Kristen Sublette

I had the pleasure of attending the short-go of CMU’s rodeo Saturday, April 13. Where I watched Henderson win the round and the average for the rodeo. It was truly a great college rodeo with fierce competitors and a fun atmosphere. Henderson speaks to his experiences with college rodeo and how it has helped him to grow, not only as an athlete but as a student and person.

Kayden Henderson’s ride during the short-go round of the CMU Rodeo at Mesa County Fairgrounds.

Henderson chose CMU after he was approached by the Head Rodeo Coach, Branden Edwards. Soon after Henderson went to Grand Junction to tour the school and was drawn to the college’s atmosphere. He has loved his journey with CMU thus far. Both Head Rodeo Coach Branden Edwards and Assistant Rodeo Coach Tia Edwards have been a critical piece to Henderson’s success at CMU. When asked how Henderson likes college rodeo he said, “I love it, the atmosphere is freaking awesome. Branden and Tia Edwards are some of the most amazing coaches that are in NIRA right now.” He continued to say that the Edward’s do so much for their student athletes like always encouraging students to apply for scholarships, putting on fundraisers to help get them down the road, personal development and providing support to all their student athletes. “I couldn’t be more appreciative of Branden and Tia Edwards,” Henderson said.  

While Henderson has an impressive list of accomplishments like being the first person in his family to go to college, qualifying for National High School Finals Rodeo twice, winning the state finals and state champion in Nevada in 2021. One of Henderson’s proudest achievements is becoming a better student, he reflects on not being a good student in high school and how much that has changed in college “I wasn’t a very good student athlete but now I’m as phenomenal student athlete… I’ve grown up so much and done so much to help myself out and other people around me and I’m pretty proud of myself,” Henderson said.

College has been an eye-opening opportunity for Henderson. When asked what his favorite part of college rodeo has been he said getting to meet his best friends and the overall experience. College has brought him great opportunities to meet new people, other athletes, and network.

Looking to his future Henderson has big goals for both his career and rodeo. He hopes to own and operate a welding and fabrication business. He’s always dreamed of having his own horse and cattle business. His rodeo goals include qualifying for College National Finals Rodeo this year, receive the rookie of the year title and make finals for the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association, and eventually making it to those big yellow chute gates at National Finals Rodeo. As for Henderson’s dreams and goals he said, “Just get to do what I love doing every day,” a pure and simple way of putting his plans for his future.

It’s not every day you meet a young man as intelligent, bright, and well-rounded as Henderson. For a man that did not have any plans to attend college, CMU has propelled his life to greater heights. I cannot wait to see where Henderson’s rodeo career will take him from here. With the attitude and perseverance Henderson has, it will undoubtedly lead him to great things.

Written by: Kristen Sublette

Video: Kristen Sublette at Mesa County Fairgrounds, Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Photo: Banner image- Kayden Henderson, Headshot- CMU website