T-Bird (Rodeo) Adds Payson Crouch as the Men’s Rodeo Assistant Coach

NMJC is pleased to announce the hire of Payson Crouch as the Men's Rodeo Assistant Coach.

"I am super excited to be part of NMJC rodeo," Crouch said. "This school means a lot to me so it's very cool that I have the opportunity to be involved and give something back to a place that did so much for me." 

Crouch is a native of Dodge City, KS, and an alum of NMJC Rodeo. He attended NMJC from 2018-21, earning his Associate of Arts and his Associate of Science.

"Payson is one of my former students. I've spent a lot of time with him those first couple of years through coaching and then I've been able to watch him transfer and finish his degree," NMJC men's rodeo head coach Stewy Kinley said. "I would get to see him at the same college rodeos we compete at, and we've stayed connected since. It's been fun to watch his journey and cheer him on as he's progressed into his career." 

Coach Kinley is happy to have him back with the rodeo program as the T-Birds prepare for the start of the 2025-26 season.  

"Now he'll come back full circle to where he started his college rodeo career and join me on the coaching side of things," Coach Kinley said. "Payson has a lot of skill sets that will make him a good coach. He's got an easy going nature and likes to be around people. I think the students will enjoy being around him and look up to him. He ropes well, is a really good hand with a horse and he knows both the roughstock and timed event ends of the arena and that's always a plus with our program."  

Continuing his college and rodeo career, Payson attended Tarleton State University and Sul Ross State University, where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in Agriculture Business in 2024.

After graduating, Payson grew his successful horse training business, riding horses for the public and traveling all over the United States including Hawaii. 

Payson will begin his tenure in Hobbs, NM starting Monday, Aug. 11.