It’s a big week for Lander University Athletics.
Building on the momentum of recent achievements—national champions in wrestling and bass fishing, and a historic run in the NCAA Division II men’s basketball playoffs—Lander University made a special announcement Wednesday, April 1, of a new team being added to its athletic offerings.
With 27 sports already competing, students will see a new sport on campus beginning Fall 2026:
Collegiate Bull Riding
Joe Greenthal, vice president for finance and administration, made the announcement in a video that was shared on Lander’s social media accounts, where he donned a cowboy hat and boots atop a horse at the Lander Equestrian Center.
Uniquely, the team will utilize state-of-the-art virtual reality technology during its practice sessions, simulating the eight-second thrill ride from the comfort of, well, anywhere.
Check out the video, and make sure you watch before the end of April Foo—whoops, April 1!