Cavenders Ranch Blog

What's Next - Team Cavender's Seniors

May 13, 2022

News and Events Western Lifestyle

What’s Next for Cavender’s Youth Rodeo Team 2022 Seniors

Team Cavender's Seniors Next Chapter

Some students graduating high school are nervous about what comes next in life. However, we recently sat down with our Cavender’s Youth Rodeo Team seniors to ask what their upcoming plans are, and they’ve sure got it all figured out.

Whether continuing on from high school rodeo to college rodeo, or carrying on with their studies, this is one group of seniors we are proud to call our own. We will miss having them as part of Team Cavender’s, but are looking forward to watching what their future holds. Congratulations seniors, we know you will continue to shine.

Gus Gaillard Gus Gaillard standing

Senior Spotlight – Gus Gaillard

Gus Gaillard is a graduating senior from Morse, TX. Gus has been a member of Team Cavender’s since the program began in 2019. After graduation, he will be attending Tarleton State University on a rodeo scholarship. He will compete in Saddle Bronc, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping as a part of the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team. He plans to obtain a Man Ag Business Degree while also rodeoing in the PRCA.

Gus, what does being a part of Team Cavender’s mean to you?

“Being a part of Team Cavender’s has really influenced me in a positive way. Once I got on the team I immediately noticed a rise in my confidence. I believe that came from surrounding myself with the most successful high school rodeo team out there.”

What has been your favorite memory about Team Cavender’s?

“My favorite memory while on the team would definitely have to be our first team summit in Tyler, TX where we were able to tour the Cavender’s head office and learn about the company history.”

How did being a part of Team Cavender’s prepare you for your future in rodeo?

“Team Cavender’s has set me up for success and allowed me to have a boost in the business side of rodeo. Without this team I wouldn’t have any of the amazing endorsements, partnerships, or friendships that I have today.”

How did being a part of Team Cavender’s prepare you for your future career?

“Being on Team Cavender’s has set me up for success with my future career. It has allowed me to open up and learn how to have a business style conversation with people that can benefit my future.”

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to be part of Team Cavender’s?

“To anyone wanting to be on Team Cavender’s or that will be a team member in the future, I just encourage you to not change anything. You have to be yourself and keep working hard every single day to better yourself as a person and to better your craft.“

Lacey Nail Lacey Nail on horse

Senior Spotlight – Lacey Nail

A graduating senior from Okeechobee, Florida, Lacey Nail was one of the original members of the Team Cavender’s youth rodeo program. After graduation, Lacey plans to finish her Associates Degree in the fall of 2022 at Indian River State College. After obtaining her associates degree, she will transfer to the University of Florida’s College of Business. She does not have plans to college rodeo, but she will compete in the southeastern circuit pro rodeos while pursuing a degree in accounting.

Lacey, what does being a part of Team Cavender’s mean to you?

“Being part of Team Cavender’s is more than just a sponsorship to me. I have grown and learned so much from my team members and the Cavender’s family. It was truly amazing to be part of such an incredible team!”

What has been your favorite memory about Team Cavender’s?

“I have to say my favorite memory while being on Team Cavender’s happened during my sophomore year at National’s. Myself and 7 other team mates ended up with top ten finishes in the world. We had 3 world championships within the team.”

How did being a part of Team Cavender’s prepare you for your future in rodeo?

“Team Cavender’s prepared me for my future in rodeo by pushing me to succeed not only inside the arena but also outside of it! Through media training provided by Team Cavender’s I feel comfortable with interviews and other public relations events.”

How did being a part of Team Cavender’s prepare you for your future career?

“Although I am not pursuing a career in rodeo, I feel that Team Cavender’s has helped me prepare for a career in finance. One thing the Cavender’s family has taught me is that you can do anything you put your heart, soul, and time into.”

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to be part of Team Cavender’s?

“One piece of advice I would give to someone who wants to be part of Team Cavender’s is that you have to show your true and authentic self. If you do this you will be respected by everyone. You will have the opportunity to meet some amazing people that will be there for you, and support you!”

Kade Williams Kade Williams with saddles

Senior Spotlight – Kade Williams

Kade Williams has also been a member of Team Cavender’s since the program originated in 2019. Kade is a graduating senior from Oklahoma and has been a standout member of the Team Cavender’s program for 3 years. After graduation, Kade will be attending Oklahoma State University as a part of their rodeo team. He plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Kade, what does being a part of Team Cavender’s mean to you?

“Team Cavender’s is an elite group of competitors in and out of the arena, so being a part of such an awesome group is truly an honor.”

What has been your favorite memory about Team Cavender’s?

“The annual summit is always a good time, many of the members live far enough away I only see them once or twice a year so seeing everybody in one place is great.”

How did being a part of Team Cavender’s prepare you for your future in rodeo?

“The team really puts a focus on being yourself, but also putting yourself out there for others. This taught me the importance of maintaining your self-image and the opportunities that come from that.”

How did being a part of Team Cavender’s prepare you for your future career?

“Being outgoing and always ready to accept a challenge.”

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to be part of Team Cavender’s?

“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Team Cavender’s is like a second family, and they will push you in the right direction if you let them.”

Logan Wilson Logan Wilson standing

Senior Spotlight – Logan Wilson

Logan Wilson is a graduating senior from Mississippi. She has been an active member of Team Cavender’s for the past three years. Logan plans to attend cosmetology and barber school after graduation. She does not have plans to college rodeo, but she will still be attending rodeos while also running her parents chicken farm.

Caden Bunch Caden Bunch head shot

Senior Spotlight – Caden Bunch

Caden Bunch has been a member of Team Cavender’s for two years and has had a tremendous amount of success in his bull riding career. He is a graduating senior from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. After graduation, Caden Bunch will be attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.