story by Riata Cummings
Twin brothers from Wallsburg, Utah, Hayden and Caleb Andersen are dedicated and talented rodeo athletes. Their parents are Patti and Eric Andersen, who adopted them from Ghana, Africa, when they were 20-months-old. They have two younger brothers, Solomon and Maxwell, who are biological brothers to one another and were adopted from Ghana several years later. Their mother, Patty, is a professor at Brigham Young University and her connections have given them the opportunity to travel the world and experience many different cultures. Eric works as a ski instructor, and the family enjoys spending time together on the slopes.
While neither of their parents grew up around horses or competing in rodeo, they have become avid supporters of the boys’ sport. Caleb and Hayden were 3-years-old when they got their first horse, a hand-me-down from their aunt. Wallsburg being the small town that it is, they were exposed to some of the rodeo lifestyle and gained some interest in the sport. When watching the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as little boys, they used to pretend to steer wrestle or bronc ride, but it wasn’t until the relative of a neighbor, Coby Brown, gave them some encouragement years later that they really became invested in the sport. He helped them find their first horse and started practicing the fundamentals with them. Later, the Cassi and Ladd Dick family took the boys under their wing, dedicating a lot of time to helping them learn the ropes of the event. Then a fellow high school steer wrestler, Sam Carson, helped them practice and improve further. They have also received help from the Boren family as they branched out to other events. Caleb and Hayden have been privy to generosity of the Utah High School Rodeo family and are grateful for the help and support of so many friends.
The boys are 18-year-old seniors at Wasatch High School. Caleb enjoys his wood working and mechanics classes because their hands-on nature helps him connect to what he is learning. Hayden’s favorite courses include equine science, animal science, vet science, and agricultural leadership. Caleb is on the swim team and both boys are active in their high school’s chapter of the National FFA Organization, Hayden serving as the chapter sentinel and agriculture sterling scholar.
Caleb Andersen – Western Edge Photography
Caleb is strictly a steer wrestler, competing on their 12-year-old appaloosa mare named Sacagawea. So far, his favorite rodeo was the Panguitch Invitational last summer where he was the only contestant to throw three steers. His consistency won him the champion title and a saddle. Another of his favorite rodeos was the Jr. NFR, hosted in Las Vegas. He enjoyed the competitive atmosphere and glimpsing the professionals’ experience. This year Caleb hopes to qualify for the National High School Finals Rodeo. After high school, Caleb would like to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints before attending Snow College and transferring to either Utah State University or Utah Valley University. He would eventually like to pursue a career as either an electrician or in law enforcement.
Rodeo has taught Caleb that even when things seem out of reach, patience and dedication will put them in your grasp. He lives by the saying, “There is always time to make an impact.” Caleb has been the recipient of so much help and selfless support through the years, often at the hands of people who don’t realize their contribution. The culmination of those experiences has taught him to make time to help others and seek opportunities to serve.
Hayden Andersen – Western Edge Photography
Hayden competes in the steer wrestling, team roping, and tie down roping. He, too, steer wrestles off Sacagawea. He trained his calf horse, Ellie, who is a spirited palomino. Hayden is proud to be the sole owner of Sailor, the horse he team ropes on. His favorite rodeos include the Dixie 6, a rodeo series hosted in sunny Southern Utah every November. It was there during his first season steer wrestling against some of the toughest cowboys Utah had seen in years that Hayden drew steer #611. He knew the steer was the pick of the pen, and he laid down a 4.2 second run to win the rodeo. Hayden has also set his sights on taking a trip to Nationals this year. After high school, Hayden would like to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He would then like to attend Snow College and Utah State University, majoring in equine reproduction.
Hayden’s greatest strength is his determination to achieve his goals. Rodeo has helped him develop that grit, requiring him to go above and beyond to find the success he craves. When it comes to rodeo, Hayden has a one-track mind and will do everything in his power to learn and improve. Every time Hayden goes in the box to make a run his dad will say to him, “No options”, and Hayden will finish the quote by saying, “but to fall”. This reminds Hayden not to give his four-legged opponent any choices other than that of cooperation. The attitude of control helps Hayden focus on getting the results he wants, rather than allowing doubt or fear to hinder his performance.
Hayden and Caleb share many things, but especially their hero of a father. They look up to his work ethic and dedication. Eric was the first in his family to get a college degree, despite his aversion to school and his dyslexia. His example of pressing forward despite opposition pushes the boys to prevail and persist. The boys would like to thank their own family as well as the Boren, Dick, and Carson families for their support and dedication to seeing the boys succeed. Caleb and Hayden are grateful for the opportunity to rodeo and for the people who gave them the chance.
