Philip Berry is in his 3rd year as the Thunderbird Rodeo Coach. He came into
the rodeo program in the late spring of 2002. Philip graduated from Sul Ross
State University, Alpine, Texas in 1976 majoring in Animal Science. Philip brings
many years of rodeo experience, both personal and professional to the NMJC rodeo
program.
Philip grew up in Lea County and has participated in rodeos all his life. In 1976 he was the Southwestern Region Champion in NIRA, from 1974 through 1976 he qualified for the College National Finals, and in 1986 won “Rookie of the Year” in steer roping in the PRCA. Philip has been and is involved in numerous rodeo organizations. He has served on LCJRA, AJRA and HPJRA boards. One of his larger projects since taking on the position as NMJC Rodeo coach has been managing the College Rodeo Championship Series, a program of the NIRA. This particular project takes many hours of meeting and organizing to make the CRCS a successful rodeo for the athletes, and NIRA, at the same time entertainment for the parents and community. Each year that goal has been achieved.
Philip loves the sport of rodeo and enjoys being involved in every aspect of the sport. He has a strong passion to work with rodeo athletes and takes a personal interest in each of his team members. Philip works building each athlete’s strengths and breaking down weaknesses to make them an outstanding rodeo athlete. The athletes truly respect his knowledge regarding rodeo and appreciate the wisdom that he shares during practice, competition and outside of the sport.
In addition to coaching rodeo, Philip ranches full time. He also spends a great deal of time recruiting at various High School rodeos in New Mexico and Texas year round. Philip is married to Aetna Bess and they have two daughters, LaRae is a junior at West Texas A & M at Canyon, Texas and Amanda is a junior at Lovington High School. Currently he and his family reside on their ranch between Hobbs and Lovington.