Whataburger's Whatakid: Cade Watkins

Region II Cade Watkins

Congratulations to Cade Watkins Region 2’s Whatakid. “I’ve always grown up around horses and cattle,” Cade shares. “But it wasn’t until my family moved to Midland, Texas that I really developed a passion for getting involved in the rodeo industry.”

Cade’s passion turned into action in eighth grade when he and his twin brother, Cole, started competing through the Texas High School Rodeo Association. “In junior high, I did both breakaway and team roping, but once I got into high school, I decided to focus solely on team roping. My brother and I have been roping together ever since our first rodeo.”

Their bond as a team has taken them far. Cade and Cole have qualified for the State Finals, competed at the prestigious Sandhills Rodeo, made the semi-finals at the Junior Patriot, and pulled checks at ropings across Texas. “Since I only compete in team roping, I’d have to say it’s my favorite event by default,” Cade laughs. “But I have a sister who’s done barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying, so I’ve developed a real appreciation for all events and the time it takes to make a solid run.”

Cade’s partner in the arena is a 15-year-old bay mare named Zia, a horse with roots in New Mexico—and grit in her hooves. “She first started off as a barrel horse with professional barrel racer Katelyn Lide-Scott and was later switched to the head side for team roping,” he explains. “Katelyn used her at ranch rodeos, and eventually, we traded a One Famous Eagle mare for her. Since the first day I swung a leg over, we’ve clicked.”

Some of his favorite memories with Zia are simple ones: “Anytime we’re winning checks together—it just doesn’t get better than that,” he says. “She’s put me in the right spot time and time again.”

A typical day for Cade is packed from dawn to dusk. “I’m up by 5:30 in the morning for a workout in the weight room,” he says. “Then I get ready for school, which starts at 8:15. After class ends at 2:30, I head home and rope steers with my brother until about 4:00. After that, I’m off to varsity tennis practice until 6:30. If there’s still daylight, I’ll get back on a horse, rope a little more, or just feed and take care of them.”

The long days don’t faze him. “I remind myself all the time that it won’t be long before I’m in college and this is all just a memory,” Cade says. “So I’m soaking it up while I can.”

Cade is deeply involved at school as well. From FFA and Varsity Tennis to Students in Philanthropy, he balances academics and extracurriculars with intention and pride. “My favorite class is Equine Science,” he says. “I’ve learned so much that I can actually apply to my horses in real-world scenarios.”

He credits much of his academic success to his ag teacher, Ms. Hoover. “She’s been vital to my growth. She sees my potential and constantly pushes me to be better.”Cade’s record reflects that effort—he’s been on the A/B Honor Roll all four years of high school and was named Top Student in his ag science class during both his freshman and sophomore years.

Outside of the arena and classroom, Cade finds time for 4-H, where he’s competed in Livestock Judging at a high level. “We’ve qualified for state several times, won the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo contest, and placed second at San Antonio,” he shares. “Last year, our team even made it to a national contest in Nebraska.”

When asked about his favorite quote, Cade doesn’t hesitate: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” And for someone who’s always on the move—whether it’s for rodeo, judging contests, FFA, or even family trips—those words ring true. “One of my biggest hobbies is traveling,” he says. “Skiing in Big Sky, Montana or exploring the Highlands of Scotland—those are memories I’ll never forget.”

Looking ahead, Cade plans to attend Texas Tech University, major in Agriculture and Applied Economics, and minor in Political Science. “I want to work in ag policy someday—maybe with the USDA or the Texas Department of Agriculture,” he explains. “FFA has shown me how much of a difference I can make, and I want to use my real-life experiences to shape the future of agriculture.”

Through every phase of his life, Cade’s dad has been his rock. “He’s been the most supportive person I know,” Cade says. “The long lectures in the truck after a missed steer may not always be easy, but they’ve taught me so much. He’s not just my dad—he’s a leader, a friend, and an incredible provider. He’s my hero.”

One of Cade’s most pivotal moments came when he had to walk away from baseball, a sport he’d loved through elementary and middle school. “Schedules started to clash, and I had to choose between baseball or FFA and tennis. It wasn’t easy, but I chose the path I felt would shape my future best.”

And when it comes to rodeo, Cade’s appreciation runs deep. “It’s more than just something to do on the weekends,” he says. “It’s shaped who I am. It’s taught me lessons, given me real experience, and connected me with people I can count on.”

Serving in leadership roles in Region II has only deepened that perspective. “I’ve seen firsthand how rodeo impacts not just me, but everyone involved. It fills me with pride to be part of something so great. The people I’ve met, the miles we’ve driven, the lessons I’ve learned—those things will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

As he gets ready to graduate and take on the next chapter, Cade remains grounded in gratitude.

“The THSRA has given me so much, and I’ll always be thankful,” he says. “In and out of the arena, it’s helped shape my future, and I’m proud to be part of it.”. Cade is extremely grateful to be chosen to represent his region as their Whatakid.