited for what's to come!"

Mattix serves as the agriculture division chair that oversees the program, among others. The hiring of Schaunaman marks the final piece of a transition to separate coaching from faculty positions.

"It's an exciting time for the agriculture division as we expand in a lot of ways to better serve our students," Mattix said. "With full-time coaches in place for the equestrian, livestock judging, and rodeo teams, there's an opportunity to grow in the competition arena, strengthen their position of academic success, and recruit more students to CCC."