Corterz barber Kyle Polich, 50, made a triumphant return to Cheyenne Frontier Days this July after a 15-year hiatus, teaming up with T.J. Watts of Eads to clinch fifth place in team roping at Wyoming’s premier rodeo.
“It’s one of the most prestigious rodeos, and it’s kind of like a dream rodeo,” Polich told The Journal.
Polich, a lifelong Cortez resident, has been roping since childhood and shared that he grew up immersed in rodeo culture.
His recent performance at Cheyenne, one of the nation’s most renowned rodeos, came after his daughter’s high school graduation.
“My daughter graduated high school, so it was a time to go and try one more time,” Polich said. “It was a lot better than we expected.”
Polich and Watts delivered a strong showing, placing in multiple rounds, winning a performance, and ultimately securing fifth place in the average. But the road to that finish wasn’t without its twists. After returning home at 4 a.m., Polich received an unexpected call summoning him back to Wyoming for the final round. With the help of friends, he made the early morning drive and was back in the arena that same afternoon, ready to rope.
Polich also owns KP’s Barbershop, which he has owned since 2018. After stepping back from the rodeo scene to be present in helping raise son Koby, a 22-year-old welder, and daughter Jori, a freshman at Lamar University, he pursued barbering, a trade he studied in college.
“My kids were in school and I wanted to raise them instead of rodeoing and stuff,” Polich said. “I really enjoy it.”
The barbershop has become a community hub where he connects with local youths that he noted as the promising future of Montezuma County.
“I really enjoy the young people and the kids, the young men in our community, because they’re overlooked a lot of times,” Polich said. “People tend to look down on younger generations, but I don’t think they realize how good our young men are … I think our future in Montezuma County is really bright.”
He also spoke of his wife, Jackie, who has been his partner since 1998. Together, they ride and rope daily at their Cortez home.
When asked if he has any plans to compete again soon, Polich said, “I’m going to appreciate whatever comes down the road to me. … I’m just thankful.”
