His success at the high school level has been unprecedented.
2026 Arp High School graduate Cade Ward recently accepted a full scholarship to attend Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, where he will compete in team roping, and calf roping.
A four-year varsity starter for the Arp Tigers boys basketball team, Ward became even more dominant on the saddle.
His consistent dedication helped him turn heads throughout his high school rodeo career. Competing in the Texas High School Rodeo Association, Ward reached the state, and even national stages multiple times.
In his region, he earned team roping champion honors as a sophomore and junior. Then as a senior, Ward won reserve champion. All three years, he qualified for the THSRA State Finals in calf roping.
Ward hopes to advance to nationals as he competes at the state rodeo finals June 4-13 in Abilene. He's team roping event is Friday. He competed in calf roping Tuesday at the Taylor County Expo Center.
Ward's high level of accomplishments the last four years, have earned him numerous saddles, buckles, awards including firearms, cash prizes, plus successful appearances at national competitions.
He also received several collegiate offers before deciding on TVCC.
Ward plans to pursue a degree in business management while continuing to compete and grow his rope horse business.
Gina Suick (Ward's mother) contributed to this report.