For some lucky cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo is the “family business.” In the case of young Jayce McKean, he didn’t have to look far to find some good help. 

His dad is a rodeo coach, and his great uncles have a list of rodeo accomplishments a mile long.

“Cliff and Tim Williamson are my great uncles, and one day I want to rope at the NFR and CFR many times just like they did,” McKean said of his uncles who gave him some big shoes to fill.

Tim Williamson is a nine-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier and brother Cliff could be the most decorated tie-down roper to hail from North of the border with a record 29 consecutive Canadian Finals qualifications and nine Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifications to his name.

McKean was a rookie in the Alberta Junior High School Rodeo Association this year and left his very first provincial finals with Silver State International Finals Rodeo qualifications in the goat tying, breakaway roping, and ribbon roping. 

Jayce McKean

Hometown: Cremona, Alberta

Age: 11

Events: Tie-down roping, breakaway roping, and goat tying.

The Rank: currently unranked

When did you know you wanted to be a cowboy?

At 2 years old I always had a rope in my hand. I come from a family of rodeo cowboys and wanted to be just like them. 

My dad is my rodeo coach and spends lots of time helping me get better. I also really like to watch Cory Solomon compete. Cory sent me a couple pictures a while ago that I have displayed in my room.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments to date?

I am in my first year of Junior High School Rodeo and am doing well. I am high in the standings in breakaway and goat tying as well as rookie of the year. I have made season leader several times in our local junior rodeo clubs. I also won two scholarships at the Joe Lucas Roping that the Lucas family held annually.

What do you like to do when you're not competing?       

I have a roping dummy in the garage I practice on almost every day. I also play hockey in the winter.

Who is your greatest rodeo mentor or role model?          

Cliff and Tim Williamson, and Dusty McKean (Dad)

What is your favorite song?             

Dust on the Bottle – David Lee Murphy

What is your favorite food? 

Apples and peanut butter