Wade Sundby was born in 1956 to Orvin and Ginger Sundby in Williston, ND. The Sundbys were always involved in cattle and horses as Orvin owned a meat packing business in Williston. Wade was a standout at Williston High School, having records in football, 4H Champion Steer, softball championship, 1976 State Champion Wrestler, and many rodeo championships.

At a young age, Wade started participating in Little Britches rodeos and Fun Frolics around Williston, and Sidney, MT. In high school, Wade competed in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull dogging, roping, and riding bulls.

Wade won the North Dakota High School All-around Champion and North Dakota High School Finals Bareback Champion titles from 1973 through, and was the North Dakota High School Finals Steer Wrestling Champion in 1974.

Wade went to the National High School Rodeo Finals in 1973 (Ogden, UT), 1974 (Tomah, WI), 1975 (Gallup, NM), and 1976 (Sulfur, LA). In 1975, Wade was the National High School Steer Wrestling Champion, and placed 5th in bareback riding, leading him to the 1975 National High School All-around Championship.

After high school, Wade continued to rodeo and, in 1986, he was the ND Roughrider Steer Wrestling Champion. In 1988 and 1989, he was the Northern Plains Rodeo Association Steer Wrestling Champion.

In 1984, and 1989 through 1991, Wade was the North Dakota Rodeo Association Steer Wrestling Champion. He participated in many PRCA Badlands Circuit rodeos, including the Circuit Finals.

Wade attributes his success in bulldogging to his horse, “Jack”, who was Bulldogging Horse of the Year in 1988 and 1989. He credits the Lord, parents Orvin and Ginger Sundby, family and friends, including Ron Oyloe, Jim Johnston, Dale Jorgenson and Deane Koppang for his great career and overall love of rodeo.

Wade resides in Williston with his wife, Peggy, three kids, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.