Two Jerome High School seniors who have competed side by side for years are set to continue their partnership at the college level, signing on to join the College of Southern Idaho rodeo team in Twin Falls.
Trey Smith and Britt Wells, longtime teammates and friends, made their commitments official this week, capping a journey that began long before their high school careers in Jerome.
Smith Brings a Family Legacy to the Arena
Smith will compete in steer wrestling for CSI, along with team roping and tie-down roping. Rodeo runs deep in his family — both of his parents serve as rodeo coaches and have played a significant role in shaping his development as a competitor.
Smith pointed to the quality of coaching and camaraderie at CSI as the deciding factors in his commitment. “I really wanted to go to a good place where I have good coaches and good teammates,” Smith said, adding that familiarity with some incoming teammates and CSI’s steer wrestling program made the choice clear.
Wells Eyes the Pro Ranks After a Standout Prep Career
Britt Wells specializes in bareback riding and team roping. He has qualified for the High School National Finals Rodeo multiple times and is pushing for one more appearance at the national stage before his prep career concludes. Beyond rodeo, the two seniors also shared time on the football field and wrestling mat throughout their years at Jerome.
Wells said the prospect of competing alongside his longtime friend at the next level is something he’s genuinely looking forward to. “I think it’s gonna be really fun to get to step up to the next level with him,” Wells said, expressing hope that the two could eventually make it to the professional rodeo circuit together — Wells in the rough stock events and Smith in the timed events.
One More Run Before Joining the Vikings
Before the pair officially joins the CSI roster in August, they still have high school business to finish. District competition is scheduled for this weekend, with the state rodeo to follow in approximately a month. If they qualify, both could make the trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, in July for the High School National Finals Rodeo — a fitting final chapter on their prep careers.
The signing adds to a strong run of local student-athletes committing to CSI. Earlier this spring, a Twin Falls High School senior signed an esports scholarship to compete at CSI, while distance runner Brooklyn Gambrel of Twin Falls signed with the College of Idaho to continue her track career at the next level.
What Comes Next
Smith and Wells will wrap up their Jerome High School careers over the coming weeks before officially joining the CSI rodeo program. The College of Southern Idaho competes in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and has a long tradition of developing competitors who go on to professional careers. Both athletes are expected to report to campus in August ahead of the fall rodeo season.