Gillette College Rodeo Signs Hayes Burress

Gillette College Rodeo has added another South Dakota cowboy to its 2026 recruiting class with the signing of Hayes Burress of Isabel.

Burress, a student at Western Christian Academy, has built a solid high school rodeo career and brings valuable experience in the timed events to Gillette College. He is a National High School Rodeo Association national qualifier and competes in both team roping and calf roping.

"We're excited to welcome Hayes to Gillette College Rodeo," said Gillette College Head Coach Casey Rae Sellers. "He comes from a good background in the timed events, and I think he has a lot of upside. He's the kind of young man who fits what we want in this program, and we're looking forward to helping him keep developing at the next level."

In the classroom, Burress carries a 3.5 GPA and plans to pursue welding at Gillette College.

Burress said Gillette College stood out because of both the academics and the strength of the rodeo program.

"I chose Gillette College because they have a great school and rodeo team," Burress said.

The son of Brady and Patty Burress, Hayes was introduced to rodeo by his parents and has turned that early start into an opportunity to continue competing at the collegiate level.

With national-level experience and a strong foundation in roping events, Burress adds another valuable piece to the future of Gillette College Rodeo.