Western Oklahoma State College sophomore Kade Wiginton has grown up around rodeo, but his journey in the sport has been shaped as much by perseverance and community as by tradition.
Wiginton, a team roper for the Pioneers, said his introduction to rodeo came early, though his commitment developed later. “My grandpa bought me a rope horse when I was 13, but I didn’t really start getting serious about it until I was 15,” he said. “Heading is my strength, but I heel as well.”
That versatility became especially important during his freshman season at WOSC, when the team lacked a consistent heeler. Wiginton was forced to adapt, switching ends and rotating partners throughout the year.
“My freshman season was tough,” he said. “There wasn’t a heeler on the team to partner up with, so I had to switch ends. I changed partners several times and it was pretty frustrating. But I just know there are some things you can’t control, and you’ve just got to make the most of the cards you’ve been dealt.”
Despite the challenges, Wiginton has embraced the experience, crediting his teammates and the program’s culture for helping him grow both personally and competitively.
“We have kids from all over the United States and even outside of the country,” he said. “It’s fun to hang out with people that are different from you and have grown up experiencing different things and cultures.”
WOSC holds a special place for Wiginton beyond the arena. His father has worked at the college for 25 years, making the campus a familiar environment long before he joined the rodeo team.
“WOSC has always been a part of my life,” he said. “When I started roping, several of the rodeo kids at that time would help me with my technique. So I like being a part of something that has definitely shaped me as a person and as a competitor.”
Outside of competition, Wiginton stays busy balancing academics, training and hands-on work in agriculture. He is currently taking an online federal government course while spending much of his summer roping, training young horses and helping with ranch work.
“One day I might be working a set of calves, and the next I’m catching a wild cow that someone can’t get in a set of pens,” he said.
Wiginton plans to continue both his education and rodeo career after WOSC, with the goal of transferring to Southwestern Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in agricultural business. He hopes to eventually work in agriculture, possibly as an appraiser.
On the arena side, he continues refining his skills, particularly on the heel side, while leaning on his strengths as a header.
“I’m really proud of my head horse,” he said. “He does a good job of putting me in the right position almost every time. My consistency on the heel side is definitely something I’m working on.”
When he is not competing or working, Wiginton can often be found at Pioneer Point, WOSC’s student game room.
“I like to play pool, and there is always somebody looking for a game,” he said.
