After years of education & football together, Wyant twins plan to stay close for life after commencement
Cole and Cade Wyant are not sure exactly what comes next after they cross the graduation stage to each receive a Master of Engineering degree, Geotechnical option, at Montana Technological University’s commencement on December 14, 2024, but they are certain of one thing, whatever they do, and wherever they go, they’d like to stay close together.
The identical twin brothers from Rocklin ,California, have taken almost every class together since elementary school. When it was time to choose a college, the pair prioritized finding a place where they could study engineering and both play football.
“Montana Tech was the best opportunity to play together,” Cole said. “We visited campus in December 2018, fell in love with it, and then never looked back.”
The Wyant twins each received athletic scholarships, and the Frances & Ralph Mitchell Endowed Scholarship, which is allocated for Geological Engineering students from northern California.
Cole and Cade each earned a B.S. in Geological Engineering in Fall 2023. They worked with their advisor, Dr. Mary MacLaughlin who helped them carefully tailor their undergraduate coursework to include graduate courses as well so they could graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.
“Dr. MacLaughlin has been super helpful, not only as a professor, but in the scheduling process as our advisor. She makes a lot of stuff manageable and has helped to make our experience here great,” Cole said.
The brothers say they have enjoyed studying geological engineering, with hands-on experiences like summer field camps.
“We got to participate and be a part of some awesome labs and projects throughout Montana,” Cade said. “I think that's what makes Montana Tech so special. Students are able to solve real world problems before they go out into industry.”
The brothers both completed internships, with Montana Resources in Butte, Montana, and with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Austin, Texas.
Cade and Cole say they helped each other stay accountable in completing their assignments, and they credit their parents, Lana and Drew Wyant, with instilling a respect for education in them.
“One thing our parents have always made sure is that it's academics first and football second,” Cade said.
Cole added, “It’s the same with Coach Samson and the Montana Tech coaching staff. The coaches understand that getting a degree is the most important thing, and that it is this degree that will take you far in life.”
Cade and Cole were redshirt freshmen for the Fall 2019 season. The 2020 season was cancelled, which means they were able to continue playing football through their fifth graduate year at Montana Tech. They both love the game immensely and have been playing it since they were seven years old.
“At Montana Tech, we have 120 players on our roster,” Cade said. “I don’t think there's many sports that bring 120 guys from different parts of the country, different walks of life, different backgrounds where they all come together for a common goal. When you're seven years old, you just play because you love the game. That's still the case now, but you don't realize how unique the opportunity is until you're older.”
“The game of football has meant everything to me, and I would not be the individual that I am today without it. Specifically, it’s the people that we've met along the way that make it worth it all worth it. I have met my absolute best friends because of this game, and because of that, I will be forever grateful,” Cole said. “I can honestly say almost all our best friends and people who will be in our weddings have been our teammates throughout a point in our career.”
Both brothers have needed hip surgery because of their athletic pursuits. Cole already had double hip surgery this past year, and Cade is planning on having surgery on a single hip shortly after graduation. Despite the injuries, the brothers say they are grateful for the way their athletic careers were timed, so they could be part of the ’24 roster that landed itself deep into the NAIA playoffs. In addition to Coach Sampson, the Wyants are grateful for Coach Thatcher, Coach Adams, and every other coach that has helped and loved them along the way.
“Coach Thatcher is our O-line coach,” Cade said. “He's someone that's really invested in me and my brother since we've been here and made Butte feel like home. He's a Butte guy, and he's just someone that has meant a lot to us throughout our time here.”
Overall, the brothers say they are extremely happy with their choice to study at Montana Tech.
“One thing that's pretty special about Montana Tech is that it delivers on its promises,” Cole said. “I think a lot of things that are advertised about other colleges aren't always the truth. When it comes to academics, however Montana Tech is second to none. The career outcome, return on investment, and job placement rate is unmatched.
Cade added, “The Career Fair was something that I didn't realize how big of a resource it was before I came to school here. Additionally, the small class sizes, along with teachers that genuinely care about you and want the best for you are what separate Montana Tech from other universities. I don’t think that's something you get everywhere.”
The twins say when they cross the graduation stage, they have to tip their hat to their parents.
“We're really fortunate to have parents and a support system like them,” Cole said. “We wouldn't be the people we are today without them. We love them so much and are so grateful for all that they have sacrificed to make sure that we are successful. We hope to be able to repay them one day.”
After graduation, they hope to land engineering jobs where they can stay close to each other in the Pacific Northwest. They say the decision to go to college together was the best decision they’ve ever made, and they don’t plan to split up anytime soon.
“Having a built-in best friend and home away from home definitely makes life a lot easier,” Cade said.