MARSHFIELD – For Justin Gukenberger, rodeo has never been just a sport, it’s been a way of life.
“I was born and raised in Marshfield. I’ve been involved with rodeo my entire life,” Gukenberger said.
His passion began at a young age, competing in Little Britches of Wisconsin Rodeo before joining the Wisconsin High School Rodeo Association.
Throughout high school, he became a three-time National Junior High Finals Rodeo qualifier and a four-time National High School Finals Rodeo qualifier.
After graduating from Marshfield High School, he continued competing through the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the Minnesota Rodeo Association and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.
Growing up in Marshfield, he said, gave him the opportunity to pursue both academics and athletics.
“Growing up in Marshfield has allowed me the flexibility to rodeo while in school and then rodeo beyond high school graduation,” he said. “My time in Marshfield has also set me up for success both academically and athletically at Iowa Central Community College.”
Now a student-athlete at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Gukenberger competes in calf roping and team roping.
“In college rodeo I compete in Calf Roping and Team Roping for Iowa Central Community College out of Fort Dodge, IA,” he said. “Team roping has been an event I have competed in my entire life.”
Balancing school and competition requires discipline both inside and outside the arena.
“As a student athlete we have to be academically successful, so it’s a good driver to have success in and outside of the classroom,” Gukenberger said. “My coach Bridget Coleman has been a strong push for success in the classroom and in the arena.”
He credits the coaching staff at Iowa Central for helping him develop as both a student and competitor.
“The coaching staff is why I went to Iowa Central Community College and I am grateful for all that they have done,” he said.
With rodeo taking place throughout the year, Gukenberger spends much of his time training.
“With rodeo being an all year-round event, especially with activities in the Minnesota and Professional Rodeo Associations, I practice year-round and am always working to improve and sharpen my skills,” he said.
That dedication paid off this season when he qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.
“I was one of the top heelers in the Great Plains Region for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association,” Gukenberger said.
For the national finals, he teamed up with Tyler Hanson from Bismarck State College.
“Tyler and I qualified to the short-go based on our success in the first three rounds of the finals,” he said.
Competing on one of college rodeo’s biggest stages was an experience he won’t forget.
“Competing on a big stage at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper was eye opening and humbling,” Gukenberger said. “I was able to see the support I got from my friends, family and coaches but also the entire collegiate rodeo family.”
The atmosphere inside the arena left a lasting impression.
“Walking into the arena from a tunnel, with thousands of eyes and the loud environment creates an energetic atmosphere that just keeps the heart racing,” he said.
Finishing among the nation’s top competitors was the reward for years of work.
“Finishing in the top 12 in the nation is a major accomplishment for me and to Iowa Central Community College,” Gukenberger said. “It takes a lot of time and hard work to get to this point.”
Still, he isn’t satisfied.
“It also sets the goal for next season to make it back to Casper and to finish strong,” he said.
Like many athletes, Gukenberger has faced obstacles along the way.
“The biggest challenge that I have is practicing and staying active in the winter months,” he said.
Looking ahead, his ambitions remain focused on continued growth in the sport.
“My goal is to make it back to Casper again next year and to continue to compete in rodeo and grow as an athlete,” Gukenberger said.
He also hopes to continue competing professionally after college.
“My goal is to continue to compete in both, and then once I graduate from college, to continue to compete in PRCA,” he said.
When reflecting on the people who have helped him reach this point, Gukenberger points to those closest to him.
“The biggest impact on my success in and out of the arena are my family, friends, and the coaching staff,” he said. “Everyone in my life pushes me to be stronger and better every day.”
His advice to young athletes is simple.
“As a young athlete, and growing up, I encourage all athletes to keep their head up, shake off the losses, and keep moving forward,” Gukenberger said.
Whether competing in front of hometown supporters or thousands of spectators on a national stage, Gukenberger said rodeo is ultimately about perseverance, preparation and the people who make the journey worthwhile.
“Traveling in the region for rodeo creates lots of time in the truck over thousands of miles,” he said. “Having good partners, friends, and family can really help make the time go by and help get from point to point.”
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