A junior college program with a roster built on belief, Weatherford College had a standout historic season in the Lone Star Region of the NIRA and is headed to the CNFR with both teams for the first time in program history.
As the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo grows closer, region finals are continuing to take place across the country. The Lone Star region was one of the first to complete their season. This is the first year for the Lone Star region, as it was built after the split of the Southwest region last year.
One of the standout programs has continually been Weatherford College. The 2026 season was years in the making, built through steady growth, consistency, and belief in a program that has become one of the most respected in college rodeo.
This spring, it all came together. At the conclusion of the Lone Star Region season under the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Weatherford College did something it has never done before. WC qualified both its men’s and women’s teams for the CNFR in the same year.
The Coyotes will be headed to Casper in June after a well earned season.
The women’s team claimed the Lone Star Region Championship, while the men finished as Reserve Champions, right behind Tarleton State University, a program widely considered the best in college rodeo.
For a junior college to go head-to-head with powerhouse university programs and come out on top takes talent, leadership, and consistency.
“This year was special with a truly exceptional group of students,” said WC women's coach Hadley Kibbe. “Weatherford College made history, sending both teams to the CNFR at the same time.”
The Coaches
A team is only as good as their coaches, and it goes without saying that Weatherford College has the best. The coaching staff undoubedtly understands this sport, not just from the outside, but from experience themselves too.
Kibbe was voted as the Lone Star Region Coach of the Year this year. Hadley, while in her first year with the program, brings a background rooted in college rodeo itself. She also understands the responsibility.
“The Lord has placed great people in our program with a passion for what they do,” Kibbe said. “It’s an honor for us to serve them as their coaches.”
That word, serve, isn’t thrown around lightly, as it truly reflects the culture inside the WC program.
Alongside Kibbe is longtime head coach Johnny Emmons, who has spent more than a decade building Weatherford into everything it is today. Emmons brings a résumé that includes five National Finals Rodeo qualifications and a career deeply rooted in the sport.
Add in roughstock coach Chase Richter, a former standout competitor and stock contractor, and the foundation becomes clear. This is a staff that knows how to develop athletes and more importantly, prepare them for the highest level of competition.
The Student Athletes
That preparation showed up across the board in every event.
Emily Ward led the women’s team as the All-Around Champion, also winning the barrel racing title. Behind her, her teammates, Kacey Baas and Acey Pinkston, took second and third in the region barrel racing as well. All three barrel racers headed to Casper representing the Lone Star Region wear the black and gold vest
In the roughstock events, Mecate Trammell claimed the region title in bull riding, while Mitchie Story finished as reserve champion in the saddle bronc.
The team roping added another layer of dominance, with Weatherford athletes filling all three spots once again. Jett Stewart and Belden Cox were the region champions. Denton Parrish and Brock Borkman finished reserve. Hunter Helton and Jeryn Ellerd took the third spot to head to Casper.
Goat tier, Jacee Graff will also return to the CNFR after finishing the reserve National Champion last year. She finished second in the region.
“We love what we do, and we are so proud of every athlete who wears the WC brand,” Kibbe said.
The growth of the program showed up outside the arena as well.
Weatherford hosted its own rodeo this season at the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Arena,home of the Weatherford Pro Rodeo as well. The event was awarded Rodeo of the Year for its production.
That recognition reflects investment and commitment and a program that is stepping into a larger role within the industry.
What Comes Next
From June 14–20, Weatherford College will head to Casper for the CNFR.
For the first time, both teams together will compete for National Championship titles.
It’s a milestone that marks where the program is today, but it also points to where it’s going. These accomplishments were not built overnight. It won't stop here.
The 2027 season will begin in the fall, and new and bigger goals will be set.
For Weatherford College, 2026 was a historic season, and proof of what’s truly possible when the right people, the right atmosphere, and the right group of athletes come together at the right time.