July / August 2014 Texas High School Rodeo's Extreme Team News

Preston Burr

2014 THSRA All Around Cowboy & State Champion Bareback Rider sponsor spotlight:

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN TX 77802 PERMIT # 23

PRESRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FULTEK

STATE FINALS WRAP UP

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LONG LIVE rope in your teeth and dust in your lungs.

LONG LIVE those ten days in December.

LONG LIVE silent partners standing 15.2 hands tall.

LONG LIVE living up to your back number.

LONG LIVE COWBOYS.速

R NF GAS

LAS VE

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47MWZ TREVOR BRAZILE

11 Time All-Around World Champion Cowboy

LONG LIVE COWBOYS.速 wrangler.com

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Hotwire Caiman Boots and M4 Denim | Š2014 Ariat International, Inc.

EXECUTIVE BOARD STATE PRESIDENT STEVE DICKEY

In This Issue

EXTREME TEAM NEWS Official Publication of the Texas High School Rodeo Association

PO Box 862, Centerville, TX 75833 903.536.4098 (home) steve@txriatarealty.com

HOLLY DeLAUNE Marketing Director

1ST VICE PRESIDENT MIKE COOK

830.815.1800 • delaune.holly@gmail.com

375 Tokio Loop • West, TX 76691 254.829.1788 • scarface@kencook.net

LAUREN TUTTLE STUMBERG Graphics/Layout Director lauren@distinct-graphics.com 830.249.8020

2ND VICE PRESIDENT ALAN BOHLEN

PO Drawer 468 • Hondo, TX 78861 830.426.3270 • alanbohlen@yahoo.com

AVA ANDERSON

Advertising ava.anderson@yahoo.com 830.540.3737(H) • 512.576.2275(C)

SECRETARY/TREASURER SUSAN BALDWIN

704 1/2 Southview Circle • Center, TX 75935 936.590.4447 texashighschoolrodeo@gmail.com

NATIONAL DIRECTOR COTTON GEORGE

PO Box 30 • Martinsville, TX 75958 936.564.8993 (home) cottongeorgetx@gmail.com

S TAT E F I N A L S WRAP UP

JUNIOR HIGH NATIONAL DIRECTOR JOHN BLAND

8819 Holiday Drive • Odessa, TX 79765 432-413-2358 • prettywoman1965@hotmail.com

ARIAT PERFORMANCE REPORTERS REGION I

KENNADY JOHNSON

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PO Box 112 • Turkey, TX 79261 806.220.7108 • jeblandnspade@yahoo.com

QUEEN COORDINATOR DEE DEE DUNDA

BRIAN ROBERTS

Computer Programmer brian.roberts53@att.net 281.213.9143

REGION II

BRENNA HARTLEY REGION III

CHEYENNE BRITTAIN REGION IV

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

McKENZIE RAY REGION V

HANNAH HEMPHILL

MARKETING HOLLY DELAUNE

REGION VI

CIERA GOODE

73 Breeze Way, Boerne, TX 78006 830.815.1800 delaune.holly@gmail.com

REGION VII

SKYLER STONE REGION VIII

DELEGATES AT LARGE

MONTANA COX

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MIKEY DUGGAN

REGION IX

KELSEY THOMPSON

PO Box 1414 • Canyon, TX 79015 806.655.9910 • m.j.duggan@att.net

REGION X

BROOKE BOILES

STEVE MCCONNELL

THSRA OFFICIAL SPONSORS

425 CR 510 • Hereford, TX 79405 806.276.5671 • lindam@wtrt.net

CHRIS WOLFE

630 E FM 813 • Palmer, TX 75152 214.403.4638 • chris.wolfe@bldr.com

BUBBA BENNIGHT

143 Bailey Blvd. • Bastrop, TX 78602 512.461.6091 • bubbabennight@yahoo.com

ROBERT SBRUSCH

821 Manor Drive • Angleton, TX 77515 979.848.3805 • sbrusch@sbcglobal.net

FINALS WRAP UP PAGE 37

STUDENT OFFICERS

thsraofficers@hotmail.com STUDENT PRESIDENT SHELBY HERMANN STUDENT VICE PRESIDENT BAILEY REINA STUDENT SECRETARY JIMMIE SMITH QUEEN MCKENNA GREENE

REGION

news

REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION

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REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION

VI VII VIII IX X

TEXAS JUNIOR HIGH DIVISION 37

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TEXAS RAM DEALERS

THSRA is a non-profit organization (501-C).

Production of this publication was funded by membership dues and is provided complimentary to members of THSRA. Non-members may purchase annual subscriptions for $25.00

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2014 THSRA State Finals results All-Around Cowboy

Rookie Cowboy

Rookie Cowgirl

All-Around Cowgirl

Preston Burr

Tanner Green

Megan MacIsaac

Samatha Chick

2014 Miss Texas High School Rodeo Kennady Johnson

Horse of the Year Kambria McDougal – Mia’s First Ace

Winning Region

preston burr

photo by Jennings

Bareback Preston Burr * Brazos Winters* Lane McGehee* Zach Hibler* Trey Thomas Cody Gore Layton Hibler Chance Lopez Tyler Lassere Zachary Campbell Chad Sibert Nick Farino Dillon Baize Wyatt Crotwell Wyatt Johnston Barrel Racing Lindsey McLeod* Bristan Kennedy* Kynzie Rae McNeill* Shelby Herrmann* Kelsey Crawford Brogan Macy Kelsey Espenson Holly Wright Jordan Pierce Caley Walkoviak Tillar Murray Whitlee Reed Kody Criswell Lindsei Harvey Summer Gay Boys Cutting Trevor Pritchett* Bradford Loeffler* Samray Hooper* Ben Peeler* Hunter Hightower West Henderson Colton Currie Trevor Hedeman Tate Elston

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samantha chick

Region III

Hunter Hicks Skyler Woolls Trevor Humphries Tyler Carmeans Jacob Lewis

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Breakaway Kambria McDougal* Kellie Collier* Laramie Johnson* Brooke Jordan* Abby Slagle Samantha Chick Macie Friess Jimmie Smith Megan Powell Chase Mertz Cheyenne Britain Tacy Webb Arden Mertz Marilyn Melvin Kelsey Graf Bull Riding Brody Yeary* Tristan Mize* Andrew Alvidrez* Blaise Freeman* Garrett Jones Colby Hill Ty Scott Colin Sells Ty Shaffer Triston Dean Brandon Loya, Jr. JT Moore Foster McCraw Andrew Pacino Keyshawn Whitehorse

photo by Jennings

top 15 in each event: Indicates National Team Member Calf Roping John Douch* Tanner Green* Logan Cook* Cameron Loveday* David Dougherty Hondo Harris Hollis Blanks Zach Kirkpatrick Dakota Felton Leighton Berry Raeben Meyer Wyatt Sims Hagen Houck Reid Zapalac Tanner Fleet Girls Cutting Bailey Reina* Loni Kay Lester* Haley Allison* Marilyn Melvin* Sissy Winn Kristin Dierlam Destiny Hatfield Jimmie Smith Morgan Starns Cheyenne Britain Eliana Johnson Haylee Rickman McKenna Greene Sarah Luce Chloe Costello Goat Tying Whitney Thurmond* Taylor Wharton* Whitley Whitewood* Samantha Chick* Morghanne Winkler Allison Danley Aspyn Dent Hannah Hemphill Sonora Schueneman

Macie Friess Laramie Zant Lauren Bane Hailey Bruening Shayna Johnson Kynzie Rae McNeill Pole Bending Samantha Chick* Kellie Collier* Megan Macisaac* Brooke Jordan* Lydia Bierschwale Kallie Polan Kathryn Giese Avery Wetherman Sissy Winn Katie Boyd Morgan Brown Alexes Chapa Lori Hill Carson Folmar Raelee Self Saddle Bronc Jace Lane* Kolton Burnett* Blaise Freeman* Logan Cook* Jacob Lewis Preston Burr George Wright Will Gaillard Bradley Taylor Brody Yeary Dustin Brewster Cody Gore Chase Ceder Ricky Land Cole Mitchell

Steer Wrestling Chase Wilson* Maverick Harper* Wyatt Sbrusch* Mitchell Hutto* Carson Hicks Clayton Coone Reid Halbert Jace Lane Rhett Sbrusch Walker Harris John Douch Kolton White Reid Zapalac Will Byler Blaise Broussard Team Roping Kade Lewis/Jase Holder* Monte Jack Starns/Ty Arnold* Tanner Green/ Coleby Payne* Laramie Johnson/Blake Wheeler* Chance Holcombe/Logan Cook Ky Bray/Paden Bray Rhett Redding/Chandler Calvin Michael Mendoza/Puncher Williamson Barrett Bland/Kory McConnell Case Jones/Ross Ashford Jacob Lewis/Seth Gillespie Caleb Butler/Ty Harris Deets Davis/Colton Arrendondo Spin Edwards/Boudreaux Campbell Treylr Jackson/Cooper Carlisle Light Rifle Morgan Myers* Sissy Winn* Will Wright* Katy Davis* Trap Trevor Humphries* Colt Karges* Riley Hooks* Garrett McCarty*

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE RODEO! Photos courtesy of Jennings Photography and Holly DeLaune

saturday: sunday: resistol's tip of the hat ceremony honoring region state directors

cowboy prom

kennady Johnson is crowned miss thsra

american fellowship of cowboy church's dodgeball tournament, region 2 champions

Winning custom Dodgeball belt buckles and a pizza party from CiCi's Pizza! Team Members: Trevor Badgett, Dakota Felton, Walker Harris, Dylan Murphy, Sean Tucker, Macie Friess, Kynzie Rae McNeill, Arden Mertz, McKenzie McAngus, Ilyssa Glass

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sunday: (continued)

ariat olympics stick horse races

ariat olympics champions, region 5 JAYCIE YOUNG, KADIE BETH WISENER, LOGAN COOK PAKE COX - QUEEN CALEB COGBILL - ESCORT

Amberly pictured with 2013-2014 Student Officer Team

monday: region 5 truck push team winners showing off their free Whataburger's

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ariat olympic queen contestants

Amberly's closing quote

Guest Speaker, Amberly Snider, gives Jace Lane a lesson on how to operate a wheel chair, while giving everyone the message of never giving up.

tuesday: lari dee guy Announces partnership with Resistol Hats and cactus ropes

Cactus Ropes Endorsee, Lari Dee Guy addresses the crowd before the Breakaway Roping

Wednesday: Giant Hailstorm Hits Abilene!

Thursday:

Lone Star Feed Day, Region Officers wear their Lone Star Shirts!

McCoy's Mutton Busting Winner London Gorham showing them that backwards is the way to ride

mccoy's yeti raffle

saturday:

shuttle service

friday:

special kids rodeo

What A Rodeo: Whataguy pictured with Miss THSRA, Kennady Johnson and THSRA Secretary kadi beth wisener / barrel toss contestant won Whataburger for the entire arena

The Bloomer Trailer giveaway hauled in $84,550 for THSRA and National Team TJHRA and the winner was Bubba Awards, Enjoying Ram Truck Giveaway Winner, Katie Bennight from Region 6 Crofoot from Slaton Texas some CiCi's Pizza

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Ariat Reporter of the year, allison danley from Region III

2014-2015 STUDENT OFFICERS: President: Cheyenne Britain Vice President: McKenna Greene Secretary: Kadie Beth Wisener Miss THSRA: Kennady Johnson

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Allison Danley pictured with Ariat Representative, Tabatha Udy

Ft. Worth Stockshow & Rodeo Scholarship

Ft. Worth Stockshow President and General Manager, Brad Barnes presents a $2,000 FTWSSR Scholarship to: Lauren Bane, Cody Barber, Jace Lane and Macie Friess

dickson-allen foundation leadership scholarship

A $1,500 Dickson-Allen Foundation Leadership Scholarship was awarded to McKenna Greene, Jimmie Smith, Bailey Reina and Shelby Herrmann.

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

TEXAS KUBOTA DEALERS THSRA and TJHRA!

TEXAS KUBOTA DEALERS ABIlENE NEW hOllAND, lC AG EQUIP., INC. AlBA TRACTOR, llC AlVIN EQUIPMENT COMPANy, llC AMIGO POWER EQUIPMENT ANGElO PEllETS, lTD. AThENS TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT, llC BAGlEy TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT BAR h EQUIPMENT SERVICES BEAUMONT TRACTOR COMPANy, INC. BEREND TURF & TRACTOR, lP BOB EVANS EQUIPMENT, INC. ThE hlAVINKA EQUIPMENT COMPANy CASS COUNTy EQUIPMENT DEEN IMPlEMENT CO. DEEN IMPlEMENT CO. EASTEX TRACTOR & POWERSPORTS ElK TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT, INC. EllIS TOPlINE EQUIPMENT, lTD. EWAlD TRACTOR, INC. EWAlD TRACTOR, INC. EWAlD TRACTOR, INC. FIVE STAR RENTAlS/SAlES, INC. FMh KUBOTA FUllER TRACTOR COMPANy FUllER TRACTOR COMPANy GRAySON COUNTy EQUIPMENT, INC. GUlF TRACTOR CO.

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hAMMER EQUIPMENT, llC. ThE hlAVINKA EQUIPMENT COMPANy hOUSTON COUNTy EQUIPMENT CO. llC hUNT COUNTy FARM SUPPly hUNTSVIllE TRUCK & TRACTOR, INC. JAMES BROS. IMPlEMENT COMPANy, INC. JAMES BROS. IMPlEMENT COMPANy, INC. JAMES BROS. IMPlEMENT COMPANy, INC. JASPER FARM AND RANCh SUPPly JOhNSON FEED AND WESTERN WEAR, INC. hEART OF TEXAS KUBOTA lANSDOWNE-MOODy COMPANy - SW hOUSTO lANSDOWNE-MOODy COMPANy - EAST hOUS lANFORD EQUIPMENT CO., INC. lANFORD EQUIPMENT CO., INC. lANSDOWNE-MOODy COMPANy lANSDOWNE-MOODy COMPANy lANSDOWNE-MOODy COMPANy lANSDOWNE-MOODy COMPANy lOWE TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT, INC. METRO EQUIPMENT CO., INC. MITChEll EQUIPMENT, INC. AllIED POWER MART, INC. MOORE'S SERVICE CENTER CENTRAl KUBOTA, llC NORMANGEE TRACTOR AND IMPlEMENT CO. PANhANDlE IMPlEMENT CO., INC. PARIS FARM & RANCh CENTER, INC.

PETERS TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT CO. PITTSBURG TRACTOR, INC. RIOUX FARM EQUIPMENT ROSE COUNTRy TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT RUCKER EQUIPMENT COMPANy SIX & MANGO EQUIPMENT, llP SIX & MANGO EQUIPMENT, llP TAylOR EQUIPMENT TERRy COUNTy TRACTOR, INC. TEXARKANA TRACTOR COMPANy TEXSTAR KUBOTA NEW hOllAND TIPTON INTERNATIONAl, INC. TIPTON INTERNATIONAl, INC. VICTORIA OlIVER COMPANy, INC. VICTORIA OlIVER COMPANy, INC. VITTERS TRACTOR, INC. W. A. VIRNAU & SONS, INC. WC TRACTOR - NAVASOTA WC TRACTOR WESTERN IMPlEMENT COMPANy, llC WOWCO EQUIPMENT CO. ZIMMERER KUBOTA & EQUIPMENT, INC. ZIMMERER KUBOTA & EQUIPMENT, INC. ZIMMERER KUBOTA & EQUIPMENT, INC. ZIMMERER KUBOTA & EQUIPMENT, INC. ZIMMERER KUBOTA & EQUIPMENT, INC.

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PROUD SPONSOR Of THSRA & TJHRA

2014 Ram Truck Winner

K

atie Crofoot, Ram Truck Giveaway winner picks up her THSRA truck from Mr. Dunnahoo, owner of Star Dodge in Abilene.

texas ram dealers 14

conGratuLations to reGion 3 for BrinGinG home the W!

Special Note: This will be a special July / August Edition, your next Extreme team news will be the September Issue.

Have a great summer!

the Bloomer trailer giveaway hauled in $84,550 for thsra and tJhra and the winner was Bubba Bennight from region 6!!

thank you bloomer!

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Farm & Ranch Family of the year!

The McNeill Family of Region II

CONGRATULATIONS to the McNeill Family of Region II, for being named as this month’s McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family!

The McNeill’s not only consider it an honor to represent Region II, but they also feel very honored to have their family highlighted in this special section. They represent the 5th and 6th generation of their family line, to own and operate their own livestock ranching industry, which has been in existence in the same family for over 118 years.

The McNeill family, unanimously, agrees, “This is something we are very proud to claim as part of our family heritage.” Our family came to Gaines County, Texas via a wagon from Hillsboro, Texas around 1895. Lisa’s greatgreat granddad, James Wylie Terry, and his wife, America Tennessee (Tenni) took their six kids to West Texas to homestead a plot of land and start raising cattle.

James Wylie was originally a freighter in Hill County, and continued to haul freight commodities from Midland, Texas to Carlsbad, New Mexico after homesteading in Gaines County. On the way out, one of their sons was run over by the wagon and died from his injuries. Will Terry, the eldest boy, began to run the freight wagon when he turned thirteen so that his father could concentrate on ranching. Will would haul produce from Midland to Carlsbad, and then lumber back.

Tenni died from complications due to diabetes, and James Wylie died when Will was starting college in Plainview.

Being the eldest son, Will left college to take over the ranch. Will met Ora Brumley who was one of the neighboring homesteaders and they married in 1910.

Will continued to expand the ranch, eventually reaching into New Mexico, and he and Ora, had two daughters, Muriel and Ruth. Ruth opted out of the ranch life for things more exciting, but Muriel stayed near her childhood home, teaching school in Roswell, New Mexico.

Muriel married Ray McNeill in 1937. Ray worked for Amerada Oil Co. and soon after their marriage, Will Terry gave them a little land in New Mexico and they began to ranch for themselves. They purchased additional property and continued to expand their operation.

Will died in died in 1967 from a heart attack and Ray McNeill died in 1968 in a car accident. After the death of her father, Muriel combined the ranches and operated them as one until she retired in 1992 at the age of 77. Ray and Muriel had 3 children, Marcia, Bill, and Marilyn. Bill leased the ranch in 1992 and was the owner and operator until 1997 when he moved to Montana.

At that time Bill’s son, Paige and his wife, Lisa McNeill leased the ranch from the siblings and ever since they have been the owner and operators. Paige and Lisa have two daughters, Kynzie Rae and Kenna Hayes.

The ranch encompasses close to 100 sections between Texas and New Mexico.

Traditionally, the McNeil Ranch runs around 1,000 commercial cows, but due to the recent drought, they have cut their numbers significantly. This year, there should have been 500 calving age, cows and 200 replacement heifers.

They often, wean their calves and sell them right off the cow, but it depends on the market and availability of grass or wheat to put the calves on. Currently, the McNeill’s have a 160 acres of Tifton 85 that they plan on weaning their calves on, and then may sell them after 30 or 45 days, or otherwise, keep them and wait to sell when they weigh in at around 850 pounds.

Their cows begin calving the first of January, and usually finish up around March 1st. They start branding their calves in March during spring break so the girls can help out. They drag everything to the fire, knife cut the bull calves, vaccinate, and ear mark everything. Then its time to drive the cows to summer country, some time around May 1st when all the shinery is out. It’s close to a 20-mile drive from start to finish. They sort off pairs and leave them in pastures along the way. The bulls are left in with the older cows for about 75 days and the heifers for 60 days. They start pulling bulls out around June 10th and it usually takes 2-3 weeks before they get all of them out. The calves are shipped around September each year, the preg tests are around the end of October, and they trail the cows back to the winter country around November 1st.

The McNeill Ranch employs three full time employees who utilize most of the day work. The day-to-day work consists of maintaining the water, putting out salt and mineral, fixing fence, putting up hay, doctoring cattle, calving out heifers, feeding cake in the winter, taking care of yearlings on grass, rebuilding pens, and typical maintenance, plus plenty of surprises that come up from time to time. And that’s where McCoy’s comes in handy to have around.

However, the closest McCoy’s store is located in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Paige commented,“We shop there often during the year for things ranging from building supplies, fencing materials, plumbing, panels, roping chutes, concrete, lumber, water troughs, and for other miscellaneous materials needed to keep a ranch in operation. We always appreciate the one-on-one help, which McCoy’s provides every time we shop there. We also really appreciate all the help and sponsorship McCoy’s provides to the THSRA.” This leads to more conversation about their family involvement in THSRA, and TJHRA, and how it affects their daily lives. “We all work together to make sure the kids are ready for their high school and junior high rodeos” says, their father, Paige. Their eldest daughter Kynzie Rae, is a senior this year, and youngest daughter Kenna Hayes, is an eighth grader. Both the girls compete in barrels, poles, goats, team roping, breakaway roping, and ribbon roping. Much

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like everything else, they make rodeo a family affair, with their father Paige helping the girls practice roping calves and steers, while their mother Lisa works the chutes. Lisa also exercises the other horses that the girls don’t get to practice on, including Kenna Hayes’ barrel and pole horses. The whole family considers it to be an exciting time, whenever the girls get to rodeo on the horses raised on the McNeill Ranch.

Even though they don’t have much free time apart from ranch chores, their favorite things to do, as a family, is go to rodeos, or watch the girls play basketball. They also look forward to special family times when they can just stay home and relax, or watch a few movies together.

Although, the family is big into horses and youth rodeo, much of their working time is spent on their cattle operation. Everything relating to their cattle operation at McNeill Ranch is done with their horses. They have six broodmares and raise their own horses for ranch use. Plus many of their rodeo horses were born and raised on their ranch too.

The McNeill family policy requires that the whole family helps out with working the cows. Lisa goes on to state, “It is important that we make sure the girls know what it takes to make things work on a ranch. It is imperative, that our family members, do everything that is required to make it work. All four of us ride and work the cows together.

Plus I help out in other ways by cooking during the workings.”

Both parents continue to share about their family ranching operation by saying, “Our kids have been known to complain or comment about how nice it would be to go somewhere special for spring break like most kids get to do, instead of staying home and branding cows all week long.”

But of course, as parents we understand to some degree how our girls feel, “There has been many a Thanksgiving Day or even Christmas holidays where we all have to spend time out in the cold roping yearling on wheat”, says Lisa.

“Kids learn early on, that irresponsibility can come with a heavy price, including death of livestock”, explains their Dad Paige. “They can’t just turn on their computers, cell phones or video games and ignore what needs to be done. The cattle and horses have to be fed regardless of how bad the weather is or how bad someone feels that day”, said Paige. Recalling his early years, he added, “During my years of growing up, my family always told me the animals come first. Tend to them and then tend to yourself. If you take care of your animals, they will take care of you.”

Over the years, Paige has attempted to put into practice the things he learned during his own upbringing, and then applying it to his children’s experiences, as he recounts a memorable story about his daughter, Kenna Hayes. ” One day we had a cow that had gotten down and couldn’t get up. I knew the cow had to be put out of her suffering, but Kenna Hayes was with me and I didn’t want to scare her by shooting the cow in front of her. I tried to avert her attention elsewhere, so she wouldn’t see what was about to happen, but she expressed desire to go along and witness the event.”

“Of course, being a ranch kid, she had seen death and knew something about not letting an animal needlessly suffer. Yet, she was still young and we didn’t know how to best handle this situation. With great reluctance and after some time of coercion, we gave in and let her accompany us to the pasture. Kenna insisted on standing directly behind me during the ordeal and we were concerned about her reaction to the events that were going to unfold.”

Like a loving father, Paige proceeded to explain the need to put the cow out of its misery and warned Kenna that she would need to plug her ears because the gunshot would be very loud. After being confident that Kenna was standing in a safe area and her ears were plugged; Paige shot the cow and ended its suffering. They immediately, turned to Kenna, to witness her reaction to the events that unfolded. She looked at the cow with rather large eyes and turned to Paige and said, “Nice shot dad!”

“Of course, we were definitely not expecting that!”

Extreme Team News would like to thank the McNeil family, for taking valuable time out during the middle of preg testing and while moving their cattle back to winter country, to share such rich history of their family heritage past and present, with our readers around the country.

We also appreciate them taking the time to share their personal views on the commercialization of the ranching industry. While wrapping up this interview, we had one more question in which Paige answered, “I don’t think the ranching industry will commercialize anytime soon, as the margins in ranching do not attract corporate America.”

He went on to elaborate,“The big investors expect a better return on their money than what is typically seen in the ranching industry. Most families that ranch today, do so mainly because of the lifestyle, not because of the profitability.”

“Corporations would also have issues with the unpredictable nature of ranching”, said Paige, “The weather being the primary factor.”

He added, “Stockholders also get used to dividends on a routine basis and would be reluctant to invest in something that may lose money every 3 to 4 years out of 10.“ “However, to the McNeill family, the most attractive thing about ranching is not in recording profits every year, but what is most rewarding to us is the type of life that we get to live, and the responsibility that our kids learn in the process.”

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stuDent oFFicers presiDent - preston burr vice presiDent 1- wesley sims vice presiDent 2- haDley thompson secretary/historian - will GaillarD

reGion i

state Directors / reGion oFFicers kirt espenson 1750 CR 628 • Hart, Texas 79043 806.240.0432 • e6calfranch@aol.com

steve mcconnell 425 CR 510 • Hereford, Texas 79045 806.276.5671 • lindam@wtrt.net secretary - mikey DuGGan PO Box 1414 • Canyon, Texas 79015 806.655.9910 • m.j.duggan@att.net

Joel kirkpatrick 2388 HWY 82 • Crosbyton, Texas 79322 806.697.2336 • jrtzkirkpatrick@hotmail.com presiDent- steve mcconnell 425 CR 510 • Hereford, Texas 79045 806.276.4571 • lindam@wtrt.net

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

FREEZE FRAME TIME

By kennady Johnson

– ariat Performance Reporter

he Texas High School Rodeo Finals came and went in the blink of an eye.

It was a fun filled week in Abilene, Texas both in and out of the arena.

As a start to the sensational week for Region One, I was crowned the new Miss THSRA 2014. It’s a true honor to be the ambassador for the largest High School Rodeo Association in the nation, and I will give my all when competing in Rock Springs, Wyoming for the title of Miss NHSRA. It’s always fun to have a little friendly region against region competition outside of the rodeo arena. We definitely held our own in both the Ariat Olympics and the RAM

T

kellie collier photo by Jennings

Truck Push. Without great sponsors like Ariat, RAM and all of our other remarkable State and National sponsors our Texas State Finals wouldn’t be as successful as it is.

This year we sent twelve Region One competitors to the Short Go Round, and out of those twelve members; five were added to the Texas Team. There is no doubt that we are sending our best to Rock Springs, Wyoming to not only represent Texas, but also region One. Preston Burr is continuing Region One’s tradition by being named the third All-Around Cowboy from Region One three years standing. In addition to his All-Around title, he also won the State Championship in the Bareback Riding. Along with Preston, two other Region One cowboys, Brazos Winters and Zach Hibler, both qualified in the Bareback Riding. Kellie Collier won Reserve State Champ in both the Breakaway Roping and the Poles to make this her third year to qualify for Nationals. And Jace Lane the defending State Champion in the Saddle Bronc Riding won the State Title once more.

There is no doubt that we had an amazing State Finals in Abilene and I can’t thank everyone enough. Without every person who gives selflessly to this Association and our Region, none of it would be possible. I can’t wait to see what plays out at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Jace lane photo by Jennings

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secretary - JoDy mcelroy Box 224 • Balmorhea, Texas 79718 432.940.0385 • secretary@thsra2.com

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presiDent- Dale roberts PO Box 1536 • Seminole, Texas 79360 432.209.4225 • dalrob12@yahoo.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By brenna hartley – ariat Performance Reporter

s the 2013-2014 high school rodeo season comes to an end for most, there are a few contestants who will make one last stop in Wyoming for the National High School Rodeo Finals. Congratulations to Kynzie Rae McNeil and Bristan Kennedy who qualified in the barrel racing, Whitley Whitewood who will compete in the goat tying, SamRay Hooper in the cutting, Blaise Freeman who qualified in both the bull riding and the saddle bronc riding, Andrew Alvidrez in the bull riding, and our shooters Colt Karges and Garrett McCarty. Region 2 will definitely be well represented at nationals and will be tough Texas competition for

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the other contestants.

During the state finals this year, Region 2 held their own and made a name for themselves both in and out of the arena. We had several contestants perform well and place in their events throughout the week, including Megan Powell who won the first round in the breakaway roping. “After I won the first round, there were really no words to explain how happy I was,” Powell says. “Doing well in the first round was more of a confidence boost than anything.

It made me realize what I was capable of and all I wanted to do was make another run just like it.” State was a very busy and exciting atmosphere throughout the entire week with its roaring crowds and unique region decorations. The competition level was high at the state finals and it took a toll on many contestants over the course of two rounds and a short round. One who it did not seem to affect too much however was heeler Puncher Williamson who said his favorite parts about state were “the adrenaline rush of entering the coliseum and all the pretty girls.” There were also

kynZie rae mcneill

puncher williamson & Garret watley at state

reGion ii state QualiFiers

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special olympics roDeo

many challenges that our contestants had to overcome throughout the week. Bristan Kennedy, a national qualifier in the barrel racing, said that the biggest challenge she had to face was nerves going into each round. Her horse was also kicked before she ran in the short round, so she had to deal with that issue as well.

In addition to the many athletes who made their mark inside of the arena, competitors from Region 2 also played a part throughout the week outside of the arena as well.

For example, many of the contestants helped out during the Special Kids Rodeo. The children were super excited to be able to come out and participate in all kinds of rodeo events. The high school contestants jumped right in and immediately started playing with and helping them do whatever they wanted to try. There were also many other activities for the high school contestants such as the Dodge Ram truck push, goat dressing contest and the dodgeball tournament. The Region 2 team members were the dodgeball tournament champions, each winning a buckle for their hard work. Overall, everyone had a lot of fun throughout the week rodeoing and being with their friends.

The 2014 Texas State High School Finals was one for the books and Region 2 was very well represented.

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stuDent oFFicers presiDent - allison Danley vice presiDent - cheyenne britain secretary - Dakota allen

reGion iii

mike britain 645 CR 393 • Stephenville, Texas 76401 254.595.0563 • mjbfarmsinc@aol.com

Fulton murray 7 Westover Road • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 214.789.4884 • jfmurray3@mac.com

940.365.1548 • mhairford@matadorresources.com

matt hairForD 6464 Paradise Drive • Aubrey, Texas 76227

presiDent - mike britain 645 CR 393 • Stephenville, Texas 76401 254.595.0563 • mjbfarmsinc@aol.com secretary - kelley williams 8853 Greenhaven Dr. • Fort Worth, Texas 76179 817.706.8236• kelley.williams@thsra3.com state Directors / reGion oFFicers

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

Bringing Home The “W”

By cheyenne britain

– ariat Performance Reporter

ith this year’s TJHSRA and THSRA state finals in the books, and the Junior High and High School National Finals just around the corner, Region 3 definitely left a mark in the history books!

Starting at the Junior High state finals in Gonzales, TX, Region 3 ended up with 5 national qualifiers in 6 different events! Jordi Edens was this year’s rookie all-around cowgirl as well as the all around cowgirl!

She was also the champion barrel racer as well as the reserve champion girl’s breakaway roper! Catherine Clayton was the champion girl’s breakaway roper, and also qualified to the national finals 3rd in the girl’s goat tying! Maci Berry was the reserve champion pole bender, with three 20-second runs! In the team roping Will Eddleman and Whitt Kitchens finished in 3rd! Then in the chute dogging, Holden Myers was this year’s reserve champion! After the Junior High state finals were finished up in Gonzales, everyone had a week to regroup before heading to Abilene, TX for the High School state finals! While in Abilene, Region 3 dominated during the week, bringing

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in points from every event, which earned us the title of this year’s state champions! With that being said, here’s how we ended up in each event, as well as who we are sending on REGION 3 JUNIOR HIGH NATIONAL QUALIFIERS. FROM LEFT to the High School to riGht: whitt kitchens, will eDDleman, JorDi eDens, national finals! In the holDen myers, maci berry, anD catherine clayton bull riding, Brody Yeary was this year’s champion, marking two impressive scores of 84 and 86!

Kolten Burnett was this year’s reserve champion in the saddle bronc! In the breakaway roping, Brooke Jordan finished up 4th, while also qualifying to nationals 4th in the pole bending! Megan Macisaac also qualified in the pole bending with a 3rd place finish! Another highlight for Region 3, and especially for myself, was me being announced this year’s THSRA State President! I feel very honored to have been chosen for this position and I plan to represent Region 3, and this great state well, throughout the upcoming year! Good luck to all of the Region 3 national qualifiers, as well as the rest of the Junior High and High School qualifiers! Safe travels to Des Moines and Rock Springs, and bring the national title back to Texas!

reGion 3’s hiGh school state QualiFiers anD this year’s state champion reGion!

2014 Whatakid of the Year Coulter Jace Lane

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HAT better way, to describe this month’s WHATAKID! Congratulations, goes out to Jace Lane who is a member of the Gruver High School National Honor Society, a member of the Student Council, and he serves as a Class Officer. Jace is also known for excelling in the rodeo arena and in the academic arenas at Gruver. Lane has been on the All “A” Honor Roll every six weeks since his freshmen year, and is currently ranked 2nd, in his Senior class with 99.6 and a 4.0.

Although he excels highly in his academics Jace admits, “First of all, rodeo is my life!” He goes on to explain, “Rodeo is a tradition that runs deep in my family. I was only three years old, when I first started rodeoing, but my years spent with high school rodeo have been my favorite so far. The atmosphere at high school rodeo is always very competitive, but at the same time, everybody is there to support each other.”

Lane’s collection of winning titles and significant awards shows us a bigger glimpse into his competitive side, and it just goes to prove that ‘big things not only come in small packages’, but that

‘big things and “big wins’ also come to those who compete for the coveted titles in the world of rodeo.

Over the past few years, Jace Lane has put a number of titles under his belt, some of which include: Tri-State Champion Saddle Bronc Rider and Steer Wrestler, Tri-State and THSRA Rookie of the Year, Tri-State All Around Cowboy and National Qualifier in the Saddle Bronc Riding (3rd in State); and All Around Cowboy at “The Rumble on The Red.” Even with all these big titles to his name, some of Lane’s favorite memories revolve around three of his closest companions. Jace depends highly on these team members that travel with him on a constant basis. Jace quips, “All my memories of my horses are favorite memories.”

His cherished team of horses start with Donnie, a sorrel, which is his head horse purchased five years ago, in Spearman, TX. Then there’s Shorty, a bay, and his bulldogging horse that was bought in Pampa, TX. And last but not least, there’s Dora, his calf horse. Jace remarks, “I don’t own Dora, but I’m grateful to my good friend, Todd Adams, who has allowed me to use Dora, to rope calves on, for the last two years.” When Jace is not on the rodeo trail, his favorite hobby is rounding up his team of horses and getting together with friends for a team roping and perhaps, a jackpot or a round robin.

It’s also clear to see, that Jace has a heart for the young people, and he’s a great role model himself. Jace is active in the Big Brothers / Big Sisters Program, which reaches out to kids that may be going through a struggle with family at home or just need help in the classroom.

Although Jace doesn’t have much free time he’s thankful that he has a stable home life. A normal day for him is to wake up in the morning, feed all his horses and show animals and then off to school. After school hours are full of activities too, and depending on what day it is he’s either at the local feed store buying feed or at home roping and just exercising his horses.

Once the horses are put up for the night he spends time roping the dummy, tying the dummy, and then riding his spur board. After all of this, he finally sits down a spell to eat supper but then its time to work on multiple hours of homework – which is usually, AP Biology, Calculus, College English, College government or all of the above!

His favorite subjects in school are math and science, and his favorite teacher is the Calculus teacher, Mrs. Watson. Jace received the Algebra II award his Freshman year and received the Pre-Calculus award during his Junior year. He also participates in UIL Prose Interpretation and Jace was the Regional Qualifier in Prose Interpretation during his Sophomore year and last year, Lane was named the District Champion and Regional Qualifier in Prose Interpretation.

His plans for the future are to attend Tarleton State University on a rodeo scholarship while working on his pre-veterinarian basics. Jace remarks, “Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to become a veterinarian. Hopefully, later on down the road I will be accepted into vet school.

I’m certainly going to work hard and achieve my goals to the best of my ability.”

Wrapping up this interview, with such an inspiring young man, his closing remarks are befitting to say the least, as he closes with this, “I would like to thank the people over at Whataburger for not only giving me such a significant opportunity, but also for the other outstanding opportunities that they extend to every other high school kid that rodeos in the state of Texas. The support that Whataburger gives to the sport of rodeo is greatly appreciated!”

WHATABURGER salutes Jace Lane for his outstanding academc and sports achievements, as wells as his contributions in reaching out to young people. THSRA fans will also be cheering him on in his future endeavors.

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stuDent oFFicers presiDent - mackenZie roberts vice presiDent - lainey cooper secretary - courtney GarDner

reGion iv

state Directors / reGion oFFicers JeFF roberts PO Box 158 • Wills Point, Texas 75169 972.742.6593 • droberts@teconcorp.com

Jerry waDe 9129 FM 2578 • Terrell, Texas 75160 214.663.4977• raelyn.wade@kbm1.com

chuck sinks 555 Sinks Road • Rockwall, Texas 75032 214.869.4719 • ssbarexcavating@aol.com

presiDent- Jerry waDe 9129 FM 2578• Terrell, Texas 75160 972.524.6880 • raelyn.wade@kbm1.com secretary - Debby roberts PO Box 158• Wills Point, Texas 75169 972.742.6405 • droberts@teconcorp.com

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

By MCKENZIE RAY– ariat Performance Reporter

I

n the early days of summer, the west Texas town of Abilene became a hotspot for some of the most talented young competitors in the sport of rodeo today.

State is an experience that's unique to Texas. It's an event unlike any other; where you can not only reunite with faraway friends, but also have a chance to compete against some of the best of the best in the state. A quote that sticks out to me about State, is that in Texas we're "Baptized by fire." A fitting description of the fierce competition that takes place during the second week in June. But State has even more to offer than just great rodeo competition. You also have the chance to compete in the Region vs.

Region Dodgeball Tournament, or the Ariat Olympics Competition. But two other events; The Truck Push Contest and the Special Kids Rodeo & Party, have become contestant favorites over the past couple years, and this year was no different.

About the Truck Push, Barrel Racing State Champion Lindsey McLeod had this to say about her experience on the Region IV team, "The adrenaline rush was almost as much as when I'm running barrels." She explained, "The best part was, not only did I fall and embar-

rass myself in front of everyone, but so did my best friend Summer Gay, so it made itself even out.". Region IV came out with a third place finish this year in the Truck Push, along with some great and lasting memories that no-one will ever forget.

Another event that was a personal favorite for participant Shelby Domingue was the Special Kids Rodeo, where Region IV contestants spent the afternoon teaching Denton, a 6-year-old cowboy, how to rope, ride, and run poles and barrels on foot. "I was doing something for somebody else," She said, "And nothing can compare to the feeling of helping kids with special needs."

For Goat Tying qualifier Molly Wagner, her favorite part about State was, "Getting to compete against the great talent that comes from all over the state, and making life-long friends." She explained, "There's nothing like competing with such a talented group of athletes and friends.". Which is something that we could all identify with this year in Abilene, when the talent was at an all-time high.

All-in-all, no matter who you ask, State was full of different experiences this year.

There was so much to do and be a part of in Abilene, whether it was just sitting in the stands to cheer on a friend or taking part in all of the events that State had to offer. Make sure that next year you take advantage of everything that the Texas State Finals has to offer; be a participant, be present, have fun, and most of all, make your statement!

reGion iv contestants at the special kiDs roDeo, counter-clockwise From top leFt are summer Gay, taylor rich, rhett reDDinG, mackenZie roberts, Justice CATHAY, DENTON, COLTON BRITTAIN, MACI RAY, MCKENZIE RAY, AND SHELBY DOMINGUE.

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Over When it’s Over...

presiDent - shellie lummus vice presiDent - ck wriGht secretary - shaylon elms

stuDent oFFicers

reGion v

state Directors / reGion oFFicers Gene arceneauX 13448 Coon Road • Winnie, Texas 77665 409.296.3818 • garceneaux@sigindserv.com

JeFF lummus PO Box 646 • Orangefield, Texas 77639 409.313.7765 • jhlummus@yahoo.com

carter elliott 17125 FM 850 • Arp, Texas 75750 903.521.2034 • candjcattle@gmail.com

presiDent- Gene arceneauX 13448 Coon Rd • Winnie, Texas 77665 409.296.3818 • garceneaux@sigindserv.com secretary - phyllis arceneauX 13448 Coon Rd • Winnie, Texas 77665 409.296.2014• regionvsecretary@gmail.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By hannah hemphill – ariat Performance Reporter

T

hrough the wind, rain and damaging hail, the 2014 THSRA state champions have been named. Saddles and buckles have been awarded and Region V members Logan Cook, Laramie Johnson and Blake Wheeler are headed to Nationals representing the Biggest, the Baddest and the Best. Not only are Logan and Laramie headed to Nationals but they qualified and are competing in TWO events which puts them in an elite class of high school

rodeo athletes . Region V members are also leaving state as the 2014 Dodge Truck Push Champions, Ariat Olympic Games Champions, and special thanks to our beautiful and charming Pake Cox and his escort Caleb Cogbill for winning the Queens Contest. Seniors Pake and Caleb’s fun loving spirit and get it done attitude will truly be missed as they head off to start their college rodeo careers Congratulations are also in order for Katie Beth Wisner for being elected as the THSRA State Secretary. Our greatest blessing and accomplishment this week came from meeting and working with the cowboys and cowgirls at the Special Kids Rodeo, it touched each contestant’s heart and reminded each of us the true meanings of being a champion, for these children are truly God’s champions. As we worked with these special individuals we came to not only know them on a personal level but to understand the challenges they face on a daily basis, and it makes our struggles seem small and insignificant. So the next time you miss a calf, hit a barrel or your goat gets up remember what a blessing it is just to be healthy and have the opportunity to compete, so take time in your life to give back to those less fortunate. We also need to take time to thank our parents for the sacrifices they make to allow us to compete in a sport that we all love, without their support this journey would be impossible. Region V parents worked hard to make our finals a success and brought us together as a rodeo family not only encouraging us but praying for us and supporting us. We also would

REGION 5 TRUCK PUSHING TEAM MEMBERS WINNING THE TRUCK PUSH.

like to give a big shout-out and thanks to Mr. Gene and Phyllis Arceneaux for their endless support and tireless efforts that make our region so successful.

Their dedication and commitment to rodeo keeps Region V organized and prepared throughout the year and allowed us to have a safe and successful finals.

Their leadership is appreciated because without great leadership no person or team can succeed.

As the sun sets on another finals reGion 5 Queen maDey pipkin in Abilene, Texas, the winners holDinG one oF the special cowGirls DurinG the special are savoring their victories and KIDS RODEO. the not so lucky are headed to the practice pen to fine tune their next winning runs. In a year we may not remember all the winners’ names but we will remember the memories, lifelong friends, and the good times we shared. For each of us that did not reach our goals and may be discouraged remember Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” So until next time…. LET GO AND LET GOD.

PAKE COX AND CALEB COGBILL, THE WINNERS OF THE ARIAT QUEENS CONTEST.

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presiDent - kalli Davis vice presiDent - kenDra Dracoulis secretary - katie boyD state Directors wesley calDwell 3918 Kerr Creek Drive • Gonzales, TX 78629 830.672.3902 • wcaldwell@gvec.org

stuDent oFFicers

reGion vi

secretary - laura GooDman 4896 Windmill Cove • Waelder, Texas 78959 830.839.4206 • lgoodman4206@gmail.com

pat Davis 3833 CR 284 • Hardwood, Texas 78632 830.540.4312 • Patrick.Davis@dps.texas.gov presiDent - bubba benniGht 143 Bailey Blvd • Bastrop, Texas 78602 512.461.6091 • bubbabennight@yahoo.com

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

One to Remember By cierra GooDe

H

– ariat Performance Reporter

igh school state finals this year was one to remember. Between the hail storms and contestants competing to be the best, the stress level was at an all-time high. So many kids were fighting for that number one spot, while others were blessed to have made it as far as state finals. As other contestants watched each other they would learn what to do better to have a faster time or learn from others mistakes to be the best.

One contestant that has really pushed herself is, state goat tying champion, Whitney Thurmond. She said, “Winning state has always been a goal of mine and I practiced my butt off until it happened.”

Each contestant that had made it to state finals already knew they were the best in their event but, they had to prove it. As the week went, on the more the contestants would focus on grabbing that state title and making it to nationals and hoping to become the national champion. Having accomplished being in the top ten in as many as four or five events, these contestants knew competing against each other would be tough.

As the short round was coming closer each contestant would start thinking about what to do better to hold that number one spot.

State finals are not all about the com-

petition. Not only do the contestants come to compete but, they come to make new friendships and to see old friends. Seeing and meeting new people are a huge part of the finals. Contestants have their time to hang out with friends and have that time to get away from the competition. But when it comes time to compete, the friendships are left outside that arena, to hopefully become number one.

Throughout the week, the parents get more nervous than the kids. Every parent wants their kid to be the best because they have watched them get where they are. Every parent wants their kid to bring home a state title or make it in the top four to go to nationals. But in the end, each parent is proud of how far their kid has gotten, no matter the outcome.

By the end of the week everyone is ready to go home from a stressful week of rodeo.

Each and every contestant is thankful no matter the outcome or the long hard week.

Watching contestants cry tears of joy or tears of sadness they realize in the end how lucky they were to come and compete against the best. Some are off to college after this and some are ready to come back next year and be ready for what the week holds for them. State finals is an experience no one should forget it’s all about the memories made with each other and the competition with the best of the best. Kids who didn’t have an outcome like they had hoped, want to come back next year bigger and better with that drive to be the best they can be.

BOOT BARN INVITES

Shelby Herrmann TO BE FEATURED IN

Future Stars of Rodeo Campaign

B

oot Barn®, America’s largest western and work store, is announced that Shelby Herrmann will be a finalist for the company’s third annual Future Stars of Rodeo Campaign, which celebrates the hard work and talent of student athletes.

Five young men and five young women have been selected (including Shelby) , based on their nominations and placement at their state rodeo finals.

Each selected student will receive a $250 Boot Barn gift card and be featured and celebrated in Boot Barn’s print and outdoor billboard advertising during the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Additionally, all 10 Future Stars of Rodeo will be featured on www.bootbarn.com/nhsra where fans, friends and family can vote for their favorite competitor from July 17th through July 22nd, 2014. The female and male with the most votes will each also win four tickets to WNFR in Las Vegas in December, shared hotel accommodations for their family for two nights and a $1,200 transportation allowance.

THSRA wants to get behind Shelby and make sure she this Texas girl receives the most votes! Go to www.bootbarn.com/nhsra and vote for Shelby as early as July 1st.

“Boot Barn has been a proud sponsor of NHSRA for the past six years,” said Jayme Maxwell, Vice President of Marketing, Boot Barn. “In 2013, hundreds of high school rodeo athletes were nominated, which made selecting the top 10 very difficult. It is amazing how much these students excel in rodeo, school and life.

If you are, or know, a high school rodeo athlete whose hard work will lead them to place in their state rodeo finals, we encourage you to visit our website and nominate them!”

Boot Barn has been outfitting the West since 1978 and is America’s largest western and work wear retailer. Boot Barn has 153

stores from coast to coast and online shopping via their mobilefriendly website. Boot Barn is the official western retailer of the PRCA, WNFR, an official sponsor of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and supports over 500 rodeos and western events every year. For more information, call 888-Boot-Barn or visit www.bootbarn.com.

Go to www.bootbarn.com/nhsra and vote for Shelby

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stuDent oFFicers

state Directors / reGion oFFicers branDon bratton 7245 S FM 2038 • Bryan, Texas 77808 979.324.5294 • bratton1974@yahoo.com

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presiDent - will byler vice presiDent - kary ann keaton secretary - marci raley

melissa raley 6100 Hoddeville School Rd • Brenham, Texas 77823 979.830.0878 • melissaraley@texasbb.com secretary - anne Dollery PO Box 886 • Caldwell, Texas 77836 979.272.2249 • texasjuniorhighrodeo@gmail.com

reGion vii

ranDy halbert 18710 FM 442 • Needville, Texas 77461 979.793.6414 • rbhalbert@yahoo.com presiDent- robert sbrusch 821 Manor Drive • Angleton, Texas 77515 979.848.3805 • sbrusch@sbcglobal.net

PERFORMANCE REPORT

A Familiar Voice at State By skyler

A

stone – ariat Performance Reporter

t the THSRA State Finals Region 7 was….”Coming in hot!” There was some good and bad luck for our members. Good luck fell upon Bailey Reina, Loni Kay Lester, Haley Allison, Monty Jack Starns, Ty Arnold, Tanner Green, Wyatt Sbrush and Colby Payne, just to name a few. There was one former Region 7 member that was fortunate

to have the good luck come his way. He was chosen to co-announce this year’s State Finals. What an honor to come back two years later to experience this.

Many of you know who I am talking about. You don’t have to be from Region 7 to know this outstanding young man. He has friends across the state. Dakoda Leopold was that “familiar voice”. If you did not know this, he was the voice announcing the bio’s for each of the contestants.

Dakoda was a four time state qualifier that competed in calf roping, team roping and cutting. Dakoda also served as the 2012 Vice President State Officer. He has a long list of accomplishments during his four years with Region 7, as well as his years in TYRA, YRA and other youth rodeos. Dakoda is presently a member of the NIRA college rodeo team for Texas A&M University as well as being a CPRA member. He has continued his rodeo career after high school level and is pressing on. Dakoda is attending Texas A&M pursuing a degree in Agriculture Communications.

His involvement with being a state officer in 2012 put him in contact with THSRA Marketing Director Holly DeLaune. This contact is what led him to the chance to co-announce the Finals. He would like to use his degree to become a representative for a company in the western and or rodeo industry so he can continue rodeos while simultaneously embarking on a career path.

In the meantime while he is still in school he plans to continue getting more experience as an announcer along with training horses and riding. Way to go Dakota for all of his accomplishments and I am sure there are many more to come.

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stuDent oFFicers presiDent - linDy swaim vice presiDent - shelby herrmann secretary - utah coX mo coX 16453 CR 1726 • Odem, Texas 78370 361.244.0510 • melindacox2@aol.com

state Directors / reGion oFFicers

PO Box 833 • East Bernard, Texas 77435 281.468.8973 • region8thsra@gmail.com

secretary - nena boettcher

reGion viii

361.396.3102 • lonniebrown3b@yahoo.com

lori herrmann 12614 FM 70 • Sandia, Texas 78383 361.510.8775 • lori_herrmann@yahoo.com leslie pullin 969 S FM631 • Taft, TX 78390 ldpullin@aol.com • 361.528.3140 PO Box 293• Sinton, Texas 78387

presiDent- lonnie brown

32

PERFORMANCE REPORT Nationals. First off, Short go qualifiers: Sissy Winn-Cloverleaf Barrels, Light Rifle Reserve Champion & Cutting 5th over all Kristin Dierlam-Cloverleaf Barrels & Cutting 6th over all Abby Slagle- Breakaway calf roping 5th over all Davette Stegman-Pole Bending Shelby Herrmann-Cloverleaf Barrels 4th over all Bradford Loeffler- Steer Wrestling, Team Roping & Cutting Reserve Champion By montana cox – ariat Performance Reporter West Henderson-Cutting 6th over all irst off let me introduce myself. Hondo Harris-Tiedown 6th over all & Team Roping My name is Montana Cox and I Cameron Loveday-Tiedown 4th over all have been selected to be Region Will Wright-Light Rifle 3rd over all VIII's reporter for the 2014-2015 high We have 5 Region VIII members whom have qualified for the National Finals: school rodeo season. I have been a Bradford Loeffler-cutting member of Region VIII for 5 years Cameron Loveday-tiedown now and I am very excited about this Shelby Herrmann-cloverleaf barrels Sissy Winn-light rifle opportunity.

The first thing I would like to report Will Wright-light rifle Congratulations to all of our Region VIII members for an outstanding performance on is the THSRA State Finals. This was a very exciting year and Region at the State Finals.

Good luck to our National qualifiers!! Have fun, make memories and be safe along VIII was well represented in all events.

I would like to high light the Region your journey to and from nationals! We will be rooting for all of you!

Also, I know there are many of us that did not qualify for short go and left there empty members that qualified for the short go as well as the ones that qualified for handed. I just want to remind everyone that winning is not what is most important, it is the memories and friendships that we make along the way!! Speaking of memories, that hail storm that we all went thru will never be forgotten!!! Just hope and pray that we never have to experience that again!!

I look forward to being our region reporter for this upcoming year. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions about what to write about, please let sissy winn braDForD loeFFler photo by Jennings photo by Jennings me know!

THSRA Executive Board Member

I

have had the pleasure of interviewing, newly installed, executive board member Robert Sbrusch. This fine gentleman resides in Angleton, TX, father of three boys Rhett, Wyatt, Taitt and wife Lisa. This family man didn’t grow up in the rodeo world but says, “The rodeo trail has been very beneficial and a good life lesson to him, his wife, and his sons.”

Mr. Sbrusch works at Infinity Construction. When he is not working hard on the job, or traveling to a rodeo, he enjoys playing golf and running. He has has proudly served on the Region 7 board for five years, serving as Region 7 President 20122013, and first year delegate at large executive board member.

You might be asking yourself, how he’s been so involved in the sport of rodeo having not been raised “in rodeo.” I wondered the same thing. During a recent phone interview he shared, “When the boys were younger they wanted to rodeo.

They started small like everyone else and worked their way up. Through the long journey they were like sponges, and retained any and all information heard from anyone. As they progressed they learned that this family environment is not only fun but a good tool for my sons to learn discipline, respect, and responsibility.” Mr. Sbrusch goes on to say “I look up to many families involved in Region 7. I want my sons and other competitors to do the same for the Sbrusch family.”

I asked him to tell me his favorite high school rodeo memory. He told me there wasn’t one particular story between the boys. His favorite thing is the time he spends with the boys in the practice pen, in the truck, at a rodeo, and in the stands. “I want to spend as much time with my sons before they get older and leave.”

When I questioned him about his vision for High School Rodeo he said, “Well, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” but, then goes on to say, “I’d like to see more scholarships for the competitors. For some students, rodeo is really the only thing that they have.” He says that the biggest

Robert Sbrusch

by Natalie Swenson

thing that faces the rodeo world today are that people are not educated enough about the sport. “People don’t understand the atmosphere of the rodeo arena,” he said. He wishes that the people that try to tear down the rodeo world would pause in judgment, and look deeper at the commitment required to excel in any rodeo event.

Mr. Sbrusch’s final piece of advice is that the parents and members of Region 7 and THSRA in general, should really enjoy watching and performing in the rodeo, and to not let emotions over run a student’s performance and experience. All practicing is done by the time you get to the rodeo. Just sit back and relax and let the child do their job.

THSRA Region 9 is the same for the Sbrusch, Swenson, and most other families. We practice together, we haul together, we compete together, we celebrate together, and we support Region 9…together.

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

By kelsey thompson– ariat Performance Reporter

n the coming months of the end of the 2014 rodeo season for THSRA contestants in Region IX, Region Finals were conducted, New Officer and Ariat Reporter positions were announced, State qualifiers were ready to get in the practice pen, and now the national qualifiers are getting ready for Wyoming. Where has the time gone?? As I, Kelsey Thompson; who is so excited to be you're new Ariat Reporter, am sitting here at YRA Finals in Gonzales Texas. And I'm wanting to bring back those memories from the past couple weeks through this article. But before that I would like to tell you quickly about myself; and I say quickly because if I say too much I might put you to sleep. I live in a town called Goodrich Tx and rodeo is my LIFE. I am being totally serious when I say that because I don't do nor am I good at anything else. I will be a Senior and have been a member of Region IX for coming on 4 years now. And you better believe I wouldn't change that last sentence for the world!

That’s enough about me because I want to talk about how Region IX was the BOMB at THSRA State Finals!! And I mean the bomb because of our awesome kids and parents but also because Thursday afternoon you got a first hand hearing at what it probably sounds like in Afghanistan! Let me tell you readers that while driving through the parking lot of Gonzales you know if someone had been

in Abilene last week because you can't count how many fist sized dents their truck and trailer has! And if you don't know what I am talking about, well the 12th of June while in State Finals hail the size of SOFTBALLS started falling from the sky for a good 30 to 40 minutes.

Let's just say insurance companies were the only ones happy that day! Now lets go back a few days to Sunday, the infamous check-in! After a frenzy of a morning trying to get our trailers hooked up and our horses comfortable, we were all looking forward to 2:30 when we got to be in the cool air of the Taylor County Coliseum. It was a fantastic meeting with an extremely inspirational and moving guest speaker, Amberly Synder. I know there wasn't a dry eye in those colored seats when she was finished. Shortly after was the Ariat Olympics where Jordan Pierce, Amanda Tinkle, and I, competed in numerous CRAZY activities! The first of the activities was the stick horse race, where we had to keep a stick horse in between our legs and race against all the other regions to get a chair! We all learned that day Jordan and Amanda definitely have a career in football as linebackers. I've never seen so many girls tackling guys for chairs! Then after that was the Queens Contest, where Colby Winfrey was our beautiful Queen and Riley Hooks was her escort. Colby was such a great sport and

tristan miZe photo by Jennings

MORGAN STARNS photo by Jennings

suffered through full makeup, a flower headband, a stuffed bandeau, lace shorts, and fringe boots!

Then Monday rolled around with the first set of performances. In the barrels Jordan Peirce, Caley Walkoviak, and Kenna Kaminski made smoking runs! Caley ended up placing 7th in the first go! While some of the events were in the outdoor arena, the Calf Roping was going on in the coliseum where Spin Edwards, Wyatt Imus, Marlen Spivey, Adolfo Garcia, and Desmond Calhoun represented Region IX in an excellent way. In the Goat Tying our very own Sonora Schueneman was the only freshman to tie a 7 and end up 2nd in the Go Round! In the breakaway Katie Allen, even with horse troubles, ended up catching with a 4.28! Monday afternoon was a great day for Kallie Polan who ran a 20.644 in the Poles and was 5th in the First Go! In the bull riding we had Tristan Mize with a 82 point ride who pulled out a 2nd Place!

Monday afternoon was also the Ram Truck Push where Region IX was the RESERVE CHAMPIONS!!

As the second group of cowboys and cowgirls made runs Tuesday to put their names in the Top 6, Landri Brown made a very respectable run with a 17.9 in the outdoor pen in the barrel racing. In Calf Roping, John Douch made a great average run with a 9.59 as well as Jay Terrell with a 9.50 and Riley Hooks at a 9.92! Riley Hooks and Wyatt Imus also sealed a 7th place win in the Team Roping with a 7.97. And lastly in the cutting Morgan Starns was 7th!! As the 1st Go came to the end contestants of Region IX were ready to do work in the 2nd Go. To start things off Tacy Webb set the breakaway on fire with a 2.42 ending her 2nd place in the 2nd round! The Goat Tying was very eventful this year in the sense we had Megan Wright who rode a bucking bronc all the way down the arena, STILL stepped off beautifully and tied a 22! She even got an official score of 82 points on her ride by the announcer. Not long after that Hailey Bruening set the pace with a 7.09 to win the round!

Speaking of wins, John Douch was doing his part this week winning the 2nd Go Around in the Steer Wresting and was 2nd in Go Around in Calf Roping! And we can't forget about the pair of freshman Spin Edwards and Boudreaux Campbell who won 6th in the Go Around for Team Roping.

Caley Walkoviak and Jordan Pierce secured their place in the Short Go for the barrels and Kallie Polan secured hers in the Pole Bending! Riley Hooks and John Douch came back in the Calf's, Hailey Bruening in the Breakaway, and Tristan Mize in the Bull Riding!

As the Short Go came around Saturday afternoon, the stands of Region IX were ready to see some pretty awesome stuff go down. The excitement and intensity of a THSRA Short Go is something everyone should experience at least once. Both Jordan Pierce and Caley Walkoviak ended up in the Top 10 in the State, Morgan Starns was 6th in the 2nd Go of Cutting and was Top 10 also in the State, Kallie Polan was 6th in the State, Tristan Mize was the RESERVE CHAMPION Bull Rider, and John Douch was the STATE CHAMPION Calf Roper!!!

We are all so proud of our kids, students, and friends who competed in Abilene. Sometimes we take for granted what an amazing sport we compete in. But let me tell you, and I know I'm not the only one who feels the same at my age, but I wouldn't want my future kids to grow up in any other kind of sport. I would just like to thank EVERYONE who has helped us kids live our dream. Thank you to everyone at THSRA who made State Finals so amazing, to our parents, to anyone and everyone who helps out at Region rodeos, and of course everyone who helps with Nationals. Because y'all are the foundation of our success and dreams.

JOHN DOUCH photo by Jennings

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

EVERYTHING’S BETTER IN

TEXAS!

By brooke

A

boiles– ariat Performance Reporter

s the week that so many have been preparing for through triumphs and staying hooked after disappointments goes by, all are left with something they once did not possess. Region X stood united as a family encouraging one another, and congratulating those after success.

We had 6 of our very own competing in the short round to make national dreams come true. Maverick Harper threw his steer to send him to Wyoming as the reserve champion steer wrestler, not only maverick but Clayton Coone was second in the average coming into the short round finishing 6th place. In the barrel racing to finish up 5th overall was Kelsey Crawford laying down three smoking runs. Three of the 15 in the short round for breakaway were region X's own Kambria Mcdougal, Samantha Chick, and Lydia Bierschwale. Kambria came in second high call and went out the 2014 champion breakaway roper. On to the other end of the arena, Samantha and Lydia then laid down runs in the pole bending, Lydia ending up 5th overall, and Samantha as your state of Texas pole bending champion. On top of running poles, Samantha will be competing at nationals going in 4th place in the goat tying. In the second round, Case Jones and Ross Ashford made a wicked 4.12 second run to set the arena record and win the round.

Not only were all the contestants legendary in the arena, but winners out of it.

The friendships and memories made will last a lifetime. One of which many may share, is of the special needs rodeo. It truly is a blessing to be able to see those with less ability than what we have wake up happier than many of us do.

Hebrews 10:35 states, "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." When life knocks you down, don't get discouraged. State is just one rodeo, so if you didn't qualify or didn't cooper matthews anD trevor heDeman make the runs you had hoped and worked escort chantZ webster in the ariatso OLYMPICS “QUEEN” CONTEST. hard for, don't give up. Your confidence will take you somewhere a timid attitude never will.

Region X would like to congratulate all of those who are on their way to nationals and wish them safe and blessed travels! Also a huge thank you to everyone who made the finals a success, and our new secretary Angela Cudd for all her hard work over the duration of that week! To the qualifiers, go prove that everything's better in Texas!

reGion X members at the state Finals

Jordi Edens 2014 TJHRA All Around Cowgirl & Rookie

TJHRA STATE FINALS WRAP UP

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2014 State Junior High Division Finals Results All-Around Cowboy TYLER WEST

T

R YLE

WES

All-Around & Rookie Cowgirl JORDI EDENS 2014-2015 Student Officers: President – Avery Sulak Vice President – Makenna Shook Secretary – Kate Johnson TJHRA Princess – Abbie Suggs

T

Put Your Best Boot Forward Boy's - Stran Johnson

BARRELLS Edens, Jordi* Ryan, Bailey* Smith, Emma* Forbes, Fallon* Castleberry, Ashley Cox, Mikayla Good, Bradi Hammond, Hannah Phillips, Lacy Wells, Rylee BOYS BREAKAWAY Enderli, Cash* Mitchell, Wells* Collins, Nicholas* Williams, Leander* Greene, Colton Clipper, Chance Rankin, Brody Profili, McCray Profili, Kaden Carter, Layne BOYS GOAT TYING West, Tyler* McCarley, Colton* Bane, Cameron* Shaw, Jonathan* Sawin, Bryant Koch, Kash

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Rookie Cowboy COLTON GREEN

O

Carpenter, Cutter Key, Kane Quigg, Titan Elliott, John Michael BULL RIDING Keathley, Cody* Atkinson, Canyon* Ochoa, Aaron* Rustin, Seth* Handley, Tyler Hopper, Jesse Hughes, Riggen Wallace, Matthew Gleaves, Dawson Shadden, Colton Smith, Dalen Bane, Cameron Johnson, Stran Arevalo, Gilbert

CHUTE DOGGING Beall, Ti* Myers, Holden* Green, Evan* Harter, Cody* Silar, Wes Cartwright, Tater Roundtree, Brad Miles Svoboda Seth Rustin

AQHA Boys Horse of the Year Tyler West

JOR

DI E DEN S

Put Your Best Boot Forward Girls - Saige Sealy

top 10 in each event: Indicates TJHD National Team Member Tyler Handley GIRLS BREAKAWAY Clayton, Catherine* Edens, Jordi* Lawson, Taylor* Rawlinson, Kirby* Pineda, Victoria Butler, Layton Halford, Neely Montague, Calli Honea, Gracie Bluntzer, Mary Grace GIRLS GOAT TYING Reaves, Kristin* Taylor, Darcy* Clayton, Catherine* Honea, Gracie* Foley, Mackenzie Espenson, Shelby Nichols, Beth Senter, Sayer Hodges, Zandie Pineda, Cassidy LIGHT RIFLE Myers, Madison* Cones, Kaycee* Davis, Maison* Peck, Gatlin*

Smith, Kyler Krolczyk, Shayne Blair, Serah Kate Hausler, Riley Schott, Miranda Allen, Jakob POLE BENDING Love, Sally* Berry, Maci* Dickson, Tegan* Charlesworth, Colee* Anderson, Whitney McClaugherty, Caroline Pickett, Anna Marek, Mayce Ghormley, Aly Sciba, Maile RIBBON ROPING Lacina, True & Wells, Robbyn* West, Tyler & McNeill, Kenna* Dunham, Daniel & Wharton, Tatum* Peck, Gatlin & Garrett, Jessica* Silar, Wes & Stroade, Whitnee Myers, Holden & Edmondson, Hallie Rice, Jabin & Didway, Remi Cullen Eppright & Peeler, Annabeth

Key, Kane & Honea, Lanie Carpenter, Cutter & Waller, Savana TIE DOWN ROPING Hiatt, Quade* West, Tyler* Lacina, True* Chick, Garrett* Weitz, Chet Grimes, Hunter Allen, Laramie Nettle, Ryan Crow, Casey Silar, Wes TEAM ROPING Bland, Jace & Lacina, True* Sieber, Harley & Profili Kaden* Eddlemann, Will & Kitchens, Whit* Greene, Colton & West, Tyler* Georg, Blake & Farris, Will* Pollock, Will & Mitchell, Wells Boatright, Levi & Starns, Bailey Clements, Spencer & Cape, Hayden Haley, Madison & Thomas, Jace Duckett, Cutter & Hines, Jesse

Junior hiGh

TExaS JUNIOR HIgH RODEO aSSOCIaTION NEwS lETTER FROM ThE TJhRA SECRETARy

T

he Texas National team is packing up and heading North….we are headed to Des Moines, Iowa for the Junior High National Finals. This is going to be new for the junior high association in many ways, it is the first time we are not headed to Gallop, New Mexico and it is the first rodeo that the National Office is actually running the rodeo. They have always had a host city that put on the finals for them and this year they are doing it themselves. Of course this is not new to Texas, we have always put on our own state finals. I know there are many new rules as we are headed to Iowa so as long as we follow the rules Texas will be fine. We are taking a great team and we look forward to cheering them on.

Thinking back on Gonzales what a week it was – many of you will remember it for a long time due to the rain!

Not so much the rain but the mud. I can not tell you how many times I personally have prayed for rain for our parched Texas land, well when we pray for things we can not put stipulations on it and say just rain on this day or that day, you have to be careful for what you pray for, because He will answer but it might not be on our time.

So all in all the rain was a great relief for Texas and we all were able to wash the mud off. Then we go to Abilene and we had the biggest hail storm I have ever seen, I am sure there are many insurance adjustors scratching their heads from how many trailers were actually at the fair grounds during that storm. I can only imagine what kind of weather we are going to run into in Des Moines!

When you have situations that you are not prepared for (the rain) it makes everyone sit down and wonder what can we do to make it better if we are ever put in that situation again – the City of Gonzales stepped up to the plate and tried several things to make things better but some were still not happy about the stall situation. The City offered some refunds which caused them to lose money but they did it with a smile and then we all agreed that from now on the tent stalls would have to have a base on them and built up so we would not be in this situation again.

Of course this is going to mean those tents will not be on the dirt anymore but will be on a cliché type base. I can already hear that complaint that they want their horse on dirt – everyone needs to step back and understand that we are going to try and make it better for the GROUP not just one or two. We may never be in the mud situation again but we are going to prepare for it in the future.

As you think back about the finals and you see something we are missing or there is something that you would like us to check into and change something to make it better for the group, please do not hesitate to contact us through email, text or a phone call. You can call the office or contact one of your State Director. I will tell you we are already planning for next year and are opening the door to many new suggestions and ideas of bringing in some Pro Cowboys and Cowgirls to put on some clinics that can make our cowboys and cowgirls better in reaching their goals in rodeo. This is very exciting to us to know that businesses are looking at the junior high rodeo for growth.

Good luck to the Junior High National team this next week and hopefully we will be reporting a new title next month. Safe travels on that rodeo trail!

Till next month, Anne Dollery

www.tjhra.org 39

2014 TJHRA FINALS FUN

photo by RodeoFlash.com

TJHRA Princess, abbie suggs, Crowned Abbie Suggs, TJHRA Princess & Kate Johnson, TJHRA Secretary photo by RodeoFlash.com

Thank you to Jennings Photography for providing pictures.

40

2014 TJHRA FINALS FUN

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT region viii volleyball champions

photo by

lash.com

RodeoF

photo by RodeoFlash.com

tJhra state finals opening ceremony top 15 ribbon roping champions

COWBOY SWIMMI N POOL!! G

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2014 TJHRA FINALS FUN

TUG-O-

WAR

photo by RodeoFlash.com

photo by RodeoFlash.com

tug-o-war champions, region viii

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TExaS JUNIOR HIgH RODEO aSSOCIaTION NEwS 2014 TJhRA State Finals Rodeo was Non-Stop Fun!!

By avery sulak– TJHRA Student President

H

i, I'm Avery Sulak, I am your new TJHRA President. I am from Ganado, Texas and compete in Region 7. The events I compete in are poles, goat tying, breakaway, ribbon running, and barrels. I was Region 7 All-Around Cowgirl and also served as Vice-President. I will be an 8th grader at Ganado Junior High. I participate in volleyball, track and a member of the National Honor Society. My favorite things to do are hang out with friends, snow skiing, jet skiing, and of course anything to do with horses. The 2014 TJHRA State Finals Rodeo was a blast and an awesome experience. Even though it rained the first couple of days we still had non-stop fun. There were rodeos in the morning and evening, and during the day.

You could also play in a volleyball or a tug-awar tournament. Several people had pools set up, and even the Elliott's put a tarp in the back of their truck and made a pool. At night you could enter jackpots, hang out with friends or attend a dance.

We all had our hopes set high to go to Nationals and it didn't work out for everyone.

But remember, we are all winners. Each region takes the top ten to compete at state and being able to compete is an honor.

LISTED BELOW ARE THE 2014 TJHRA STATE WINNERS THAT WILL BE REPRESENTING TEXAS AT NATIONALS: Barrel Racing - Jordi Edens, Bailey Ryan, Emma Smith, and Fallon Forbes.

Boys Breakaway - Cash Enderli, Wells Mitchell, Nicolas Collins, and Leander Williams Boys Goat Tying - Tyler West, Colton McCarley, Cameron Bane, and Jonathan Shaw Bull Riding - Cody Keathley, Canyon Atkinson, Aaron Ochoa, ans Seth Rustin Calf Roping - Quade Hiatt, Tyler West, True Lacina, and Garett Chick Chute Dogging - Ti Beall, Holden Myers, Evan Green and Cody Harter Girls Breakaway - Catherine Clayton, Jordi Edens, Taylor Lawson, and Kirby Rawlinson.

Girls Goat Tying - Kristin Reaves, Darcy Taylor, Catherine Clayton, and Gracie Honea Pole Benders - Sally Love, Maci Berry, Tegan Dickson, and Cole Charlesworth Ribbon Roping - True Lacina and Robbyn Wells, Tyler West and Kenna McNeill, Daniel Dunham and Tatum Wharton, Gatlin Peck and Jessica Garrett.

Team Ropers - Jace Bland and True Lacina, Kaden Profili and Harley Sieber,Will Eddleman and Whit Kitchens, Colton Greene and Tyler West and Will Farris and Blake Georg This National team is very strong and will represent Texas very well in Iowa. Good Luck and bring back the trophy back to Texas.

cameron bane photo by Jennings

true lacina anD robbyn wells photo by Jennings

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Texas Junior High Rodeo Association News

A Ray of Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

by Tommy Oates

I

had the pleasure to attend the Texas Jr. High School Rodeo Finals last week in Gonzales, Texas. My grandkids were fortunate enough to qualify for the event.

I arrived after the grand entry of the first performance. Watching the events unfold,I noticed contestants cheering for their competitors. Actually, there were two contest going on simutaneously. One was among contestants, the other individuals competing with the animals.

There was a strict dress code in effect. Each competitor was required to wear jeans,longsleeve shirt,hat, boots, and their assigned number on their shirt. No shorts or baggy pants allowed here.

No ball caps turned sideways or backwards. Each contestant dressed in clean neat cowboy attire.

After the performance, we retired to the air conditioned trailer for burgers and hot dogs my son and daughter in law had prepared. There was entirely too much food. Chris said, that it would all be eaten. Sure enough, kids and parents began to wander through the campsite. Each one eating a burger or hot dog until all dissapeared.

After lunch we sat in the cool watching National Geographic. Without a knock on the door, in walks four kids, ranging from five to twelve, to visit my grandaughter. A couple went to sleep on the bed while the rest watched tv with me. Some time had elasped when it dawned on me that the parents of these kids were un-concerned about the location of their kids. Questioning my son and daughter in law about this concern,Their reply was " no one worries about their kids. Any adult will take care of any childs problems, any child may go to any adult for assistance."

At the begining of the next performance, most of the contestants participated in the Grand Entry. This ceremony recognizes sponsers, distuinguished guest,The United States, and most importantly God. Standing with my hat over my heart, honoring the flag with the national anthem, and my head bowed in prayer, I reflected on my observations of the day.

In these times of economic hardships, terrorism, our children murdering children, that morals and family values prevailed. What an honor to have witnessed this event.

Rodeo has endured the test of time for generations. An event laced with traditional family values from it's inception.

These morals and values continue through the participants lives. Professional cowboys and cowgirls continue this tradition even today, begining their families with the same standards they were reared with.

With tears in my eyes, I thanked the Creator for these fine folks that strive to instill these values in our future generations. My hat goes off to the parents and leaders of the Texas Jr. High School Rodeo Association for their continued efforts.

44

2014-2015 JUNIOR HIGH STATE DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD NATIONAL DIRECTOR JOHN E. BLAND PRESIDENT TROY ASHFORD com 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT VICKIE JAROSEK

940-537-1354

jeblandnspade@yahoo.com

254-721-0909

tashford@farmersagent.

254-774-8303

vickie@bettertreesoftexas.com

DELEGATE JOHN ATKINSON 979-482-2018 midtexlivestock@hotmail.com

DELEGATE CINDY CLAYTON 254-485-9466 clayton@our-town.com DELEGATE AMANDA GORHAM

830-676-3373

gypsydoll75@yahoo.com

DELEGATE JASON KEY

936-558-8326

key.jason@ymail.com

DELEGATE TONY LACINA

806-676-1042

nobaro@sbcglobal.net

DELEGATE CHUCK SINKS 972-771-5721 ssbarexcavating@aol.com

SECRETARY ANNE DOLLERY 979-272-2249 adollery@aol.com

STUDENT OFFICERS

PRESIDENT AVERY SULAK 361-771-6666

V.PRES MAKENNA SHOOK

SECRETARY KATE JOHNSON 806-781-1088

PRINCESS ABBI SUGGS

STATE DIRECTORS

REGION I GARY FIELDS 806-946-6138 CHAD HIATT 806-676-4402 ROBB WELLS 806-346-5109

REGION II CASEY BAIZE 512-618-9233 CLINT GRIFFIN 325-226-0430 CHUCK SENTER 806-562-0041

REGION III MIKE BRITAIN 254-595-0563 KEN BRAY 817-219-0436 JAYLENE HIMES 325-668-1554

mjbfarmsinc@aol.com kbray@equibrand.com jayleneingle@rocketmail.com

REGION IV DAVE CLARK MATT INGLE

tricbad@embarqmail.com ingleropehorses@gmail.com

903-880-5919 903-355-8318

REGION V SHANE MARTIN 936-462-3413 BRAD CRONE 409-296-3686 Joe Glen Kahla 409-489-1012

REGION VI NATALIE BENNIGHT 513-304-8507 DANNY DUCKETT 512-289-0724 CLAY BASS 512-847-5056 REGION VII CHRIS OATES DEE ANN RAWLINSON SCOTT SHOOK

936-661-1783 979-578-1420 281-437-8214

gsfields@fivearea.com chad.hiatt@yahoo.com Robb_Wells45@yahoo.com csbaize@yahoo.com cgriffin@kgelaw.com csenter@FirstBankLubbock.com

rebeccamartin2885@gmail.com dps2422@aol.com jgk@mklawyers.com nbennight@yahoo.com Dkconcreteconstruction@gmail.com

Construction.BASS@yahoo.com chrisoates@sbcglobal.net drawlinson@reatarealty.com scottshook@yahoo.com

REGION VIII MATT SCIBA 361-571-7888 matt@lifepointevictoria.com BILL SCIBA 361-582-6711 bill_sciba@yahoo.com JASON UNDERBRINK 210-854-7718 jasonunderbrink@yahoo.com

REGION IX DON EDWARDS 281-387-8383 Edwards_Saddles@yahoo.com MIKE GHORMLEY 281-785-0077 mghormley@me.com JOHN SCHUENEMAN 979-268-4994 jschueneman@shorthornres.com

REGION X RENEE WHITE JOHN DOWNING 254-770-7064 cdowning@vvm.com ANTHONY WILLIAMS

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