Fourth generation cowboy Wade McCarthy of Gingin has returned from the ABCRA Nationals in Tamworth after yet another sucessful year. Although he was pipped at the post by Heath Nichols for the 2018 All-Round Champion of Australia title, as runner-up his position as one of the country’s top competitors in the rodeo is second to – well, just one.
Along with his two young sons, wife Tenika is among Wade’s biggest supporters – she says Wade is a pretty humble guy who doesn’t talk much about his achievements.
“Wade started his 2018 season strong, bringing home many wins and scoring himself the titles of ABCRA WA Champion Bullrider and All Around Champion Cowboy in WA for 2018,” she said. “Wade has won himself quite a a few titles here in WA, going back-to-back each season across multiple events. In 2014 Wade was crowned the ABCRA Champion Bullrider of Australia – his most prestigious win to date.”
Like many of our intrepid and dedicated competitors here in the west, Wade has covered a lot of ground this year– attending rodeos as far north as Broome and as far south as Albany – and a fair few in-between. Wade qualified for not one, but two events as a result of accumulated winnings ( roughly $24k!) throughout the year and competed against the top fifteen in Australia in Bareback and Bullride events.
Wade, who works as a boilermaker, almost gave up the rough riding two years ago, believing he was getting too old. But the lure of the adrelin rush – not to mention some fairly substantial cash prizes have seen him return to the ring for a few more rounds.
This year Wade is looking forward to having 8 year-old son Cody tag along as he chases the title again. Cody is now old enough to ride the poddy’s and Tenika says Wade is proud as punch they can ride together. The couple are expecting a third son in eary June. With the due date falling extremely close to to the Mullewa Muster Rodeo Wade is hoping he comes early so he can get to the rodeo!
“Wade will add Steer Wrestling to his events for this season has also just become a qualified pick-up man – making his rodeo days extremely busy” explaines Tenika. Sounds like this cowboy will certainly have his hands full in 2019.
“The rodeo community here in WA are immensely proud of Wade and look forward to watching him have another successful year,” she said.
