Steer wrestler and Elwood, Nebraska native Kaden Wooters is making his second trip to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming this June.
This time, however, he will be representing the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits. Wooters’ first qualification in the steer wrestling came last year during his sophomore year at Mid Plains Community College. Wooters is returning to the CNFR with experience under his belt and a competitive mindset.
“It’s not as much pressure as you would think. You just have to make three clean runs and hope to make it back to the short round,” said Wooters.
Wooters qualified by placing third in the Great Plains Region standings, behind Rex Day of MPCC in second, and Austin Madison of Black Hills State University in first. He attributes much of his success this season to his faithful roan horse, Goose.
“I got Goose last year and he has been working outstanding,” Wooters said.
Not only has Wooters competed well for the SDSU Rodeo Team, he has also taken initiative in a leadership role. This season, he served as the Men’s Team Captain while also competing in calf roping and team roping.
He says being a part of two high performing rodeo programs throughout his college career has helped him tremendously.
“Having people to practice with and to compete against helps you set goals,” Wooters said. “It also helps you work on things when you have other sets of eyes watching.”
Wooters is currently majoring in Animal Science and will resume his studies at SDSU in the fall.
The CNFR will take place June 9-15 in Casper, Wyoming at the Ford Wyoming Center.
Listen to our full interview with Kaden Wooters here:
