Espenscheid Transfers to Gillette College Rodeo After CNFR-Qualifying Season
Gillette College Rodeo is excited to announce the signing of Cael Espenscheid, a team roping heeler from Big Piney, Wyoming.
Espenscheid will transfer to Gillette College from Central Wyoming College, bringing proven college rodeo experience and a strong championship background to the Pronghorns. A 2025 graduate of Big Piney High School, Espenscheid is a three-time Wyoming High School Rodeo Champion and the 2026 Central Rocky Mountain Region Champion Heeler.
Espenscheid is no stranger to Gillette College Rodeo. During the 2025–2026 season, he roped with Gillette College's Cam Johnson, and the pair put together a successful year that qualified them for the College National Finals Rodeo. That connection gives Espenscheid a strong foundation as he makes the move to Gillette.
Rodeo has been part of Espenscheid's life from the beginning.
"My family has always been big into rodeo, so I've always grown up doing it," Espenscheid said.
Espenscheid is a member of the NIRA and PRCA and competes in team roping. Along with his success in the arena, he also competed in basketball at Big Piney High School, earning 2A All-Region honors.
In the classroom, Espenscheid carries a 3.4 GPA, earned first semester Dean's List honors at Central Wyoming College, and plans to major in Business Administration.
When asked why he chose Gillette College, Espenscheid pointed to the opportunity to practice and continue developing.
"The amount of practice I will receive at Gillette is a big deal for me, which is why it's on the top of my list," he said.
Gillette College Head Rodeo Coach Casey Sellers said Espenscheid is a strong addition to the team roping side of the program.
"Cael is a great fit for what we are building," Sellers said. "He already has college rodeo experience, he has proven he can win in our region, and he roped with Cam Johnson this past year to qualify for the CNFR. He understands what it takes to compete at this level, and the practice opportunities, cattle, and team environment we have here are going to fit him really well."
Espenscheid will join the Pronghorns in the fall of 2026.