Tag: fishing rodeo

Fishing Rodeo Funds Fuel Nicholls’ Energy Education

The Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo and Golf Scramble once again demonstrated its deep commitment to education and community development in South Louisiana, donating $10,400 to the Nicholls State University Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management (PETSM) and an additional $2,600 to Nicholls Veterans Services. According to this news release from the University, these funds continue a longstanding partnership that bridges the energy industry with higher education and local veteran support.

The donations are being used to renovate and modernize classrooms, enhance technology, and expand the department’s state-of-the-art well-control simulation lab, which provides hands-on training for students pursuing careers in the energy sector. The contribution to Nicholls Veterans Services is earmarked to support student veterans—many of whom are enrolled in PETSM—whose federal education benefits have expired. A university panel will select recipients based on academic performance and other eligibility criteria, ensuring that those who have served the nation can continue to advance their education and career goals.

Since its inception, the Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo (MCOFR) has become synonymous with generosity and community spirit. Now in its thirteenth year, the event has donated an impressive $124,500 in total to Nicholls’ PETSM program and Veterans Services. As Joey Cannata, vice president of Tanks-A-Lot, explained, the rodeo’s mission extends beyond sport—it’s about investing in the future of Louisiana’s workforce. He emphasized that the PETSM program remains a vital resource for the energy industry both locally and internationally, helping graduates secure high-paying, stable jobs while supporting national energy needs.

Founded in 2013 by Tanks-A-Lot, a deepwater container specialist headquartered in Morgan City, MCOFR was created to strengthen ties within the oil and gas community while promoting charitable giving. The organization’s goal has always been to provide a family-friendly environment where participants can enjoy fishing and golf while supporting local causes that shape the region’s future. Each year, the event grows in popularity, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Morgan City area’s most celebrated community gatherings.

The 2025 Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo took place in June, drawing anglers and golfers from across the tri-parish area. Proceeds from the event were donated to Nicholls PETSM as well as other local charities that promote education, community development, and economic opportunity. To date, MCOFR has contributed over $200,000 to the tri-parish region and shows no signs of slowing down. Its organizers continue to champion causes that align with their mission of enriching the lives of residents and fostering pathways to higher education. Those interested in learning more about the rodeo’s impact or upcoming events can visit the MCOFR official page for details.

The Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management at Nicholls stands out as one of the university’s most distinctive programs. Designed for nontraditional and working students, it accommodates the demanding schedules of professionals employed in the Gulf of Mexico energy sector and beyond. With flexible course offerings and rotations that mirror industry schedules—such as seven-days-on/seven-days-off or fourteen-days-on/fourteen-days-off—the PETSM program empowers students to continue their education without interrupting their careers. This model has become a benchmark for accessible, workforce-aligned education across Louisiana.

Nicholls’ commitment to serving veterans and the energy workforce reflects the university’s broader mission to drive regional progress. The partnership between Nicholls and MCOFR demonstrates how collaboration between higher education and industry can lead to tangible benefits for students, veterans, and the local economy alike. As MCOFR looks toward future events, its growing contributions stand as a testament to the enduring connection between community engagement and educational advancement.

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How a Fishing Rodeo and Golf Are Supporting Higher Education in South Louisiana

The Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo and Golf Scramble (MCOFR) recently made their annual contributions to Nicholls State University, continuing a tradition that has significantly benefited the university’s Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management (PETSM) program and its Veterans Services. As per this news release from Nicholls, the organization generously donated $10,000 to the PETSM department and an additional $2,500 to support Nicholls Veterans Services, marking the twelfth year of donations to PETSM and the fourth year of contributions to veterans.

These donations have had a profound impact on the university, helping to enhance its educational facilities and technology. For the PETSM program, the funds have been instrumental in renovating and expanding classrooms, improving technological resources, and creating a state-of-the-art well-control simulation lab. These enhancements ensure that students are learning in an environment that mirrors the cutting-edge technology used in the energy industry today. The $2,500 contribution to Nicholls Veterans Services helps veterans whose educational benefits have expired. A panel will carefully select veterans for the program based on factors such as their academic performance, making sure those in need receive the necessary financial support.

The success and sustainability of MCOFR’s annual event can largely be attributed to the community’s long-standing support. Joey Cannata, vice president at Tanks-A-Lot and a key figure in the event, emphasized the importance of South Louisiana’s natural resources and the community spirit that fuels the rodeo’s growth. He explained that the fishing rodeo was founded with a vision to bring the community together in a fun, outdoor environment while also giving back to educational and charitable causes. Over the past decade, the rodeo has grown and expanded to include a golf tournament held at the Atchafalaya at Idlewild Golf Course in Patterson. Joey Cannata expressed pride in MCOFR’s growing contributions, stating that this year’s donation of $12,500 brings their total contribution to Nicholls State University to an impressive $111,500 since 2013. He also noted that the organization plans to introduce an offshore fishing division in 2025, further expanding the event’s scope and impact.

MCOFR was founded in 2013 by Tanks-A-Lot, a specialist in deepwater containers, with the primary goal of promoting community spirit in the local oil and gas industry while supporting organizations that encourage future growth in the community. The corporation seeks to provide a family-oriented environment where local residents can gather to enjoy the camaraderie and sportsmanship of both fishing and golf, creating a fun and engaging event that reflects the unique culture of Morgan City. Over the years, the rodeo has become a signature event in the region, attracting participants from across South Louisiana and beyond, helping to showcase the natural beauty of the area to visitors.

The 2024 edition of the Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo took place in June, and once again, the proceeds were designated for educational and charitable causes within the local community. In addition to donating to Nicholls PETSM program, MCOFR also supported South Louisiana Community College and other charitable organizations within the tri-parish area, aiming to enrich the region through educational opportunities and community service. Over its history, MCOFR has donated more than $200,000 to these causes and remains committed to contributing even more in the years to come.

The partnership between MCOFR and Nicholls highlights the positive impact that community-driven events can have on higher education and local growth. Through events like the fishing rodeo and golf scramble, MCOFR not only provides a platform for outdoor recreation but also helps fund essential programs that benefit both the local economy and future generations of workers in the energy sector. As MCOFR looks to expand its events and contributions in the coming years, its influence on the tri-parish area is likely to grow even stronger.

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