Whataburger's Whatakid: Kolton Jess Grimsley

Region 1 Kolton Jess Grimsley

Congratulations to Region 1 Whatakid, Kolton Jess Grimsley, a 17-year-old senior from Nazareth, Texas. Kolton is a talented tie-down roper whose passion for rodeo runs deep. While he’s dabbled in many aspects of ranch life, tie-down roping is where his competitive spirit truly shines. This year, his dedication and countless hours of practice paid off in a big way when he earned both his THSRA and NHSFR buckles, finishing 4th in Texas and 3rd at Nationals, a huge achievement on one of the sport’s toughest stages.

Rodeo has been more than just a sport for Kolton; it’s a way of life. He thrives on the energy of big competitions like the Texas High School Rodeo Association Finals and the National High School Finals Rodeo. For Kolton, the thrill of backing into the box and competing against the best drives him to push harder every day. Those moments in the arena reflect years of commitment, discipline, and an unshakable love for the cowboy lifestyle.

Every cowboy needs a great horse, and for Kolton, that horse is Casino. Originally purchased for ranch work, Casino quickly showed a natural ability for calf roping. Kolton and his family trained him themselves, turning a ranch horse into a champion athlete. That personal connection makes every run more meaningful. Kolton laughs when he talks about the name his dad called him Casino, saying the horse would win them a lot of money. So far, he’s living up to his name in style.

Life on the Grimsley ranch is never quiet. Being homeschooled gives Kolton the flexibility to balance academics with the daily work that keeps their operation running. His mornings often start with feeding cattle before moving on to tasks like branding, doctoring, or processing. When neighbors need help, Kolton steps in without hesitation. It’s all part of a lifestyle he loves, one that teaches responsibility, patience, and resilience.

Of course, rodeo practice is a big part of Kolton’s routine. After the ranch work is done, you’ll usually find him in the practice pen perfecting his roping skills. Those hours of preparation are what make the difference when the stakes are high in the arena. “It’s a full and demanding schedule, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Kolton says with pride. Every loop thrown in practice builds confidence for the big runs that count.

Education is still a priority for Kolton, even though his classroom looks different from most. He jokes that his dad is both his teacher and toughest critic. Homeschooling allows him to blend traditional studies with hands-on learning on the ranch. His favorite “subject” is cattle work, where every day brings new lessons about herd health and ranch management. Kolton believes these skills will serve him just as much as any textbook as he looks toward the future.

Leadership is another area where Kolton excels. He currently serves as President of the Whiteface Rodeo Team and has held the role of Region 1 Vice President for two years. These positions have taught him responsibility and the importance of setting a good example for younger competitors. Giving back to the sport and helping others succeed is something Kolton values as much as his own achievements.

When Kolton has free time, a rare occasion it’s often spent exploring his other passion: aviation. He enjoys studying airplanes and practicing on a flight simulator whenever he gets the chance. His dream is to earn his pilot’s license after high school while continuing to compete in rodeo at the collegiate level. He has several college offers on the table, and his future is looking bright both in the arena and in the sky.

Kolton’s motto in life is simple: “Always work hard, stay humble, and never give up.” It’s a mindset that guides him through the challenges of balancing school, ranch work, and rodeo at an elite level. He knows success doesn’t come easy; it takes sacrifice, late nights, and long days. But to Kolton, every sacrifice has been worth it because it’s shaped him into the person he is today.

As he looks toward the future, Kolton remains grateful for the support of his family, friends, and mentors who have been there every step of the way. “Rodeo means more to me than just a sport it’s a way of life,” he says. From the ranch to the rodeo arena, Kolton embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and humility. There’s no doubt that this Region 1 Whatakid will continue to make his mark both on the ground and in the sky.

Kolton is extremely honored to be representing Region 1 as the Whataburger Whatakid.