The folks at McCoy’s Building Supply understand that it takes a lot of hard work and the whole family pitching in to get things done on a farm or ranch. That’s why we’d like to take some time out to salute Texas High School Rodeo Association families who are farmers and ranchers. In our monthly Farm & Ranch Family Spotlight, we’ll feature one family, sharing their story of how they work together as a family to make their farm or ranch successful. The spotlight will run for 10 months; each month will feature a different region. Each Regional McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family will receive a $100 McCoy’s Gift Card. The McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family of the Year will receive a $500 McCoy’s Gift Card and will be announced at the 2015 THSRA State Finals.
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The Swaim Family of Region VIII by Hailey Kinsel
he Swaimarosa Ranch is home to Michael and Sandra Swaim, and their three daughters, Bailey, Carly, and Lindy Swaim. Bailey (24) and Carly (22) are both former members of Texas High School Rodeo Region VIII, and Lindy (18) is a current member. Lindy is a senior at McMullen County High School and competes in THSRA Region VIII in barrel racing, pole bending, and cutting. She served as the Region VIII queen for her first two years in THSRA, and has been the Region VIII Student President for the past two years. Lindy has qualified for the State Finals all four years of high school in either the queen competition, pole bending, or cutting. Her equine partners are “Dynamite” for poles and barrels, “Crash” for barrels and cutting, as well as “Shorty” and “Deets,” also for cutting. After high school, Lindy plans to attend Tarleton State University for a degree in Education, as she aspires to be a Kindergarten teacher. Michael and Sandra Swaim are fifth generation ranchers. Although the family ranch operation was primarily cattle, Michael and Sandra decided to focus on raising cutting and roping
horses. The Swaims stand six stallions, some of whose ancestors trace back to Peptoboonsmal, Doc Bar, Gay Bar King, and Colonel Freckles. The family’s busiest time of year is the fall when it is time to wean the colts. Every member of the Swaim family has a job to do, whether it is halter-breaking colts, feeding horses, feeding roping cattle, working with horses, cleaning stalls, welding or doing repair work. The Swaims lost two family members this past year who were instrumental in the Swaim girls’ involvement in rodeo. Ruth Dean Swaim, Michael’s mother, always donated a buckle to Region VIII, and when poor health kept her from attending her granddaughters’ rodeos, she still called afterwards for the “rodeo report.” Sandra’s father, Pat Atkinson, passed away from cancer complicated by a bout with pneumonia. He loved rodeo and often came to watch his granddaughters compete. He enjoyed sharing his rodeo stories and talking about his sons, Glenn and Jeff, qualifying for the National High School Finals. “The hardest part of losing him was after my first rodeo without him, because on my way home I’m waiting for that call to come in and hear, ‘How’d my baby do?’” says Lindy
about her grandfather. “I’m thankful for my rodeo family here at Region VIII who has helped my family through this tough time, because everyone in the region knew how special he was.” The Swaim’s are thankful for THSRA and the role its played in their lives. They believe THSRA gives students the chance to compete in a sport they love and make friends that will last a lifetime. Michael and Sandra “enjoyed our years in rodeo and that’s something we wanted for our girls.” Sandra is grateful for THSRA’s support of breast cancer awareness, as her mother has battled breast cancer for twenty-eight years and continues to. The Swaims state that the best part of THSRA is the scholarships it provides so that students can further their education. McCoy’s Building Supply is the Swaim family’s go-to store for the equipment and materials they need on the ranch. Joey Borjas of McCoy’s Building Supply in Beeville, Texas is very helpful in ordering and delivering the products they need. “Thanks to McCoy’s for helping to keep our ranch operating well and for people like Joey Borjas who go above and beyond for [McCoy’s] photos (top to bottom): Lindy Swaim competing in the THSRA customers,” says Sandra. cutting event; Bailey and Carly Congratulations to the Swaim Family of Swaim win the all girl team ropTilden, Texas and Region VIII -- McCoy’s Farm ing in Pleasanton, TX, Bailey won the high point saddle. And Ranch Family of the Month!
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