Maui’s Awai-Dickson headed to Nebraska on Rodeo Scholarship

Reigning two-time State High School All-Around Cowboy Kanoa Awai-Dickson signs a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Letter of Intent to rodeo for Mid-Plains Community College in Nebraska. The King Kekaulike High School senior aspires to rodeo professionally and plans to pursue a degree in Engineering. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui’s Kanoa Awai-Dickson signed a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association letter of intent on March 1, 2015.

Awai-Dickson will pursue an Engineering degree on a rodeo scholarship at Mid-Plains Community College.

As the two-time reigning State High School All-Around Cowboy, the King Kekaulike senior said he humbled to be given the opportunity to rodeo at the college level.

“This is what dreams are made of,” said Awai-Dickson. “I’m blessed and really thankful to everyone who supported me throughout this leg of the journey. We’re closing one door for now here at home and opening it in Nebraska. I’m looking forward to competing for Coach Elliott and Coach Nokes and helping our MPCC team advance to finals next year.”

Kanoa Awai-Dickson signs a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Letter of Intent to rodeo for Mid-Plains Community College in Nebraska.

Awai-Dickson hopes to continue his diverse platform of events in Nebraska by competing in the Steer Wrestling, Tie Down and Team Roping.

“I’m excited to expand the team with more Hawaiians,” said World Champion Bull Rider and MPCC Rodeo Head Coach Dustin Elliott.

“There is a lot of talent from the islands that I don’t think gets its full due respect and recognition. I’m just hoping other schools don’t see our success and try to steel my recruits in the future after we start beating them with island talent,” said Elliott.

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Steer Wrestler and Assistant MPCC Rodeo Coach Garrett Nokes said he’s pleased that Awai-Dickson signed.  “I have enjoyed working with the talent and work ethic of the current team members from Hawaiʻi and am confident Kanoa will be no different. We will give him the chance to prove himself here and hopefully a leg up to accomplish all the goals he has in and out of the rodeo arena.”

Mid-Plains also plays host to Bull Rider Kaulana Funes and All-Around Cowgirl Kaile Jacobson from Maui and Aukai Kaʻai, a bull rider from Oʻahu, who is currently MPCC’s highest ranked team member.

As one of the newest members of the NIRA Great Plains Region, the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team has made an impact on the college rodeo scene, winning the 2014 Great Plains Region Bull Riding and qualifying Champion Bull Rider Tyler Viers to the College National Finals Rodeo last year.