Pronghorns Add Wyoming Standout Dylan Thar

Gillette College Rodeo has added another accomplished Wyoming athlete to its women's team with the signing of Dylan Thar of Douglas. With a long list of success in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping, Thar brings proven talent, consistency, and a competitive edge to the Pronghorns.

Thar, a student at JM Learning, has built an impressive rodeo résumé throughout her junior high and high school career. She is a two-time National Little Britches Rodeo Association qualifier and a barrel racing round winner, and has also qualified for major events including the Xtreme Million Barrel Race, the All In Barrel Race, and the WRA Finals, earning money at several of those competitions.

Her accomplishments also include being a three-time Wyoming Junior High Rodeo National qualifier, Wyoming Junior High Barrel Racing State Champion, WJRA All-Around Champion, and a three-time WJRA Barrel Racing Champion. In addition, she was the WJRA reserve year-end team roping header and breakaway roper, and she is a two-time WYHSRA State Finals Fast Time Team Roping winner.

Thar competes in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping as a header, giving Gillette College another versatile and accomplished athlete with the ability to make an impact in multiple events.

"We're really excited to welcome Dylan to Gillette College Rodeo," said Gillette College Head Coach Casey Rae Sellers. "She's accomplished, versatile, and has competed at a really high level for a long time. What stands out most is that she's not only talented, but she's the kind of athlete who truly wants to be part of something competitive and push herself. I think she'll be a great fit for our women's team and for the culture we're continuing to build here."

In the classroom, Thar has been just as impressive. She carries a 4.0 GPA, earned a 21 ACT score, and plans to major in business at Gillette College.

Thar said Gillette College felt like the right fit because of the people, the competitiveness of the team, and the support she felt from the program.

"Gillette College has always had some of the best rodeo athletes, and rodeoing for them has always been in the back of my mind," Thar said. "Now to have the chance to be a part of such a great team, a tough group of girls, and have a coach that is invested in my success is a no-brainer choice."

The daughter of Luke Thar and Kelle Moore, Dylan said her love for rodeo started with her mom and the lifestyle she was raised in from a young age.

"My mom is who instilled the love of rodeo and horses in me," Thar said. "Since I was little, I have been surrounded by horses and the ranching and rodeo lifestyle. It is all I have ever known and all I have wanted to do. I remember going to the pro rodeos with my mom and loving life as a rodeo kid. As I got older, I began to fall in love with the process, the traveling, the people, and all the opportunities that rodeo has blessed me with."

With a championship background, strong academics, and the kind of drive that fits the Pronghorn program, Thar adds another exciting piece to the future of Gillette College Rodeo.