About Us

At Western Sports Media, we take western sports seriously. We have been entrusted by Sports Illustrated and Men's Journal to spearhead the first major western sports publication, blazing the trail for rodeo and other sports.

Our team is dedicated to bringing you the most in-depth coverage, analysis, and exclusive interviews with the biggest names in the industry. Be it breaking news or insights on key events, we are committed to providing the most comprehensive coverage possible.

Our Story

Western Sports Media is spearheading a revolution in the world of sports media. For too long, western sports have been underrepresented in the mainstream media. But that’s all changing, thanks in part to our efforts.

We’re proud to have played a significant role in getting major publications like Sports Illustrated to cover the excitement and passion of western sports. And we’re not stopping there.

Our goal is to bring the best of western sports to a wider audience, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to achieve that.

Our Leadership Team

kade kistner ceo

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye.

kelly kistner cao

Kelly Kistner is the fourth generation of a farming and ranching family. In addition to living in rural America, Kelly has served in multiple leadership roles in both corporate and public safety organizations. Kelly started his first full-time job at the age of 19, as a part of the management team at a large country-western entertainment facility that hosted many of the largest names in country music and had bull riding every Friday and Saturday night. Kelly holds a Bachelor's degree from Texas State University and a Master's degree from Oklahoma State University. Kelly has served in several roles including organizational restructures and start-ups in the business and governmental sectors. He has worked in management, leadership, and consulting roles with multiple Fortune 500 companies. Having served in both the law enforcement and the fire service, Kelly has a strong drive to give back to his community. He is now taking that drive and experience and placing it in efforts to help grow the Western Sports industry through collaborative efforts with Sports Illustrated and Western Media Sports. During his down time, Kelly enjoys spending time with his wife Ariana and three boys – Kade, Kaleb and Cameron, while also caring for the animals on the ranch he owns with Ariana in North Texas. Kelly and Ariana are members of several western sports organizations and actively support multiple charities in the local communities. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions he can be reached at kellyk@sirodeo.com or on Twitter at @KWKistner.

robert fitzgerald coo

Robert Edward Fitzgerald III, widely known as Tres, is a multifaceted individual whose life journey has taken him from the battlegrounds of Iraq to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico and into the world of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Hailing from the outskirts of Chicago, Robert's early life was defined by a strong sense of duty and courage. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as an infantryman in the prestigious 10th Mountain Division. Robert's unwavering commitment led him to excel in the army to lead more soldiers down in Fort Benning as they come through the ranks. After his military service, Robert transitioned into a unique career as an underwater welder, specializing in Class B underwater welding and air mixed gas supervision, and even becoming a saturation diver. His expertise took him from the Gulf of Mexico to the entire East Coast, demonstrating his dedication to mastering his craft. However, as Robert embarked on the journey of building a family, he redirected his focus. He founded a successful construction business and a thriving medical supply company, which played a crucial role in supplying essential PPE units worldwide during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, he dedicated himself to a noble cause - a non-profit organization that provides vital support to veterans struggling with PTSD. Robert's entrepreneurial spirit extends to real estate investing. He was also at the forefront of evacuation efforts during the tumultuous Afghanistan withdrawal. Leveraging his network and experience, he lobbied Congress to assist U.S. allies in their evacuation, exemplifying his commitment to humanitarian values. Beyond his professional pursuits, Robert's interests span a wide spectrum. He has a keen interest in politics, actively follows cryptocurrency trends, indulges in real estate investments, and enjoys the companionship of dogs. But above all, he cherishes the time spent with his wife and three beautiful children. Robert embodies a philosophy rooted in hard work, resilience, and a refusal to be a victim of circumstances. He believes in making money work for you rather than working endlessly for money. His unwavering attitude is a testament to the idea that a positive mindset leads to positive results. Robert's ultimate goal is to create a world where his children can grow up free from the shadows of tyranny. He is committed to instilling in them the belief that the goodness within people will always prevail.

Our Writers

laura lambert,
content director

Laura Lambert resides in Wiggins, CO with her husband, Ricky and two sons – Brayden and Boedy. She is a gold card member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. In the course of her barrel racing career she has qualified for the PRCA Mountain States Circuit Finals 18 times, The Dodge National Circuit Finals four times, and has been the Mt. States Barrel Racing champion twice.

alex riley

Alex Riley is a writer for Sports Illustrated's feature, Rodeo Daily. Formerly working at news outlets in South Carolina, Texas, Wyoming and North Carolina, Alex is an award-winning writer and photographer who graduated from the University of South Carolina.

MADISON RICHMANN

Madison Richmann calls Keenesburg, Colorado home. There you can find her parents, Justin and Shawnda, and her younger brother Rylan. In the spring of 2024, she graduated from Western Oklahoma State College with an associate degree in Agriculture Communications. She will be attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas to pursue her bachelor's and master's degrees and be on the rodeo team starting this fall. As a breakaway roper, Madison is excited for all of the new opportunities that are continually arising for women in the sport of rodeo. Also a barrel racer and team roper, Richmann is very passionate for all things of the western way of life. As an advocate for agriculture, she plans to help educate all, about the importance of the industry. When looking into the future, Madie plans to make a career in journalism and marketing for the western sports and agriculture industries while continuing her rodeo career professionally.

BRAYDEN LAMBERT

Brayden Lambert is a native of the Centennial State who’s always marched to the beat of his own drum. While his family thrives in the world of rodeo, you’ll often find Brayden in the sky, enjoying the thrill of flight, or with his head in the books. With a solid educational background in finance and economics from Metropolitan State University of Denver, he’s a young visionary keeping an eye on promising business opportunities.

CLAIRE BOYER

Claire Boyer was born and raised in colorful Colorado, and will always root for anything Denver, especially the Nuggets. She continued to root for the Nuggets during her time at Utah State University, where she graduated with her degree in Human Biology. She looks forward to ski season and welcomes the subzero temperatures.

CHLOE ENGLAND

Chloe England is a graphic designer from a small town in Wyoming near Jackson Hole. She is an avid reader and always has at least three books in the works at once. In the summer she enjoys camping and taking pictures and in the winter she likes to go skiing in Utah or curl up with a cozy blanket and watch a good movie. She is certified in digital design and photography through Bridgerland Technical College and is always up for a good project.

sami jo buum

From tiny pink cowboy boots and pigtails to pro rodeos and fast horses, Sami Jo was definitely bitten by the horse bug at a very young age. She was born and raised in Colorado on a small backyard farm in Brighton. The western industry has been a huge part of almost every aspect of her life. She was not born into a rodeo family and is a first-generation professional barrel racer. With her husband, she co-owns and operates a construction company out of Keenesburg, Colorado as well as run a small performance horse breeding and training operation., Dark Horse Equine. She is passionate about animals, rodeo, family, work and Christ. She plays many roles from business owner, professional cowgirl, rodeo wife, horse trainer and breeder, animal therapist, writer and more; however, being a mom is her favorite job title. I look forward to sharing my experiences and all things western with my audience.

TRESHA GLOWACKI

Tresha proudly resides in Texas with her husband, Scott, and their five kids. Growing up on a dairy farm in East Tennessee, Tresha is a true country girl at heart. When she isn’t writing, listening to country music, or attending a rodeo, you will find her on their longhorn ranch doing what she loves best, being around her animals.

kaleb kistner

Kaleb Kistner is from New Braunfels, a small community nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There’s only one “s” in Braunfels! Growing up in Comal County, it was an annual tradition to attend the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Down the road was the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo, that his grandparents would religiously take him to each year. Along with the annual rodeos, Kaleb was an active member in FFA throughout high school. Showing rabbits and pigs, assisting with steers and goats, and participating in leadership development events, Kaleb received a well-rounded, basic education in agriculture. On top of that, Kaleb earned his Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Kaleb has a strong work ethic and love for agriculture and the great outdoors. He hopes to be able to spread his knowledge and bring a better understanding of the Western way of life to those who may not understand. Kaleb has pursued a career in plumbing, continuing to achieve each possible license as quickly as he can. Kaleb has a beautiful fiancée Makayla and his sweet daughter Kinleigh. During his down time, he and his family enjoy going to their parents’ ranches to spend time with the family.

KAITLYN WOODMAN

Kaitlyn grew up in a small east Texas town called Marshall, Texas, and now resides in the “Cutting Horse Capital of the World” Weatherford. The rodeo lifestyle was instilled into Kaitlyn at a young age as her entire family has a rodeo background. She spent most of her life at Martha and RE Josey’s ranch just down the road from her house. Kaitlyn was lucky enough to have been surrounded by incredible role models in and out of the arena that got her to where she is today both as a competitor and a person. As a barrel racer, Kaitlyn has competed at just about every level the sport offers. The barrel racing industry is something that she is deeply passionate about, whether it be the futurity and derby scene, the rodeo world, or even the breeding side, she finds herself excited to learn new things and grow the industry as much as she possibly can. Kaitlyn graduated from Sul Ross State University in December of 2023 with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture degree and knew that upon graduation she wanted to get a start in the western sports media industry. Before graduating from Sul Ross, Kaitlyn was able to start a career as an Equine Insurance Agent and takes pride in protecting her customer’s most valuable assets. Kaitlyn is excited to share her passion for the Western Sports and Agriculture industries through her writing, and she strives to reach audiences far beyond our community to advocate for the betterment of our lifestyle!