Steve Birnie joined the College of Southern Idaho Rodeo Program during the summer of 2006 when he was brought on as assistant coach. He took over as the head coach during the spring of 2007 and has been working to continue the winning tradition of the CSI Rodeo Team.
Prior to joining CSI, Steve taught high school social studies and coached for 11 years in Elko, Nev. and Kimberly, Idaho. While in Elko, Steve helped resurrect the rodeo program at Great Basin College. He coached the GBC Rodeo Team from 1997-2001. His passion for helping students to be the best they can be, both in and out of the arena, is evident in all that he does.
Steve grew up on a small farm and ranch in Bliss, Idaho where he learned the value of hard work. He graduated from Gooding High School and then attended Eastern Oregon State College and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in 1991. While at Eastern, Steve was a member of the rodeo team, football team and Army ROTC program. He was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in the Oregon Army National Guard for 5 years. In 2005, Steve earned his Master’s of Sports Science Degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.
From an early age Steve has been involved in all aspects of rodeo. He has competed at every level from Jr. Rodeo to the PRCA, in the timed events, and he is still competing in the tie-down roping today. He has served on committees, judged, held various leadership positions, and has always worked to promote the sport of rodeo at every level.
Steve was named the 2008-2009 Rocky Mountain Region Co-Coach of the Year voted on by his peers and the regional student directors.
As students excel in the rodeo arena, it is Steve’s hope that they transfer that success into all parts of their lives.
"College rodeo gives young people such a great opportunity today. They have the ability to get an education, compete at the college level, and gain experience and knowledge which will help them succeed at the next level. If we can help our students learn and grow and become successful rodeo athletes and good people, we have met our goals," Birnie said.
The CSI Rodeo Team has continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the Rocky Mountain Region and in the nation. In 2013, the CSI Men's and Women’s team qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo. The men's team took second in the nation, while three individuals brought home national championships as well as one reserve champion. In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 the CSI Men's Team won the Rocky Mountain Region and qualified for the CNFR. In 2019, CSI boasted the Barrel Racing National Champion Ashtyn Carlson.
Steve currently lives in Jerome, Idaho with his wife Rhonda and daughters Sonora and Isabella.
