When Aguilera was recruited by longtime TVCC rodeo coach Brent Bratton, there is no way he could have imagined the impact it would have. Athens was his home and the college the place he laid down the foundation for life as a professional cowboy.

Aguilera quickly made a name for himself in the Southern Region of the collegiate rodeo world, all while branding the nickname “Lightning.”

He enjoyed a banner year in 2013 as a member of the college’s rodeo team. In team roping, along with partner Kolby Miller, he became the champion header of the Southern Region and advanced to the College National Finals Rodeo.

Aguilera took sixth in the first round at the event and finished 31^st nationally.

Upon leaving TVCC, he became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. In 2022 he finished 12^th at the NFR and has since pocketed more than $400,000 in career earnings.

Aguilera has established arena records and won multiple rodeos.

Bratton is not surprised of Aguilera’s success.

“He was never one to complain and worked very hard to achieve his goals,” Bratton said.