Weatherford College Rodeo Team Makes History Sending Talented Team to 2026 CNFR

(Madison Richmann)

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 head 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.

Hadley Kibbe was voted as the Lone Star Region Coach of the Year this year. Kibbe, 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.