Kaden Mangrum, a 14 year old Fortuna cowboy, is going to National Junior Finals Rodeo in Des Moines, Iowa. Placing 3rd in the entire state in both Junior Bull Riding and Bareback Steer Riding, he will be representing Team California. He competes on the District 2 Team for the California High School Rodeo Association, Junior High Division, which represents Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties.
The CHRSA regular season is October-April, with State Finals being held in May. Throughout the season, Kaden competes in Chute Dogging, Bareback Steer Riding, Junior Bull Riding, Goat Tying, and Ribbon Roping. Rodeo requires a huge commitment of practice time, and long travel times to every rodeo throughout the season. After the amount of time, resources, and energy spent dedicated to the sport, when working together with an animal (especially a 1,000 lb bull), there are a a lot of factors that don’t often go your way, requiring a lot of humility.
Locally, Kaden competes in the Fortuna Junior Rodeo, and was the Steer Riding Champion in 2022. He also rides in the Steer Riding event at Fortuna Rodeo’s event, “Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews”, and holds the Champion title for 2021 & 2023. This year will be his final ride to secure the Champion belt buckle. Come see him ride on Saturday July 20th at the Fortuna Rodeo Grounds!
Kaden also plays football and regular season basketball as well as AAU. He was the starting half back and line backer for the AAA ERV Huskies for the 2023 season, and starting point guard as well as Team Captain for the ’23-24’ FMS 8th Grade Boys Basketball. All the while, he has maintained the B-Honor Roll at Fortuna Middle School, perfect attendance, and received the Citizen of the Month award in April.
The National Junior Finals Rodeo are being held on June 23-29, and Kaden is seeking support to help cover the large sum of travel and lodging costs for both him as well his family.
This is a very exciting time for Kaden, as he will be graduating from 8th Grade just one week prior to National Junior Finals Rodeo. To help make this monumental event a time to celebrate, instead of a time of stress, any amount is greatly appreciated! Any excess amount that is raised beyond what is need to cover expenses will be placed in a college savings account for Kaden.
