The regular season of college rodeo wrapped up last weekend at the Cornhusker College Rodeo in Lincoln. Among the excitement of College National Finals Rodeo qualifications, the Great Plains Region bestowed honors on members and coaches within the region.
Mid-Plains Community College’s Aukai Kaai was named Coach of the Year, an honor that took him by surprise.
“Being a relatively young coach, I didn’t expect an honor like this,” Kaai said.
As for the most rewarding part of coaching? Kaai answered without skipping a beat. “Watching the kids grow into better humans in and out of the arena is the best part for me.”
Originally from Waimānalo, Hawaii, Kaai was a four-time National High School Finals Rodeo qualifier that was recruited to rodeo at MPCC by Dustin Elliot. Kaai competed in bull riding and team roping for MPCC. From there, he continued his collegiate career at Colorado State University.
Kaai began coaching for MPCC in 2020, serving alongside then timed-event coach, Garrett Nokes. Since then, he has remained dedicated to building the program.
Adding to last weekend’s highlights, the MPCC Men’s Team won year-end honors, the MPCC Stampede was named Great Plains Rodeo of the Year, Cinch Painter’s horse BJ won the Great Plains Region Men’s Horse of the Year, and numerous MPCC athletes punched their ticket to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming this June.
Listen to our full interview with Aukai Kaai here:
