ALVA, OKLAHOMA - Rangers head rodeo coach Stockton Graves announced his resignation as the head coach of Northwestern Oklahoma State Men's and Women's Rodeo Programs, as he gets set to work with a new private business company.

"I want to wish Stockton the best as he moves forward with a new career. He will always be a part of the Ranger Family. With his leadership, our rodeo program has been recognized as one of the best in the country and he will be missed. We will look for the same kind of dedication and commitment in our next head coach" stated President Dr. Hannaford.

Former Northwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo star and current tour professional Stockton Graves took over the Ranger Rodeo program in December of 2011.

"I really appreciate all that Stockton has done to elevate our rodeo program to a national level during his time as our rodeo coach. He has coached National Champions and developed a program that is well respected across the nation. Stockton is a tireless worker who embodies Ranger Athletics and what they stand for. We wish him well in his new endeavor." Stated Athletic Director Brad Franz

Over the years, the Rangers have shown tremendous success, with the most recent being that both men's and women's teams have been to back-to-back College National Finals Rodeos, an impressive feat.

"I just want to say thank you to NWOSU for all that it's done for me and my family. It was an honor to work with such great people for so long. I will remember my time at Northwestern always and hope that I brought NWOSU and the people of Alva as much enjoyment as they have brought me. Thank you to all and RRR" stated Stockton Graves

At the 2016 CNFR, Northwestern had its first National Champion Steer Wrestler, JD Struxness who also traveled on the pro circuit with his coach. In 2019 the Rangers had their second National Champion Steer Wrestler in Bridger Anderson along with their first female National Champion Breakaway Roper in Taylor Munsell.

Originally from Ponca City, Graves was a member of the Northwestern rodeo team from 1997 through 2002. He was the Central Plains Region champion steer wrestler twice during his collegiate career and qualified for the College National Final Rodeo three times. He still holds the College National Finals arena record of 3.4 seconds. Graves graduated from Northwestern in 2002 with a degree in agriculture business.

As a professional cowboy, he has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo eight times in his career most recently being 2021, is a two-time Prairie Circuit Champion, a two-time Dodge National Circuit Finals qualifier and a Dodge National Circuit Finals Champion – all in steer wrestling. He has been a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 1997.

Graves was inducted into the Northwestern Sports Hall of Fame in January of 2011.

He will continue to reside in Alva, Oklahoma.