Continuing the Legacy – Chet Johnson ’01 and Grady Alger ’27

Grady didn’t know it at the time, but his dad, Alvy Alger and uncle, Chet Johnson, were thrilled when he chose to enroll at Sheridan College for the ‘25-’26 school year. The choice of which college to attend had been his to make on his own.

Grady said “It came down to Cheyenne and Sheridan, and Sheridan just felt like home to me. I wanted to rodeo, and I really liked the team and coach at Sheridan College. Also, they have a great Agriculture program there.”

Twenty-five years earlier, Grady’s uncle Chet also chose to attend Sheridan College. “I had rodeo friends that went to Sheridan College, and when I visited, I just loved the school and the community. The Ag program at that time was one of the best in the state and that probably tipped the scales to me coming to Sheridan.”

While at Sheridan College, Chet competed in saddle bronc riding for the rodeo team, earning a trip to the College National Finals Rodeo in 2001. After graduating with a degree in Agriculture Science from Sheridan College in 2001, Chet would go on to a long, successful career as a professional rodeo cowboy with career earnings to date of over $870,000.

When Grady was 8 years old, his mother Tracy Alger, Chet’s sister, passed away unexpectedly. Chet stayed close with the family and helped them through some of the tough times. They bonded over a shared love of rodeo.

Grady said “I didn’t mean to follow in Chet’s footsteps, but I sure am pumped to go to Sheridan College this fall! I’m really looking forward to rodeo. Chet has given me great tips for success in school and in rodeo. My goal is to go to the College National Finals Rodeo. I’ve wanted that since I first saw it on TV.”

Chet couldn’t be more thrilled to have Grady continue the family legacy at Sheridan College. He will help coach the rodeo team in his spare time, so he will be able to watch Grady make his college rodeo debut.

Chet said that “Sheridan College will always have a special place in my heart. It was a great choice for me. I received a great education and made great friends. I think it will be the same for Grady.”

Welcome to Sheridan College, Grady Alger!