Kyler Wells Ropes His Way to Success in GHSRA, Named Rookie All-Around Cowboy, Will Compete for World Title

Kyler Wells, an upcoming sophomore at Chattooga High School, is making a name for himself in one of the most physically demanding and self-disciplined sports out there—rodeo. Competing in the Georgia High School Rodeo Association (GHSRA), Kyler just wrapped up his first season with impressive results: 3rd in the state in tie down roping, 5th in team roping (alongside his partner Cooper Rice of Nashville, GA), and the prestigious title of Rookie All-Around Cowboy.

By placing 3rd in tie down roping, Kyler secured a spot to compete for a world title at the 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo, set for July 13–19 at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyoming—the largest high school rodeo event in the world, featuring top qualifiers from 41 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and Australia.

The GHSRA, part of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), provides a platform for students across the state to showcase the traditions and grit of the cowboy lifestyle. Unlike traditional high school sports, rodeo has no coach or team. Every inch of Kyler’s success has been built through family support, personal discipline, and countless hours of hard work.

“There’s nobody to push you—you have to want it. People can only help so much,” Kyler said. “Rodeo teaches you life lessons: how to support others, even on your bad days. You make lifelong friends who push you to be better.”

Kyler’s events are more than just skill demonstrations—they’re a true partnership between rider and horse. In tie down roping, Kyler competes with his horse, Drizzy, relying on precision, timing, and teamwork.

Kyler explained the event this way: “You chase a calf and rope it while riding your horse. You dismount, run down, flank (throw, wrestle) the calf to the ground and tie three legs together. The calf must remain tied for 6 seconds. The fastest time wins.”

As for his ‘teammate’, Kyler added, “Me and my horse are still learning how to get along together. He’s young and he takes work to keep him working right. I expect him to do his job every run. We do have to work as a team. He has to run hard, back up on the rope, and keep it tight so I can do my job.”

Their connection in the arena is critical—each trusting the other to perform under pressure.

Rodeo is more than a sport in the family, it’s a way of life. Kyler began competing at age six and credits his entire family for their support, especially his grandfather, Charlie Lowry. “Everyone tells me what a good man he is,” Kyler shared. “I want people to say that about me one day.”

With no team, no coach, and no school funding, Kyler and his family handle everything—from buying and caring for livestock to funding travel and training. That includes feeding and exercising horses daily, purchasing calves for practice, and everything in between. “The livestock care can be a task. Sometimes, you must care for them when they are sick; you must feed them daily. Mom always says they only get what you give them. You have to keep them in shape as well. Also, you have to keep shoes on their feet to protect their feet.”

And give Kyler does. With raw determination, a heart full of grit, and the spirit of a true cowboy, Kyler Wells has proven that champions aren’t born—they’re built.