Gillette College Rodeo Signs Talon Ping

Gillette College Rodeo has signed another talented South Dakota athlete in Talon Ping of Highmore. A proven competitor in the arena and across multiple sports, Ping brings toughness, leadership, and a background that makes him a natural fit for the Pronghorn program.

Ping, a student at Highmore-Harrold High School, has built an impressive high school career in both rodeo and athletics. In the arena, he is a two-time National High School Finals Rodeo qualifier and was crowned the 2024 South Dakota High School State Champion in bareback riding. He has also qualified for the state high school rodeo finals every year from 2022 through 2025.

He competes in bareback riding, bull riding, and tie-down roping, giving Gillette College a gritty and versatile athlete with the kind of cowboy background that fits the culture of the program.

"We're excited to welcome Talon to Gillette College Rodeo," said Gillette College Head Coach Casey Rae Sellers. "He's tough, competitive, and comes from the kind of background that I think will fit this program really well. There are a lot of similarities between Talon and Marvin Garrett in the way they're wired and in the kind of rodeo foundation they come from, and I think that's going to be a tremendous fit. Having the chance to pair Talon with a coach like Marvin is something we're really excited about."

Ping has also distinguished himself in the classroom. He has earned "A" Honor Roll recognition throughout all four years of high school, been a member and vice president of the National Honor Society, received academic letters all four years, and earned the Presidential Award each year. He carries a 3.8 GPA and a 24 ACT score, and plans to major in ag business.

Outside of rodeo, Ping has excelled in both wrestling and football. In wrestling, he is a four-time state qualifier, three-time state place winner, two-time conference champion, 2023 AAU State Champion, and team captain from 2024 through 2026. He is also a four-point near fall state record holder as of 2025. In football, he has been a letter winner from 2023 through 2026 and served as a team captain in 2025.

Ping said Gillette College stood out because of its facilities, people, and the opportunity to be pushed by great coaches and teammates.

"I chose Gillette College because of the great rodeo facility, team, and coaches," Ping said. "The practice facility makes it so I can get good practice all year round with teammates who I am friends with and who will push me. Bareback riding is my favorite and having a coach like Marvin Garrett who is a four-time national champion is another huge reason I chose Gillette."

The son of Travis and Katherine Ping, Talon was introduced to rodeo by his family and has turned that foundation into a standout high school career marked by success in the arena, the classroom, and other sports.

With his work ethic, competitive background, and natural fit within the Pronghorn culture, Ping adds another exciting piece to the future of Gillette College Rodeo!