Fall 2018 Extreme Team News, Official News of Texas High School and Junior High Rodeo

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS:

National Champions!

TJHRA & THSRA BRING HOME NATIONAL TITLES PRSRT STD STD PRSRT US POSTAGE POSTAGE US PAID PAID BRYAN TX TX 77802 77802 BRYAN PERMIT ## 23 23 PERMIT

PRESRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FULTEK

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHION CHOOSING RODEO AWARDS

2

EXECUTIVE BOARD STATE PRESIDENT KEN BRAY

PO Box 1634 • Granbury, TX 76048 817.219.0436 • kbray@equibrand.com

1ST VICE PRESIDENT MIKE ISELT

1656 E CR 327 • Lincoln, TX 78948 979.540.8863 • iseltpaint@aol.com

2ND VICE PRESIDENT COLE SEALY

PO Box 566 • San Saba, TX 76877 325.247.0545 • colesealy@yahoo.com

In This Issue

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

Rodeo Awards

YOUR REGION WILL

SECRETARY/TREASURER SUSAN BALDWIN

PAGE 10

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

HOLLY DeLAUNE Marketing Director

Love

830.815.1800 • delaune.holly@gmail.com

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

BRIAN ROBERTS

Computer Programmer brian.roberts53@att.net 281.213.9143

ARIAT PERFORMANCE REPORTERS

NATIONAL DIRECTOR COTTON GEORGE

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

Region I

JADYN DUGGAN Region II

JUNIOR HIGH NATIONAL DIRECTOR JOHN BLAND

MADALYN RICHARDS Region III

921 A FM 656 • Northfield, TX 79201 940.537.1354 • jeblandnspade@yahoo.com

KYLEE SCRIBNER

MARKETING HOLLY DELAUNE

JESSEE YOUNG

Region IV Region V

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

HARLEY JO PERKINS Region VI

SAGE SPIVEY

PAGE 21

QUEEN COORDINATOR ANN BLACKWELL

Region VII

JACEY LEE BYLER Region VIII

936.590.1855 tablackwell@yahoo.com

MACKENZIE BRYCE

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS

DELEGATES AT LARGE

Region IX

ALY GHORMLEY Region X

BRITNE THOMAS

DAVID FREEMAN

1039 Mickingbird Lane • Eagle Lake, TX 77434 832.221.1253 • chlfreeman@yahoo.com

MIKE GHORMLEY

PAGE 07

PAGE 13

PO Box 1177 • Madisonville, TX 77864 281.785.0077 • mghormley@me.com

JASON KEY

17547 N Hwy 59 • Garrison, TX 75946 936.564.0668 • key.jason@ymail.com

THSRA NATIONAL FINALS RESULTS

JOHN SCHUENEMAN

PAGE 24

BRANDON SMITH

TJHRA NATIONAL FINALS RESULTS

6717 FM 1452 W • Madisonville, TX 77864 979.268.4994 • john.schueneman@gmail.com 6800 E FM 476 • Pleasanton, TX 78064 830.570.7157 • bmsmith1996@sbcglobal.net

PAGE 56

STUDENT OFFICERS

thsraofficers@hotmail.com STUDENT PRESIDENT Jack Wright STUDENT VICE PRESIDENT Lyndie Dunn STUDENT SECRETARY Brinlee Freeman QUEEN Aubrie Fields

THSRA OFFICIAL SPONSORS

PAGE 62

Region

news

REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION

I II III IV V

14 19 20 29 30

REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION

VI VII VIII IX X

TEXAS JUNIOR HIGH DIVISION 56

36 40 42 45 46

DR. TANDY FREEMAN

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

3

(972) 539-1458 | www.CHAOA.com

Accredited, Affordable, Accessible Homeschooling

K – 12TH GRADES • Self-Paced & Parent Friendly • Workbook or Online Formats • Open Enrollment & Flexible Schedules Accredited by: Middle States Association, Assoc. of Christian Teachers & Schools and National Assoc. of Private Schools

PROUD SPONSOR Of THSRA & TJHRA

4

SADDLE BRONC

EXTREME TEAM NEWS – SEPTEMBER ISSUE – PAGE – COBURN ACTOIN — BORN FOR IT — P/U FROM JULY 8/20/18 3:33 PM

5 18-WRWE-0207-EXTREMETEAM_SEP_P_M-PU AUGUST 20, 2018 3:33 PM

JOB #/FILE NAME UPDATED

500 HARRISON AVE, 5F, BOSTON, MA 02118

TEL: 617.252.0787

FINAL TRIM

BLEED

COBURN BRADSHAW

18-WRWE-0207-EXTREME TEAM_SEP_p_m-PU.indd 1 10” X 9.5”

NA

DIGITAL ARTIST

FINAL APPROVAL

___________________________

INITIALS: ______ DATE: _________

Cowpuncher Bit, Spur and Saddle company builds traditional Texas-style pieces with the working and competing cowboy and cowgirl in mind.

We offer a full line of custom trophy saddles, buckles, bits, spurs, conchos, knives and accessories to fit any budget.

Cowpuncher is your One Stop Shop for Event Awards with beautifully handcrafted items to highlight any level of competition.

1420 FM1483 YANTIS, TX 75497 For Pricing and Information Please Call 1-800-792-7620 or 903-383-2800 In Honor of Those Who Served and In Memory of Christian Ramirez.

www.cowpuncherbitandspur.com sales@cowpuncherbitandspur.com

6

Lindie Dollery

Sponsor Spotlight:

2009 WHATAKID OF THE YEAR PROVIDED BY

R

odeo has always been more than just a competitive event for Lindie Dollery – it’s family. Born and raised in Caldwell, Texas, Lindie was practically welcomed into the Texas High School Rodeo Association (THSRA) at the young age of three. “I come from a big rodeo family. My family and cousins were all part of THSRA; it’s a family deal,” says Lindie.

Growing up in rodeo, Lindie did everything from barrel racing to pole bending and goat tying. Her family, especially her dad, always pushed her to do her best. As a high school junior, she was named the 2009 Whatakid of the Year. “I see these articles about all the Whatakids, and it’s amazing because my name is now up there,” says Lindie. “It gave me a huge confidence boost and made me feel like I was on the right track.” That following year, she made it to Nationals in goat tying, which is her favorite event.

Lindie was not only a competitor but also a performer. Early on, she found her love for trick riding and even performed at Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition, the biggest horse driving competition in North America, located in Pittsford, NY. Oftentimes, people could see her both competing and performing at the rodeo.

In high school, Lindie used her trick riding as a way to help children in the Special Kids Rodeo. “My aunt works there and asked if I wanted to trick ride and do entertainment at the Special Kids Rodeo,” says Lindie. “It’s amazing to see how big the kids’ smiles light up when you put them on a horse.”

With all the time and sacrifices that come with being in rodeo, Lindie’s parents always made sure her academics came first. Lindie wanted to be a speech therapist so she pursued a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders at Texas A&M Kingsville. “When my

brother was young, he needed speech therapy,” says Lindie. “I started taking a few classes and loved it. Working with a large group of kids at the Special Kids Rodeo is also another reason I went into speech therapy.”

Currently, Lindie is a speech therapist at the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, assisting children from Pre-K through 5th grade. She also stays closely tied to the rodeo lifestyle, working at Cody Nite Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming, during the summer. Every single time she comes back to Texas, the one place she makes sure to visit is Whataburger. Without fail, her go-to menu item is the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich.

Looking back, if Lindie had to give her younger self some advice, she’d say, “Relax.” “I was always so driven about winning and being a big rodeo person,” says Lindie. “When I got to college, I saw it’s not all about the rodeo but about forming ties with people and connections. Texas is so big, and I wouldn’t have met the people I have – who are now like family – without the rodeo.”

7

Rodeo Awards YOUR REGION WILL

C

HOOSING BUCKLES BY HYO SILVER They’ve got their “eyes on the prize” and they’re working hard to be in that winner’s circle at the end of the year. How do you make sure that your members are awarded with a top quality buckle that reflects their hard work and commitment? With so many options to choose from, we here at Hyo Silver want to share a few helpful hints that will ensure your members are awarded with a Champion buckle that they are proud to wear!

We’ve also found that choosing a small to medium sized buckle shape with unique, detailed borders allows you to provide your members with both functionality and style. Choosing different buckle shapes for the 1st Go Champions and All Arounds is a great way to differentiate between the achievements, while still awarding each member with a top quality buckle. When working with a buckle company, be sure to ask the representative for suggestions on different buckle shapes to help separate the categories of competition.

Buckle shapes that include an inner outline shape allow for combinations of a Retro and a Black Antique or Silver background. Using a combination of stone colors has also been gaining popularity as a way to add classy color combinations to the buckles. Try using combinations such as crystal clear accent stones with blue turquoise stones in the edge of the buckle to add a pop of color. Another great way to make your awards stand out is to add your region logo or other unique graphics to the buckle design. Not only will this add a unique element to the buckle, but it will also serve as a reminder of all the great memories the member had while competing to win the buckle.

TODD SLOAN SADDLES ON CHOOSING THE PERFECT SADDLE

When a rodeo association spends approximately $20,000 on trophy saddles alone, it is serious business. Awards committee members lose sleep over their decisions trying to make all contestants and their parents happy. They

8

Love

go cross-eyed looking at bid after bid that appears to be written in a foreign language of ½ breed this and combo-tooled that. To say it is overwhelming is quite the understatement. How do you make a decision? Everybody has an opinion about tooling, seat colors, price points, skirt styles, and tree fits, and none of them appear to jive with one single bid option you have in front of you. It is enough to make a sane person crazy all day every day!

SADDLE STRUCTURE

The bare bones of a saddle, known as the tree, have two extremely important components to consider when choosing a trophy saddle provider: FIT and STRENGTH. Each rodeo event has a different “style” of horse that works best. There is no “one size fits all” saddle tree. The bottom of the tree is designed to fit the horse, and the top of the tree is designed to fit the rider. A barrel horse and a team roping horse are not always built the same. You can say the same for the competitors of the events.

We set up Tie-Down Ropers to get to the front and get off quickly and our Team Roping saddles are designed to be able to rope, sit down, and get a dally. When selecting a trophy saddle provider, you want to choose a company that knows the ins and outs of what works and has trees designed to meet the specific needs of each event. In regard to saddle tree strength, you want to ask what the tree warranty is on the saddles being bid. Slone Saddles come with 10 Year Tree Warranties. When

Rodeo Awards Advertiser Index: A Cut Above Buckles 951-600-0444 CustomOrder@acutabovebuckles.com Page 37 Alamo Saddlery 800-687-7624 alamosaddlery@sbcglobal.net Page 38 Barstow Pro-Rodeo Equip.

800-255-0105 www.barstowprorodeo.com Page 41 Bayou West Company 713-823-8578 debra@bayouwest.com Page 41 Bob Berg Buckles bobbergtitanium@gmail.com bucklesales@bobbergdesigns.com Page 11,54 CH Graphics 361-798-3071 www.chgraphics.com Page 58 Cactus Saddlery 844-774-6946 cactussaddles.com Page 17 Carroll Original Wear 800-884-2524 carrolloriginalwear.com Page 15 Cowboy Classic Saddlery 254-592-4928 ccsaddle@gmail.com Page 49 CowPuncher Bit, Spur & Saddle 800-792-7620 sales@cowpuncherbitandspur.com Page 6, 53 CupsInColor 678-988-0829 timothy@cupsincolor.com Page 50 Custom Tack 877-717-8225 sales@customtackshop.com Page 22 Equibrand Prizeline 800-654-7864 www.equibrand.com Page 27 Gist Silversmiths 530-644-8000 gistsilversmiths.com Page 33 Hy O Silver 877-796-7961 hyosilver@hyosilver.com Page 21 Kelly Slover 830-225-3153 kelly.slover@aol.com Page 31 KO Trading 817-616-3460 krystal@kotrading.com Page 39 Maynard Buckles 505-862-7253 sales@maynardbuckles.com Page 47 Montana Silversmiths 888-677-9487 montanasilversmiths.com Page 44 Mortenson Trophy Buckles 505-424-9330 info@silverandsaddles.com Page 48 Outlaw Spirit 972-571-5269 kaci@outlawspirittexas.com Page 28 Slone Saddles 361-275-6768 slonesaddles.com Page 59 South Texas Tack 979-421-8800 southtexastack.com Page 34 Tres Rios 800-550-7535 tresriossilver.com Page 43

making a selection, red flags should be waved for any saddle with less than a seven year tree warranty. You also should be skeptical and ask for a definition when told a saddle tree has a “Life-Time Warranty.” We trust the FIT and STRENGTH of our trees more than any of our competitors. They are BUILT TO RIDE and not to sit in a living room, because we believe the amount of money associations spend on trophy saddles is the best advertising you do for your association. You want to see them in the arena and not locked up in a barn or living room!

SADDLE STYLE

This is the fun part and should definitely carry weight in your trophy saddle decision process. You want your trophy saddles to stand out in the arena; after all, this is a marketing expense as well as a prize! It can attract or deter future contestants. Use it to your advantage. Saddle design options are endless. There are hundreds of combinations of skirt styles, tooling patterns, seat colors and prints, conchos, spots, buck-stitching. The list goes on and on. Here is what you need to know. Choose a saddle provider that is willing to work with your association to get the design you want that fits within your budget! This is an important note; all of these options have a cost associated with them because they take time and

materials. Figure out what is important to your contestants. Would they rather have more floral tooling or an exotic print seat? Do they want a ranch-style look or is your region a little on the wild side? Find out! We have more experience in saddle design that anyone else in the industry.

We turn in saddle bids that are unique to your association, but if there is a “must-have” that is not on the bid, ask for it! The saddle bid that is turned in to your region is just a “first shot”. The best advice is to have an open dialogue about price, design, and the wants and needs of your region! We work hard to make your saddle dreams a reality!

SADDLE PRICE

Saddle price is extremely important when selecting a trophy saddle provider. You want the most “bang for your buck!” You want the highest quality and best designed saddle you can get, which we know we have! The days of the $900 are over, and if you receive a bid in this price range, you need to question the aforementioned areas before making a selection.

9

10

11

12

sponsor spotlight:

THE OFFICIAL BACKPACK OF THE THSRA

W

hen Hooey introduced a full line of backpacks to western stores, plenty were reluctant to carry a product most of their customers had previously bought elsewhere. After three years, the popularity of Hooey Backpacks has even exceeded their Founder and CEO’s expectations.

“It’s always risky being first to market, but it makes it that much sweeter when an idea catches on,” explains Joey Austin.

Hooey provides the THSRA State Champions with custom packs, along with Region winners and Junior High Champs. HooeyTV also brings it’s film crew to Abilene to add it’s touch for a one-of-a-kind highlight reel (YouTube or insta @ hooey_tv).

“We love our partnership with the THSRA and the TJHRA. We want to encourage young athletes to being involved in this lifestyle and provide them some high quality gear while we’re at it.”

The patented Hooey Hat Strap continues to be popular with cowboys and cowgirls who want a better way to carry their lid when traveling. On Hooey’s “Mule” pack, there’s also a handy carrier for boots.

“We’re always designing,” Austin continues.

“The most fun part of our job is seeking out the next new big idea.”

GETYOURHOOEY.COM 13

KEVIN HUDDLESTON PO Box 750 • Memphis, Texas 79245 806.259.3139 • huddcottonkevin@gmail.com

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - CUTTER MCCAIN VICE PRESIDENT 1- SHELBY ESPENSON VICE PRESIDENT 2- AUBRIE FEILDS SECRETARY/HISTORIAN - JADYN DUGGAN STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

ROB WELLS 521 Willow Lane • Hereford, Texas 79045 806.346.5109 • robb_wells45@yahoo.com SECRETARY - BRANDY WRIGHT 11555 US HWY 83 • Canadian, Texas 79014 806.255.0034 • tristaterodeo@yahoo.com

Region I

TREY JOHNSON Box 501 • Hapy, Texas 79042 806-433-7382 • tjohnsoncattle@gmail.com ROB WELLS 521 Willow Lane • Hereford, Texas 79045 806.346.5109 • robb_wells45@yahoo.com

14

PERFORMANCE REPORT

E

By Jadyn Duggan

– Performance Reporter

ach Region has at least one rodeo that is known across the state of Texas, well Region One has 2 of the most celebrated in the state.

These two rodeos were created in honor of an inspirational man and the most famous ranch in the world. The Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping in Hereford, Texas and the XIT Rodeo and Reunion in Dalhart, Texas keep Region One members busy in the hot month of August.

Region One is extremely thankful for these two outstanding rodeos.

The Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping was founded in 1994 in honor of Spicer Gripp, a well-known and loved resident of Hereford, Texas.

After the passing of Spicer his family and friends came together to create the Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping, held every August. Proceeds from the roping contribute to the Spicer Gripp International Finals Youth Rodeo Team. The team was created 7 years ago by Linda McConnell. Each year the team consists of two Region One members in each event. Shortly after the founding of the roping the Spicer Gripp Memorial Arena was built, which is now home to the Region One Hereford Rodeo Club. Soon after Gripp’s friends and family created the Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation as a way to honor the love he had for helping children. Also created in his name was the Spicer Gripp Memorial Scholarship Fund at West Texas A&M University. This scholarship was created for students pursuing a degree in Agriculture Sciences or for those participating on the WTAMU Rodeo Team.

The XIT Rodeo and Reunion is held every August as a way to remember the days of the famous XIT Ranch. The ranch was founded in 1881 after the state sold the land as payment for new State Capitol Building. The ranch was the largest ranch under fence in the world allowing it to run more than 150,000 head of cattle, until it was sold in parts in 1920. While the ranch was still in operation it covered 10 counties in the Texas Panhandle, thus causing many to believe the brand, XIT, stood for “Ten in Texas.” In 1936 those who had worked on the ranch gathered to reminisce about life on XIT. In 1937 the reunion was moved to Dalhart, Texas and has remained to this day. As the annual reunion continued it slowly turned into the XIT Rodeo. As time went by a Free Bar-B-Que, Watermelon Feed, Dance and Concert, and Youth Rodeo have been added. The XIT Rodeo and Reunion, now on its 84th celebration, is considered to be one of the most exciting western celebrations in the world.

show me your buckle REGION MEMBERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CHAMPION BUCKLES.

“I won this buckle from the Tri State High school Rodeo Association. It is my most recent yet favorite buckle because it reminds me how cool it is to rodeo in the same association the rest of my family rodeoed in during high school. I am 14 years old.”

Jayda Jameson – Region 1

“I won when I was 12 for being the MBR world champion.”

Dawson Gleaves – Region 1

挀甀猀琀漀洀 搀攀挀漀爀愀琀攀搀 䔀䴀䈀刀伀䤀䐀䔀刀䔀䐀 䠀䄀吀匀Ⰰ 䈀䔀䄀一䤀䔀匀 ☀ 嘀䤀匀伀刀匀 倀刀䤀一吀䔀䐀 吀䔀䔀 匀䠀䤀刀吀⼀匀圀䔀䄀吀匀䠀䤀刀吀⼀匀伀䘀吀 䜀伀伀䐀 倀刀伀䜀刀䄀䴀匀 䔀䴀䈀刀伀䤀䐀䔀刀䔀䐀 倀伀䰀伀匀Ⰰ 䈀唀吀吀伀一 唀倀匀 ☀ ㄀⼀㐀 娀䤀倀匀 䌀唀匀吀伀䴀 䰀䔀䄀吀䠀䔀刀⼀吀圀䤀䰀䰀 倀䄀吀䌀䠀䔀匀 ☀ 䔀䴀䈀䰀䔀䴀匀

䌀䠀䔀一䤀䰀䰀䔀⼀吀圀䤀䰀䰀 䈀䄀䌀䬀 一唀䴀䈀䔀刀匀 䤀一匀伀䰀䄀吀䔀䐀 䌀唀倀匀Ⰰ 䰀䔀䄀吀䠀䔀刀 䌀伀䄀匀吀䔀刀匀Ⰰ 圀伀伀䐀䔀一 伀刀一䄀䴀䔀一吀匀 倀刀䤀一吀䔀䐀⼀䔀䴀䈀刀伀䤀䐀䔀刀䔀䐀 吀刀䄀嘀䔀䰀 䄀䌀䌀䔀匀匀伀刀䤀䔀匀 ☀ 匀吀䄀䐀䤀唀䴀 䌀䠀䄀䤀刀匀

挀愀爀爀漀氀氀漀爀椀最椀渀愀氀眀攀愀爀⸀挀漀洀 㠀 ⸀㠀㠀㐀⸀㈀㔀㈀㄀ 䌀䠀䔀一䤀䰀䰀䔀⼀吀圀䤀䰀䰀 䈀䄀䌀䬀 一唀䴀䈀䔀刀匀 倀刀䤀嘀䄀吀䔀 䰀䄀䈀䔀䰀 倀刀伀䜀刀䄀䴀 伀倀倀伀刀吀唀一䤀吀䤀䔀匀

15

Dojo Bella Original Length Trouser $159.99 southtexastack.com

Vexil Brand Sunglasses $90 | vexilbrand.com

Skink Jacket $110 | kimesranch.com

Tweed Coat $99 | cruelgirl.com

Hooey Backpack getyourhooey.com

Fashion Finds Index Vexil Brand Cap $30 | vexilbrand.com

Find these styles and more at wheelerstx.com

16

Sherry Cervi - Jowett $59.99 | www.resistol.com

AMERICAN HAT PAGE 63 ARIAT PAGES 10, 24 BOOT BARN PAGE 23 BUCK FERGESON ORIGINALS PAGE 32 CH GRAPHICS PAGE 58 HOOEY PAGE 13, 64 HY O SILVER PAGE 21 KIMES RANCH PAGE 60 PANHANDLE PAGE 12 RESISTOL HATS PAGE 23 ROCK & ROLL DENIM PAGE 12 SOUTH TEXAS TACK PAGE 34 VEXIL BRAND PAGE 24 WHEELER’S OUTFITTERS PAGE 18 WRANGLER PAGE 05

This is a lightweight alternative to the leather letterman jackets! chgraphics.com Resistol “Tarrant” Price: $450 resistol.com Charlie 1 Horse “Totem Pole” Price: $200 charlie1horsehats.com

New Bonded Jacket $129.99 | cinch.com

Vexil Brand T-Shirt $30 | vexilbrand.com

Hooey Backpack getyourhooey.com

Find these styles and more at buckfergesonoriginals.com

17

Western Wear - Feed Tack - Guns - Archery Women’s Boutique 32450 IH10 West, Exit 543 Boerne, TX

WheelersTx.com 18

PO Box 62862 • San Angelo, Texas 76904 512.618.9233 • csbaize@yahoo.com

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - KENNA HAYES MCNEILL VICE PRESIDENT - SAYER SENTER SECRETARY - ASPEN WASH STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS CASEY BAIZE

JODY MCELROY Box 224 • Balmorhea, Texas 79718 432.448.7810 • rodeosecretary1@gmail.com

Region II

SECRETARY - JODY MCELROY Box 224 • Balmorhea, Texas 79718 432.448.7810 • rodeosecretary1@gmail.com

PO Box 7238 • Midland, Texas 79708 432.296.2205 • mattandkayladickey@yahoo.com

MATT DICKEY

PRESIDENT- KENNY STEWART 2347 FM 829 • Stanton, Texas 79782 432.661.5084 • kstewart93@gmail.om

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Preparing for Fall Rodeos

W

By MADALYN RICHARDS – Performance Reporter

hat a great summer it has been for Region 2 and the rest of Texas High School Rodeo! A few of Region 2’s contestants were very successful in Wyoming at the National High School Finals Rodeo this July.

Bradi Good was the reserve champion barrel racer and Kenna Hayes McNeill was the 4th place barrel racer! Also, Madalyn Richards was the reserve champion Goat Tyer, Colee Charlesworth was 15th in the Reined Cow Horse, and Brenden Bennett ended up in the top twenty of the boys cutting! Our queen, Aubrie Fields, also represented Texas and Region 2 well by placing fifth in the queen’s contest at nationals! The Region 2 national qualifiers ended the 2017-18 High School Rodeo season with a bang!

But just because last season was recently wrapped up, doesn’t mean the contestants will have a break.

Next season is right around the corner and high school rodeo contestants are preparing for their fall rodeos.

As we start our new rodeo season I’d like to introduce Region 2’s new student officers. Our 2018-19 student

president is Sayer Senter of Ropesville, Texas. She is an upcoming senior who plans to attend college and rodeo! She is excited about finishing her last year of high school rodeo, meeting new friends, and competing once again in our super SAYER SENTER photo by Jennings tough region! Sayer is also looking forward to the 2019 state finals! Finally, Sayer would like to say thank you to Jody and the directors in our region that work hard to make sure all of our rodeos run smoothly!

We know Sayer will do a great job as the Region 2 student president!

Our new vice president is Allison Baize ALLISON BAIZE from San Angelo, photo by Jennings Texas. She is also a senior and plans to go to Texas A&M to major in either animal science or biomedical science. After getting her degree she hopes to go on to attend vet school. Allison wants to make the most of her last year in high school rodeo because she doesn’t plan on rodeoing in college. She also cannot wait to hang out with her friends at our region rodeos.

Good luck to all of the Texas High School Rodeo contestants in the upcoming season!

19

DUANE OVERTON 2110 FM 3027 • Mineral Wells, TX 76067

940.682.6113 • duaneoverton6113@gmail.com

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - TANNER BAKER VICE PRESIDENT - LARAMIE DEARING SECRETARY - KYLEE SCRIBNER

Region III

817.706.8236• kelley.williams@thsra3.com STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

JOE TOMEU 360 CR 2788 • Sunset, Texas 76270 941.809.7333 • joe@tomeu.com SECRETARY - KELLEY WILLIAMS

PO Box 122448 • Fort Worth, Texas 76121

KEVIN STEWART PO Box 1308 • Glen Rose, Texas 76043 817.307.7300 • thekevinstewart@live.com PRESIDENT - KEN BRAY PO Box 1634 • Granbury, Texas 76048 817.219.0436 • kbray@equibrand.com

20

PERFORMANCE REPORT

The Buckles Within Us

E

By KYLEE SCRIBNER

– Performance Reporter

veryone wears that one buckle that is special to them, that one buckle that means the most to them, that one buckle that may even define them. Everyone has that long lasting memory of winning that one special buckle, and everyone knows that in some way the buckle we each choose to wear means something deeper to us.

As for Miss Gracie Henderson, the 17-yearold from Decatur, she wears her NTHSRA Breakaway Roping buckle. “I wear this buckle for many reasons but the main reason is that it was my very first breakaway buckle to ever win” Henderson says. Gracie won this buckle as a finals award for being the Finals Breakaway Champion in 2017. Gracie Henderson competes in the breakaway roping, as well as the goat tying at Region III and there is no doubt that with her hard work she will earn many more breakaway buckles in her future.

Switching over to Autumn Gallagher, a senior

of Region III, who competes in the barrel racing as well as the pole bending; says her favorite buckle “may not be the fanciest or the prettiest, but it was the first buckle she ever won”. “This 5D Champion buckle may not mean anything to anyone else, but to me, this buckle was the one thing that pushed me to keep going when it seemed as if I should quit.”-Autumn. As you can see this buckle from the 2013 NBHA State Barrel Racing Show never lost its meaning to Autumn as she proudly still wears it as a constant reminder to keep her head up and keep persevering through every challenge that comes her way. As Autumn approaches her senior season at Region III, she is expected to compete very well this year in both of her events, and continue striving towards her goals in life as a futurity trainer.

Next, we take it to Region III Team Roping with Mr. Cutter Overton. Cutter is entering his Junior year in Highschool and is expected to compete at the top of the leaderboard after making the short-go at the Texas High School State Finals in 2017. Cutter wears his Cowboy Spring Gathering Young Guns Buckle which he won at his very own grandpa’s ranch. “This buckle holds a lot of sentimental value to me, because I won it for my grandma after she passed away” says Overton. To this day Cutter continues to ride and ranch with his grandpa on the same land that he worked so hard to wear the buckle he won in memory of his grandma.

As for myself, Kylee Scribner, I wear the most valued buckle I own. This buckle is the least bit of fancy, but it means the absolute world to me. I wear my 2017 Wise County Youth Barrel Racing Champion buckle. A year previous to winning this title my good horse, FirstFireFrost, was diagnosed with EPM. Not only did he become ill but he spent nearly six months at Outlaw Equine after the disease left us, as well as the vets wondering if he would overcome the disease much less ever compete again. After three different medications we finally had success with one of them, then the road to recovery began. Even a year later when I clasped this buckle my horse was not the same as he used to be, and we are striving to make a full recovery every day, but the thing is winning this buckle meant so much more to me than having another title under my belt. This buckle to me stands as a reminder that God always has a bigger plan in mind, to always trust God’s timing even when it seems impossible, and that through sheer dedication and perseverance not only can we achieve anything but with the heart that Billy has we can achieve everything in life.

Therefore; win, lose, or draw this year at Region III I encourage you all to keep your eyes on the ending in sight and to keep your faith even closer. 1 Peter 5:10-11 “Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God who gives all grace. He chose you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever. All power is his forever.” May God bless you this year, and may you bless someone else this year.

show me your buckle REGION MEMBERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CHAMPION BUCKLES.

GRACIE HENDERSON

AUTUMN GALLAGHER

CUTTER OVERTON

KYLEE SCRIBNER

21

6

#4BC

Bootjacks #BJW Bootjacks #BJS

Insulated Tumblers Stemless Wineglasses Competitive Pricing

#GWest

22

#GFT715 Leathereee Notebook

#NWest

Farm & Ranch Family 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 2019 THSRA State Finals.

The Allbritton Family of Region V

C

by Catelyn Felts

ongratulations to the Allbritton’s, the McCoy’s Farm and Ranch family of the month! Lisa and Nathan Allbritton, and their son, Kade Maroney, own and operate 2,400 acres near Mansfield, Louisiana, where their home

place is; 2,000 acres in Cloutierville, Louisiana; and 15,000 acres in Colorado.

They own roughly 1,500 mama cows (not counting bulls and calves) and 12 horses. “We have four full-time employees working for us along with Nathan, Kade and myself,” Lisa said.

While no family members work a 9-5 job, they get their fair share of work with extended hours. “We work sunup to sundown,” Lisa said.

All of the ranch tasks are a team effort as no person working on the ranch has one particular job. “We all chip in and get the work done,” Lisa said. “There may be days when Kade has to go to the bank and grocery store or roll hay and then haul the hay that night, and same goes for Nathan and myself.”

Kade is currently an A/B honor roll senior attending a high school co-op with five other seniors. He has a passion for the roping events and as long as he continues to love it, Lisa said they will continue to make time for the sport and support him.

Kade competes in the tie down roping, team roping and cutting events at Region V. “We love rodeo weekends,” the family said. “It gives our family a chance to slow down, catch our breath from the work that's at home waiting on us, and we get to enjoy the rodeo families we've come to love over the years in Region V. In addition to rodeo, Kade has been showing since 5th grade. Lisa explained how he has shown commercial dairy cows, pigs and commercial heifers throughout the years and developed an interest in riding since he was able to walk. According to Lisa, Kade’s love for the ranch life came at a very young age. Over the years Kade has acquired horses, cattle and cow dogs that he's bought himself with the money he earns or has won at jackpot ropings.

“One thing I'd like to add about Kade is, Nathan or I do not pay for Kade to jackpot rope,” Lisa said. “If he wants to rope, then he works for his fees or he wins money from the last roping he attended to pay for the next roping. Kade has accomplished quite a bit in his years of team roping, and we are super proud of him…”

The family explained how honored they feel to be selected as the McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family of the Month, “It's an honor to be selected as the McCoy's Farm and Ranch Family of the month,” Lisa said. “I'm not sure we deserve the title because so many other families fit the bill, but we are honored nonetheless.”

23

2018 TEXAS NATIONAL RESULTS photos cour tesy of Acentric Rodeo

Carson Wetsel

TEAM TEXAS, 2018 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS BOY’S TEAM STANDINGS - TEXAS 1ST GIRL’S TEAM STANDINGS - TEXAS 2ND TEXAS TOP 20 CONTESTANTS BOY’S ROOKIE STANDINGS: Carson Wetsel - 2nd

Madalyn Richards

Sheridan Clark

BOY’S ALL AROUND STANDINGS: Carson Wetsel - 3rd

SADDLE BRONC: Taylor Russell - 4th Jake Vance - 7th Parker Fleet - 9th Will Pollock - 10th

BARRELS: Bradi Good - 2nd Kenna Hayes McNeill - 4th

STEER WRESTLING: Kater Tate - 9th Joe York - 17th

BAREBACK: Kolt Dement - 6th

REINED COW HORSE: Elizabeth Clymer - 9th Carson Wetsel - 10th Colee Charlesworth - 15th

BOY’S CUTTING: Carson Ray - Champion Carson Wetsel - 8th Brendan Bennett - 17th BULLS: Cam Rogers - 16th GIRL’S CUTTING: Sheridan Clark - Co Champion Hannah King - 4th Allison Spiers - 18th GOAT TYING: Madalyn Richards - 2nd Catherine Clayton - 7th

Taylor Russell

24

POLES: Carly Staggs - 4th

GIRL’S HORSE OF THE YEAR: Madalyn Richards - Smart Lil Spitfire KNOWLEDGE BOWL: 2nd - Brendan Bennett, Kenna Hays McNeill & Aubrie Fields QUEEN’S CONTEST: Aubrie Fields - 4th LIGHT RIFLE: Kate McNeill - 13th Jake Kahla - 15th TRAP: Will Black - 1st Brady Blanchard- 5th Hunter Wells - 18th

2018-2019 MISS TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL RODEO

Aubrie Fields

H

ello I am Aubrie Fields! I would like to start by saying what an honor it is to represent the great state of Texas as the 2018 Texas High School Rodeo Queen. Not only do I love this state, I love the western industry and more specifically the sport of rodeo. I was born into a rodeo family, and I was riding horses before I could walk. As a young child I did playdays and horse shows that eventually changed into jackpots and rodeos. I currently rodeo in Region 2 where I compete breakaway roping (my favorite), barrels, poles and reined cow horse. Besides competing in rodeos I enjoy showing pigs and goats, as well as welding my own metal projects. I am an active member of FFA, UIL, National Honor Society and student council. Some of my competition activities include job interview, public relations, horse judging, farm business management, headline writing, editorial writing, news writing and calculator applications. After high school I plan to attend Texas A&M University and pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine with a minor in communications.

Being selected as a representative for THSRA is truly a blessing. I am more than excited to see all the behind the scenes work of such a great organization. Blessings to all and goodluck on another year of high school rodeo! “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.� 1 Samuel 12:24

25

“We truly believe The TRAINER will maximize the amount of time it takes you to reach your goals as a team roper.”

The TRAINER

New Collapsible Legs

– JOSH LOVE, HEEL-O-MATIC GENERAL MANAGER

Spring-Loaded Tongue 3-Stage Pulley System

888-HEELING | 888-433-5464 | heelomatic.com

26

Brand-New Patented Hop The new hop is the EXACT replica of live cattle in tow and has even been matched to live steer movements by a mechanical engineer from Baylor University.

STATE FINALS BIDS NOW BEING ACCEPTED: Go to thsra.org/state-office-information to download the applications.

• State Finals Rodeo Personnel • State Finals Contractor • Saddle and Buckle Award Bids

SHEETS • TRAVEL LINE • DESIGNER LINE TOTES • COOLERS • SADDLE PADS

Contact Alta Williams - alta@equibrand.com

27

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - CHEYANNE SWOOPE VICE PRESIDENT - LARAMIE WEDEMEYER SECRETARY - HAYLEY NOVAK STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS THOMAS BROCKWAY 8016 CR 2419 • Royse City, 75189 thomas.brockway@woodpartners.com 214.770.5302

DR. TANDY FREEMAN

MARK KELLEY 155 Pole Bridge Road • Combine, Texas 75159 214.316.6770 • kkcarroll1218@gmail.com SECRETARY - TINA BRADEN PO Box 549 • Horatio, AR 71842 870.832.3149 • tbbraden@earthlink.net

Region IV

BRENT CHADWICK 2915 N US HWY 69 • Mineola, TX 75773 903.569.1569 • brentchadwick87@gmail.com PRESIDENT- BRENT CHADWICK 2915 N US 69 • Mineola, Texas 75773 903.569.1569 • chadbr2@aol.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

It Takes a Village…

E

By JESSEE YOUNG – Performance Reporter

veryone knows the old saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, it takes a village to keep our high school rodeo going strong for not only those of us who enjoy it now but for future generations as well.

When we look behind the scenes of our rodeo we find so many people volunteering their time and energy to keep it going strong.

For instance look at our Region 4 directors.

All the countless hours making sure the ground has just the right amount of water, the timers are in place, the arena is measured off and the stock is ready. The director’s job ensures the rodeo will run as smooth and timely as possible.

I had a moment to talk to three of our Region 4 State directors about why being a director is important to them.

Mark Kelley stated his greatest strengths

are supporting our board and the contestants and being there for them, with whatever needs they may have. He added “I love helping the kids, supporting, encouraging and motivating them to reach their goals. You can’t realize your dreams unless you have one to being with.” Mr. Kelley also added during our interview that his dream for this organization as being a director is “to give the young men and women the confidence to achieve what they choose to do in life.” Mr. Kelley believes to get others involved you have to involve others and show them the benefits of rodeo.

Knowing how to win, how to lose, and to achieve a work ethic that will carry them through life no matter what it throws at them.

In my conversation with Thomas Brockway I asked him what do you love about being a State and region director? His comment was “I enjoy helping with the year-end awards and just helping folks in general. It allows me and my family to meet young youth from different regions of Texas that we would not normally have the opportunity to meet.” He also added, qualities that make a great director are people skills, being able to handle parents and contestants with respect in a firm fourth right manner. Mr. Brockway went on to add that his greatest strengths as being a State director are “years of experience in leadership roles from church to the corporate world of Multifamily to being captain of my high school football team. A life time of opportunities and blessings.”

“I have been involved in rodeo most of my life, from team roping and steer wrestling to working as a pickup man.

To pass that knowledge, desire and drive to help kids excel in a sport that I love,” is what Mr. Brent Chadwick stated his strength being a State director. Brent said that the reason he wanted to be a director was to directly be involved in the decision making from the stock contractors, judges to announcers and photographers. I ended our conversation by asking Mr. Chadwick what motivated you to get other involved? His answer was “the preservation of the western lifestyle and the sport of rodeo, which is not in the bright lights nearly as much as other sports.”

As stated above it takes directors and volunteers to make this village successful. Without the support and dedication we wouldn’t have such a great sport. We, here in Region 4 are very grateful for the wonderful volunteers and directors we have. Thank you for helping to keep the sport of Rodeo alive.

show me your buckle REGION MEMBERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CHAMPION BUCKLES.

“I won it at a church roping the reason why it’s my favorite buckle is bc it was my first one. I was 13.”

– Cody Williams

“It is my first champion team roper belt buckle.”

– Garrett Roffino, 15, Region 4

Jesse Young

“I won it for winning the second most money at the rodeo it’s my favorite because it’s my family rodeo.”

– Peyton Cooper, 18, Region 4

29

PRESIDENT - IMA CHAMPION VICE PRESIDENT - MACKENZIE FOLEY SECRETARY - HELENA COLLMORGEN

STUDENT OFFICERS

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS BRAD CRONE 2410 McBride Devillier • Winnie, Texas 77665 409.351.1983 • dps2422@aol.com

Region V

SECRETARY - SUSAN BALDWIN 704 1/2 Southview Circle • Center, Texas 75935 936.590.4330 • regionvsecretary@gmail.com

JOE GLENN KAHLA 612 FM 1747 • Jasper, Texas 75951 409.384.0921 • jgk@mklawyers.com JEFF LUMMUS PO Box 646 • Orangefield, Texas 77639 409.313.7765 • jeff.t.lummus-1@dupont.com

PRESIDENT- JASON KEY 17547 N Hwy 59 • Garrison, Texas 75946 936.564.0668 • key.jason@ymail.com

30

PERFORMANCE REPORT Rolling with the Punches

By HARLEY JO PERKINS – Performance Reporter

W

hether you realize it or not, your run or ride starts way before you ever go down the alleyway or step over into the chute. It starts even before you saddle your horse or rope the dummy. So, the question is, when does your run actually start? Honestly, it starts the minute you crank the truck, put it in drive, and pull out of the driveway.

Before you even arrive at the rodeo, you may have to deal with a blowout or getting your order wrong at Whataburger. Your horse throws a shoe right before you run or while you’re pulling up you notice a huge Ferris Wheel and remember you’re riding an unseasoned 5-year-old. Trust me, we’ve all been there and understand how frustrating and nerve-racking these things are. But what we have to learn when things go wrong and things happen that are completely unplanned is just to roll with it. Being able to not let frustration or anger carry over to your performance in the arena is a very challenging goal that we should strive to conquer. Mental preparation is equally as important as physical practice. Without the mental strength to move past obstacles is cutting yourself short at performing to the best of your ability.

4x World Champion barrel racer, Sherri Cervi, speaks with wisdom on what it takes to prepare for your run. “Flexibility is the key. Changing your game plan at a moment’s notice and making adjustments without letting it affect your focus is hard, but I feel like it’s very important in a rodeo atmosphere.”

While no one plans on things going wrong, something usually comes up that tests our patience and focus. Holding unto the negative attitude that problems can bring isn’t fair for you or your horse. We can’t control the things that happen but we can control our attitude and how we react to the situation at hand. Another thing we have to learn how to do is be okay with making mistakes and not having the run we hoped for. Not every run or ride is going to be perfect and in order for us to move onto the next one, we have to leave those mistakes in the arena behind us. If we carry those misses or hit barrels around in our mind, there isn’t room for learning and making new goals. We have to be forgiving and allow ourselves to fall sometimes. Kaleb Driggers, PRCA Header, talks about how he handles things when they don’t go as planned. “If my partner messes up, I’m never mad. And if I mess up, I’m only mad for maybe two or three minutes before I get over it and move on to the next one. To my mind, that’s what you have to do if you want to win.”

With the new rodeo season just around the corner, take time to mentally prepare yourself and your horse for the obstacles that rodeos throw at you. When you make mistakes, learn from them, be forgiving of your horse and yourself and move on with perseverance. If you want to learn more from the best cowboys and cowgirls, go checkout barrelhorsenews.com and thecowboyjournal.com!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

SEE YOUR LOCAL TEXAS KUBOTA DEALER FOR EXCITING DETAILS ON OUR FULL LINE OF TRACTORS AND HAY TOOLS!

WWW.KUBOTA.COM

PROVIDING ALL YOUR CUSTOM SILVER AWARDS ***FROM OLD SCHOOL TO NEW*** (830) 225-3153 | kelly.slover@aol.com 701 N. Hwy 281, Ste. E #222 – Marble Falls, TX 78654

www.facebook.com/kellyslover-bucklesandmore Psalms 37:5

KELLYSLOVERCUSTOMTROPHYSILVER.COM

COPYRIGHTED “LACED EDGES” & “BOX BUCKLES” 31

congratulates two former thsra members Bailee Ackerman & Will Byler on their engagement

photo by: madi wagner photography

We offer wedding and baby registries!

Find thiers in store and online!

WWW.BUCKFERGESONORIGINALS.COM

100% Handmade & Custom Call (951)600-0444 www.acutabovebuckles.com customorder@acutabovebuckles.com

34

EMMI LUMMUS OF REGION X

by Jaqueline Knox

C

The Whataburger Whatakid is selected due to their ability to excel both in and out of the rodeo arena. Whataburger is proud to recognize a THSRA member from each of the ten Regions who truly upholds the title “Whatakid!” One of the nominees will be chosen at the State Final Rodeo in June as the Whatakid of the Year. In recognition of this accomplishment they will receive free Whataburgers for an entire year!

ongratulations to the Whatakid of the month, Emmi Lummus! This seventeen-year-old senior is a force to be reckoned with and has not let anything drag her down.

She plans on competing in barrel racing and calf roping this coming up year. In the past, she has also competed in team roping and pole bending. Barrels are her favorite event.

Emmi rides a sorrel named Cash, who is actually blind in his right eye. With the barrel on the right being the first one they go to, both Emmi and Cash rely on each other tremendously. “It’s a trust thing between us 100%. He has to trust me completely and I have to trust him. New arenas are always hard but we seem to always get it together,” Emmi said.

Even though all of Emmi’s sisters have ridden Cash at one time, Emmi and Cash seemed to get along the best. In fact, the pair ended up going to state together their first year together. “We stuck together and it has been like that ever since. Every ride on Cash is a fun one,” Emmi said.

Emmi has been part of rodeo since before she can remember.

With her dad and all her sisters competing before her, it runs in the family. She has also made some of her best friends through rodeo.

When asked about her favorite rodeo memory, Emmi responded, “I don’t know if I can pick out just one.” She went on to explain that she enjoyed traveling around with her mom and dad this summer to a bunch of different rodeos. It was the first time it was just her and her parents because in the past their truck had always been jam packed with her and all of her sisters.

Emmi believes that rodeo is such a humbling sport and that’s why she enjoys it so much. “My best friend, Shelby, and I have been rodeoing together since we were little. We are always competing against each other but you would never know because we are constantly cheering for each other. In rodeo, you don’t want anyone to do badly. Little do we realize that the people we are running against are also the ones we are cheering for,” Emmi explained.

Emmi has qualified for state every year but her junior year. “For a while, I was so down on myself for not making it to state. But then I thought about the fact that it is an accomplishment to make it to state. It’s not easy and not everyone makes it. I had been going since 6th grade and so not making it junior year hit really hard. But then it hit me, there is competition everywhere. Maybe they deserved it more than I did because they practiced harder,” Emmi said.

Not only does Emmi compete in rodeo, she also competes on the varsity basketball, track, volleyball and golf teams at Orangefield High School.

Emmi considers basketball her favorite and was named the district MVP her junior year.

In addition to all her athletic endeavors, she is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, a class officer, and Meet In the Middle, a group that works with the special needs kids at her school.

Emmi also volunteers her time to be a Sunday school leader fro the little ones at her church.

Christal Odom, Emmi’s agricultural sciences teacher, has been a major influence on her. “Just the way she approaches people and her positive attitude toward others amazes me,” Emmi said.

“She never treats anyone differently. She is just awesome.”

She also looks up to her parents, Hope and Jeff Lummus, a lot. “I don’t think I could single either one of them out. They balance each other perfectly,” Emmi said.

Growing up in a house of four girls, Emmi

and her sisters are extremely close. Her sisters have always been there for her and she counts them as her best friends. Sophomore year, Emmi actually competed with a fractured lower back.

“You take the little things for granted like throwing your saddle up on your horse until one day you can’t do anymore. It was one of the things I never thought would happen to me but I got through it,” Emmi said. “It taught me that even the big set backs you can come back from.” Her sisters helped her through everything and made sure her horse was taken care of and fed. She was only able to compete in poles that year due to her injury.

Emmi explained that one thing she always has in her mind are the words be brave.

“That’s something I always tell myself. Whether it is sports, rodeo, or schoolwork, I just tell myself ‘be brave Emmi. You got this,’” Emmi said. Another saying that she would count as her life motto is Philippians 4:13, which reads, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This verse means a lot to her as it has helped her through multiple different trials.

In the future, Emmi plans to attend college and hopefully pursue the path towards becoming a cardiac sonographer. Eventually, she would like to amateur rodeo but wants to focus on her schooling while in college.

“I feel excited and privileged to have been chosen as this months Whatakid. I know that there are a lot of great and deserving candidates out there and to know I was chosen makes me feel extremely honored and special,” Emmi said.

35

STUDENT OFFICERS

SECRETARY - NENA BOETTCHER PO Box 833 • East Bernard, Texas 77435 281.468.8973 • Region6thsra@gmail.com

Region VI

STATE DIRECTORS SHANNA NETTLE LOGAN PO Box 1882 • Brenham, TX 77834 979.421.2912 • samlogan89@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT - BAILEY BENNIGHT VICE PRESIDENT - RYAN NETTLE SECRETARY - BRYANJNA LEHRMANN

MISTY SMITH 1701 FM 99 • Whitsett, Texas 78075 512.848.6343 • rdmssmith@yahoo.com PRESIDENT - DAVID FREEMAN 1039 Mockingbird Lane • Eagle Lake, TX 77434 832.221.1253 • chlfreeman@yahoo.com

36

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By SAGE SPIVEY

O

– Performance Reporter

ver the last month everyone has been on a break from Texas High School Rodeo. Now that the new season is approaching, it’s time to get our heads back in the game. While some people have been enjoying time off on vacation, others have been from rodeo to rodeo – they can’t get enough!

After state finals, Steely Steiner competed in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the International Finals You Rodeo. “I think always having a positive outlook is key to competition” she says. “Do the best you can do and always be proud about

trying your hardest”. Steely came into the short round sitting 15th and tied up the weekend well finishing on top in the short round and reserve champion barrel racer. With a good attitude anything is possible!

This year, region VI is planning on hosting activities Saturday nights (goat tying matches, barrel races on foot, dodge ball, tying calves, etc.) to help build friendships and teamwork skills.

If you’re interested or have ideas, please let us know! We think this is a great way to spend more time together and get everyone involved. We don’t come to Gonzales only to compete in the arena, the main goal is to always have fun – don’t forget it! Sometimes we let the whole idea of “winning” get the best of us. This year lets focus on what we get out of it instead and think positive!

1 Corinthians 9:24, “You know that in a race all the runners run but only one wins the prize, don't you? You must run in such a way that you may be victorious”.

Even if you didn’t win the round or set the arena record, you can still find a victory in every run. Whether its not hitting a pole or catching your calf, big or little, every success counts. Your main competition is yourself. Every time you go into the arena, try to be better than you were yesterday. Try not to discourage yourself, or others… there’s always next time!

show me your buckle REGION MEMBERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CHAMPION BUCKLES.

TCJBR 2017 Champion Sr. Bull Rider “My favorite buckle is my first senior bull riding buckle.”

Riley Hausler, 17, Region 6

Chute and Barrel 2017 14-18 Champion Sr. Clovers “This is my favorite buckle because it reminds me of the NFR go-round winner buckles, which I one day hope to earn.”

Brinlee Freeman, 16, Region 6

THSRA Region 6 2018 Reserve Barrel Racing Champion “This is my favorite buckle because it was my first buckle to win on my horse Moonshine.”

Rylan Heller, 15, Region 6

THSRA 2017 Region 6 Poles State Qualifier “My favorite buckle would have to be this one because I qualified for state in poles my freshman year on a special horse I’ve grown up riding and training.”

Sage Spivey, 16, Region 6

37

1-800-687-7624

alamosaddlery@sbcgobal.net www.alamosaddlery.com

38

krystal@kotrading.com 39

40

PRESIDENT - HALEY PHILLIPS VICE PRESIDENT - HANNAH PHILLIPS SECRETARY - NIKI CARTER

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS RORY KOEHN 1669 CR 230 • Weimar, Texas 78962 979.263.5644 • koehnranch@cvctx.com

STUDENT OFFICERS

SCOTT SHOOK 5750 FM 360 • Needville, Texas 77461 713.851.9553 • scotctshook@yahoo.com

Region VII

SECRETARY - NENA BOETTCHER PO Box 833 • East Bernard, Texas 77435 281.468.8973 • region7thsra@gmail.com

DEE RAWLINSON 12432 N SH 71 • El Campo, Texas 77437 979.543.8906 • drawlinson@reatarealty.com PRESIDENT- CLINT RAWLINSON 12432 N. SH 71 • El Campo, Texas 77437 979.637.0500 • rawlinsonclint@gmail.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

The Mental Game cowboy or cowgirl. Instructional and motivation self-talk in particular gives athletes a leg up on the competition. According to several leading professional sports psychologist by using instructional self-talk to keep your thoughts focused you will stay calmer (“Keep your arm up, lift on that rein,” “Use your legs ”).

R

By JAYCI LEE BYLER

– Performance Reporter

odeo athletes have to have top physical skills to be competitive in Texas. The talents of the athletes competing in the rodeos are wide spread covering multi events from roughstock to the timed events.

Behind these athletes’ physical feats is an even more impressive attribute, the mental game. In Rodeo it’s as much of a mental game as a physical one. Cowboys and Cowgirls have to tune out distractions, reduce stress and anxiety and put all their focus towards the event they are competing in. Great athletes succeed because they know how to stay at the top of their events mentally. Everyone trains hard. Everyone does the work. What separates the Gold Buckle Champions from the rest is simply the mental game.

I visited with a few World Champions here is what they all had in common.

VISUALIZE THE OUTCOME YOU WANT. Professional athletes have used this technique of “mental imagery,” or visualization, to up their performance. Tell yourself you are a great

SET YOUR GOALS HIGH All athletes need to have a clear goal in front of them, and not be afraid to dream big. After all every World Champion was once a young cowboy watching the NFR, dreaming of competing at the Thomas & Mack. The higher you set your goals, the harder you’re going to work at them.

GET IN YOUR ZONE Getting into a flow mindset is described as being “in the zone” allows Cowboys and Cowgirls to react in their event without over analyzing it.

Athletes who can achieve and maintain mental flow are mentally tough. A bronc balks at the bucking chute, a calf kicks when being flanked, horse slips in the turn, Cowboys and Cowgirls need to adjust without breaking their mental flow.

PRACTICE PEN MENTAL CHALLENGE. World Champion Team Roper Turtle Powell says “The mental game is crucial.

The one thing that will make you better than the competition is mental focus and preparation. You have to practice like your in that moment all the time. When that moment comes you will have a feeling like you have already done it.”

LET YOUR FAITH LEAD YOU. From World Champion Barrel Racer Kay Blandford “Important to stay positive be a jockey not a trainer. Pray and don't wish. I never lose, I win or I learn.”

World Champion Calf Roper Caleb Smidt said “I try to keep focused on my job. Taking one day at a time and praying through it all made it all work out for the best”.

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

800-255-0105 903-874-3995

P.O. Box 1516 Corsicana, TX 75151

For All of Your Rodeo Assosciation Award Needs

Discounts on Year End Awards: Gift Certificates Custom Chaps Pro Riding Boots Custom Bull Ropes Custom Bareback Riggings

Custom Embroidery on All Sizes of Gear Bags www.barstowprorodeo.com

The gossip around the barn...

Strategy now supports gastric comfort. ®

© 2018 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.

41

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - MARY GRACE BLUNTZER VICE PRESIDENT - ZOEY WIATREK SECRETARY - MORGAN ARNOLD KIM NICHOLSON 8434 N. US Hwy 183 • Goliad, Texas 77963 830.570.7302 • kim_nicholson@att.net

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

JASON UNDERBRINK 520 Phillips Rd • Pleasanton, Texas 78064 210.854.7718 • jasonunderbrink@yahoo.com SECRETARY - CELINA FETTY

Region VIII

3005 Santa Ana St. • Corpus Christi, Texas 78415 361.739.9858 • region8thsra@gmail.com

385 ECR 401 • Falfurrias, Texas 78355 361.813.7078 • masolomon1962@gmail.com

PRESIDENT- MIKE SOLOMON

385 ECR 401 • Falfurrias, Texas 78355 361.813.7078 • masolomon1962@gmail.com

PRESIDENT- MIKE SOLOMON

42

PERFORMANCE REPORT

The Backbone of Our Region

B

By Mackenzie

Bryce – Performance Reporter

eing the daughter of a region president, you see firsthand what it’s like for the board to put on our rodeos.

It makes you truly appreciate everything these people do for our region. Our board is the backbone of our region and having a board that can bring many contributions to the table is very important. The preparation for our rodeos doesn’t just start the night before a rodeo, it’s a yearround task. Receiving phone calls daily and at all hours about stock or even complaints is one of the many things I see my dad go through the most. I think he talks on the phone more than I do! During the summer our board attended a statewide meeting in Dallas to discuss the new changes in THSRA. The board also has many conference calls and group messages that involve the planning of this year’s season. Coordinating stock, arenas, and making a rodeo schedule are just a few of the task our board works on.

Someone else to remember is our region and state secretaries. These ladies are the ones who keep our boards in line. As well as make sure that we as members have and do everything correct. The secretaries are the heart of our organization.

It’s not only our region boards it’s our state and National boards that goes

through this. Can you imagine organizing a rodeo for the whole state of Texas high school kids? That’s got to be tough work. Ninety-five percent of the people that it takes to run all of our rodeos are volunteers with full time jobs. I encourage everyone to keep that in mind when something isn’t exactly perfect at your rodeo, instead of complaining, jump in and try to help resolve the problem.

“We wouldn’t be able to run such a good and smooth rodeo without our volunteers” says my dad, Mike Solomon. Not only is it our board and secretaries that run our rodeos but the countless number of volunteers that work long hours. These people don’t have to sort cattle or set barrels, they do it for the love of the sport and the love of kids.

On behalf of region VIII and myself I would like to thank the Executive Board as well State and Regional Boards for always going the extra mile to give us a top of the line rodeo to compete at.

show me your buckle REGION MEMBERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CHAMPION BUCKLES.

“This plain jane buckle is one of my favorites. There’s really nothing special about the looks of it but the meaning behind it is what makes it my favorite. This buckle is one that a won on a horse I made myself, that was a first for me and I cherish all the hard work that was behind winning this buckle.” Says region VIII senior Mackenzie Bryce.

16-year-old, Shyanne Bauerle from region VIII says this is her favorite buckle because, “it’s the first thing I had won since I had been in a rough patch. I couldn’t place at a rodeo for the past three months, it seemed like the odds were against me. Going into the Texas Circuit Finals Youth Rodeo, I had a new mindset and a plan. I ended up winning my age group and winning the shootout.”

CELEBRATE

CHAMPIONS

Signature Collection

WITH OUR

buckles

800.550.7535 43

Bringing you the Best

CUSTOM BUCKLES AND AWARDS Montana Silversmiths offers the best in custom buckles and awards for champions at every level.

The story of every champion is handcrafted into the design of the buckle with passion and pride by our artisans.

For your convenience we have divided our custom buckles and awards into two categories: Design Your Own | Build Your Own

If you can dream it, we can build it.

Design Your Own Start from scratch with your inspiration and with our expertise, we will create your Designer Buckles and Awards.

Build Your Own Choose from a menu of options: engraving, stones, figures, lettering, date trim and paint color to personalize your Trophy Buckles and Awards.

Years

TROPHY HOTLINE: 888-677-9487 www.montanasilversmiths.com

PRESIDENT - SPIN EDWARDS VICE PRESIDENT - JESSICA GARRETT SECRETARY - LYNDIE DUNN

Champions

STUDENT OFFICERS

204 CR 6763 • Dayton, Texas 77535 713.553.6421 • eddiedyson@thsra9.com

979.251.4131 • laceyaubihl@thsra9.com

Region IX

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS EDDIE DYSON

JONATHAN LAWSON

SECRETARY - LACEY AUBIHL 1326 PR 5011 • Ledbetter, Texas 78946

838 SH 150 • New Waverly, Texas 77358 936.520.1401 • fivedowell@gmail.com

460 Bishop Road • Huntsville, Texas 77320 713.417.6042 • donjackson321@gmail.com

DON JACKSON

PO Box 1177 • Madisonville, Texas 77864 281.785.0077 • mghormley@me.com

PRESIDENT- MIKE GHORMLEY

PERFORMANCE REPORT

T

By ALY GHORMLEY– Performance Reporter

he Texas High School Rodeo Team once again took the win at the National High School Rodeo Finals. Region IX is very proud of each member that represented the great state of Texas, but are especially proud of National Champion, Carson Ray. Carson and

his horse, Rocket, took the title by winning all three rounds of the cutting competition. Being a newcomer to the sport, only starting in October of 2016, makes the win even more special. Carson, an upcoming junior, looks forward to the upcoming years in High School Cutting, as he will have two more chances to defend his title.

Our State Champion Carly Staggs also had a successful competition in the pole bending. Carly and Lulu placed well in all three rounds to earn her 4th in the Nation.

Region IX’s other State Champion Joe York had two successful runs in the steer dogging and made the short go in a very tough field of competitors. Carly and Joe

National Team Picture: (left to right it is) Carson Ray, Joe York, Jessica Garrett, Carly Staggs & Hunter Wells.

National Champion Carson Ray

both earned scholarships and will head off to college to continue their rodeo careers. Two other seniors, Jessica Garrett and Hunter Wells, also qualified and competed at the National Finals.

Jessica competed in the goat tying, and Hunter in light rifle.

Region IX would like to congratulate each of our members on their National Championship and wish them luck in their future rodeo and school careers.

Region IX will begin the new rodeo season in October in Bryan, Texas. The start of the new year means the start of a new run for new champions!

Work hard Region IX because 2 Chronicles 15:7 says be strong and your work will be rewarded.

See you down the rodeo trail.

God bless you all.

45

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - KAMBRIA MCDOUGAL VICE PRESIDENT - HANNAH HAMMOND SECRETARY/TRES. LARRY DOWELL 370 CR 220 • Marlin, Texas 76661 254.715.8814 • fivedowell@gmail.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

COLE SEALY PO Box 566 • San Saba, Texas 76877 325.247.0545 • colesealy@yahoo.com

SECRETARY - STEPHANIE SHOEMAKER 6500 CR 1202 • Cleburne, Texas 76031

817.648.2723 • texasregion10@gmail.com

MATT SILAR 104 CR 867 N • Teague, Texas 75860 903.388.2531 • matt.silar@patriotinsp.com PRESIDENT - JERRY WRIGHT 434 CR 315 • Oglesby, Texas 76561 254.290.4965 • jerrywrighthomes@hughes.net

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Excited to Compete

R

By BRITTNE

THOMAS – Performance Reporter

aley Downing is starting her junior year and ready for regions to start. She is excited to compete and see her friends again at Region X. One of the things she enjoys about rodeoing is the people, they are there to help you whenever you need it. If you need help the people at Region X are ready to help in any way. Raley also enjoys the com-

petition, each contestant pushes each other to compete to their best ability. When she competes the girls in barrels, poles, and goats they push her to be a better athlete. Raley Downing set goals for herself to achieve. The goals she sets for herself are to qualify in state in all of her events. The events she will be competing in are barrels, poles, and goat tying. Outside of the arena Raley also has some amazing goals for herself. She hopes to have good grades and get a good education.

Kutter Kortis will be competing as a junior this year as well. Kutter is eager for regions to start. He is thrilled to see his friends again, as well as hangout with them. Competing and hanging out with his friends reminds him why he loves to rodeo. It is more than just roping a cow or a steer it is about the friendship and the competition. This year he is going to be competing in tie down and team roping.

Kutter set some goals for himself to achieve and will work hard to achieve them.

Some goals he has set for himself are winning the CPRA and UPRA rookie of the year in the calf roping. At Region X he is going to work and practice hard to win the calf roping and make the national team. Outside of the arena Kutter is apart of the Central Texas High School Bass Fishing Association. He competes many bass fishing tournaments. Kutter is very excited to see how everything will play out this year.

RALEY DOWNING KUTTER KORTIS

46

CUSTOM MADE & HAND CRAFTED JUST FOR YOU!

Find us on Facebook • Call for Pricing (505) 862-7253 • sales@maynardbuckles.com • PO Box 419 • Thoreau, NM 87323

MAYNARDBUCKLES.COM 47

48

SADDLES MADE IN TEXAS FOR TEXANS

COWBOY CLASSIC SADDLERY A Full Award Line Available: Headstalls, Rope Bags, Breast Collars, Hay Bags & Halters

Custom Trophy Saddles for Every Budget!

(254) 592-4928 Stephenville, Texas ccsaddle@gmail.com

cowboyclassicsaddlery.com 49

AWARDS & GIFTS

FULL COLOR CUSTOMIZATION CUSTOMIZED ONLY IN TEXAS COMPETITIVE PRICING LOW MINIMUMS NO SETUP FEES

ORDER NOW AT: CUPSINCOLOR.COM PREMIUM CUPS PREMIUM DURABILITY PREMIUM LOOKS

C in Color LLC is not an authorized dealer of Yeti Coolers LLC product. C in Color LLC is not affiliated with Yeti Coolers LLC in any way.

For California Proposition 65 information visit cupsincolor.com/california-proposition-65-warnings/

YOUTH RODEO ASSOCIATION 2018 - 2019 YRA SEASON

The 2018-2019 rodeo year is the 47th Anniversary of the YRA. At the YRA Finals All-Around saddles, Year End saddles and Finals Average saddles will be awarded in each event along with belt buckles through 6th Place for Year End.

To qualify for the Finals you only have to enter 6 rodeos.

2017 Awards: 1 – Aluminum Trailer, 2-Three Horse Trailers, 66 Saddles, 170 Belt Buckles, and Scholarships

YEAR END ALL AROUNDS WILL EACH DRAW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ALUMINUM TRAILER

Membership Applications, Entry Blanks and the Schedule are available on the YRA website: www.yratx.com or call 713-501-8843 TEXT @YRA to AGE GROUPS (AS OF 9/1/18) EVENTS AGE

Bareback Boys - 15 – 19 512-270-7024 for info texts!

Group PeeWee: ages 8 & under Sub Junior: ages 9 – 12 Juniors: ages 13 – 15 Seniors: ages 16 – 19

Like the Youth Rodeo Association Facebook Page!!

www.yratx.

SCHEDULE: #1 Sept. 7 & 8, 2018 – Edna #2 Sept. 21,22,23, 2018 – Edna - Short Go 9/23 #3 Oct. 5 & 6, 2018 Smithville #4 Oct. 26 & 27, 2018 – Bellville 1st Postmark Deadline #5 Nov. 9 & 10, 2018 – Giddings - 8/27 #6 Nov. 16 & 17, 2018 – Hitchcock Call in if you miss #7 Jan. 4 & 5, 2018 – Rosenberg postmark 9/4 #8 Jan. 18 & 19, 2018 – Hitchcock #9 Feb. 8,9,10 2018 – Edna - Short Go 2/10 #10 Feb. 22 & 23, 2018 – Caldwell #11 March 1 & 2, 2018 – Halletsville #12 March 15,16,17, 2018 – Gonzales - Short Go 3/17 June 20-23, 2018 – YRA Finals – Edna

Friday Perf 7:00 PM * Saturday Perf 2:00 PM * Short Go - 10:00 AM Roughstock only at #2, #9, #12

Calf Riding Boys - 9 & under Steer (Jr. Bull Riding) Boys - 10 – 14 Bull Riding Boys - 15 – 19 Chute Dogging Boys - 15 & under PeeWee Poles Boys & Girls - 8 & under Sub Jr. Poles Boys & Girls - 9 – 12 Jr. Poles Girls - 13 – 15 Sr. Poles Girls - 16 – 19 Sub Jr. Tiedown Boys - 12 & under Jr. Tiedown Boys - 13 -15 Sr. Tiedown Boys - 16 – 19 PeeWee Barrels Boys & Girls – 8 & under Sub Jr. Barrels Boys & Girls – 9 – 12 Jr. Barrels Girls - 13 – 15 Sr. Barrels Girls - 16 – 19 Sub Jr. Ribbons Boys & Girls – 12 & under Jr. Ribbons Boys & Girls – 13 – 15 Jr./Sr. Girls Ribbons Girls – 13 - 19 Sr. Ribbons Boys – 16 – 19 PeeWee Figure 8s Boys & Girls - 8 & under Sub Jr. Figure 8s Boys & Girls – 9 – 12 Jr. Figure 8s Girls – 13 -15 Steer Wrestling Boys – 16 – 19 Sub Jr. Girls Breakaway Girls - 12 & under Sub Jr. Boys Breakaway Boys – 12 & under Jr. Girls Breakaway Girls – 13 – 15 Sr. Girls Breakaway Girls – 16 -19 Jr. Boys Breakaway Boys – 13 – 15 Sub Jr. Goat Tying Boys & Girls – 12 & under Jr. Goat Tying Girls – 13 – 15 Sr. Goat Tying Girls – 16- 19 Team Roping 19 & Under

51

52

We offer two lines of Trophy Saddles; the Cowpuncher FastTime and the Cowpuncher Qualifier. The Fast Time saddles come with unlimited options for upgrades; trees, conchos, seats, hardware, etc. The Qualifier saddles come with limited options. Along with buckles, bits, spurs, and custom accessories to fit any budget.

Gift Certificates also available.

1420 FM1483 – YANTIS, TX 75497 For Pricing and Information Please Call 1-800-792-7620 or 903-383-2800

www.cowpuncherbitandspur.com sales@cowpuncherbitandspur.com

53

54

Farm & Ranch Family 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 2018 THSRA State Finals.

The Moore Family of Region II

C

by Catelyn Felts

ongratulations to the McCoy’s Farm and Ranch family of the month, the Moore’s! Brent Moore and his wife, Ashley; their two children, Logan and Henry; and Brent’s parents, Mike and Becky Moore are the owners and operators of the Moore Ranch located in Eldorado, Texas.

Becky runs the office at the ranch and keeps the books, while Ashley, Logan and Henry help after school/ work and weekends. The kids help Brent during the summer with whatever needs to be done, Ashley explained.

“They have been their dad’s best hands this past summer; he hates to see school start.”

A routine day around the ranch includes mixing feed for the livestock in the feedlot, receiving or shipping out livestock from the feedlot, cleaning and sacking corn to be delivered to area feed stores and checking pasture waters and livestock.

“Our ranch is diversified in several ways,” Ashley said. “We have a cow/calf operation, a running sheep operation, and we operate a small feedlot where customers can feed out cattle or sheep.” Recently, the family added the sacking of deer corn and feed. They explained how there is a large hunting economy in their part of Texas, so they sell sacked corn to stores in several surrounding communities, as well as bulk cleaned corn to nearby ranches for their hunting operations.

The Moore Ranch is very much a family affair as Brent’s grandfather bought the ranch in 1950, and the Moore family has been operating it ever since. Right next to ranching on the list of Moore family activities lies

rodeo. Brent and Ashley both participated in THSRA while growing up and now they get to watch their daughter, Logan, compete in the barrel racing, pole bending and breakaway roping as a THSRA member.

“It is fun now to see Logan compete against our rodeo friend’s children,” Ashley said.

“We all enjoy our rodeo friends and miss them during the down times. Rodeo is a sport that brings a family together; we spend many hours together practicing and driving down the road together.”

Everyone has to do their part around the ranch, so that when the time comes to leave for a rodeo weekend, all chores are tended to, allowing the family to leave on time and not worry about things back home. “We have too much invested in horses, trailers, trucks etc to not keep everything in good running order,” Ashley said.

In some cases, McCoy’s helps keep things on the ranch in solid running condition. The nearest McCoy’s for the Moore family is located in San Angelo.

“McCoy’s has the materials when we are replacing and repairing fences and water lines and troughs,” Ashley said. “We also buy material there when repairing and updating houses on the ranch.”

The family said they are honored to be chosen as the McCoy’s Farm and Ranch family of the Month. “We appreciate all McCoy’s does to support the THSRA; there are many kids benefitting from their sponsorship.”

55

JUNIOR HIGH

2018 TJHRA NATIONAL RESULTS

2018 World Champions!

AQHA BOY’S HORSE OF THE YEAR Gus Gaillard AQHA GIRL’S HORSE OF THE YEAR Jayci Byler

GIRL’S TEAM AND BOY’S TEAM WORLD CHAMPIONS! RESERVE CHAMPION VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Gus Gaillard

TEXAS TOP 20 CONTESTANTS ALL AROUND COWBOY Gus Gaillard LIGHT RIFLE 2 - Kirby McNeill 3 - Sydni Cain 6 - Dillon Thigpen POLES 3- Tess Underbrink CHUTE DOGGING 3 - Clay Tom Hurt 12 - Keller McDougald SADDLE BRONC STEER World Champion - Gus Gaillard 2 - Benny Proffit 9 - Cooper Parsley 10 - Landon Cook CALF ROPING 4 - Cody Owens 19 - Walker Akins GIRLS BREAKAWAY 3 - Hali Williams

56

photos cour tesy of Acentric Rodeo

GIRLS GOAT TYING 10 - Clay Harris 11 - Briley King 17 - Alex Rodell BOYS GOAT TYING World Champion - Riley Webb 15 - Lane Reed BARREL RACING World Champion - Karsyn Daniels 17 - Allie Murphy

Tess Underbrink

RIBBON ROPING 4 - Peyton Mathis & Madison Durant 10 - Lane Reed & Jessi Everett BAREBACK 3/4 - Gus Gaillard 9 - Bryce Jensen BULL RIDING World Champion - Canyon Bass

Canyon Bass

THATCHER

BAUMANN

F

By RIDLEY

packages!

TIMBERLAKE – TJHRA Region I

un loving, extremely witty, and with a recognizable "Keechow," Thatcher Baumann is a 7th grader who attends Canyon Junior High in Canyon, TX. Thatcher rodeos in TJHRA's Region 1. Thatcher says that his favorite part about rodeoing in Region 1 is the competition. In addition to rodeo, the 12-year-old likes playing basketball and riding his favorite horse, Bud, in his free time. Thatcher also enjoys hanging out with his friends and riding cars with them. When asked about his favorite memory from Region 1, he said it was when he rode his first saddle bronc steer at the Region 1 finals at Childress, Texas. That ride gave him the points to go to state. He described the event like this: "I was so happy when I heard the buzzer, and I was still on! It gave me a sensation of happiness and accomplishment! I was basically overwhelmed but really excited!" he said. Thatcher said his biggest accomplishment has been qualifying for the state finals in 2018.

His biggest role model is Jacob Crawley. "He's my role model because he's very good and stays humble. Also, he attended my favorite college, Texas A&M." Successful in and out of the arena, Thatcher also scored a 100 on the STAAR test. "School is just as important as rodeo." he said. Thatcher Baumann, from TJHRA’s Region 1, is proof that dynamite does come in compact photo by Jennings

2018-2019 JUNIOR HIGH STATE DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD NATIONAL DIRECTOR JOHN E. BLAND

806-679-2037

jeblandnspade@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT SCOTT SHOOK

281-437-8214

scottshook@yahoo.com

1st VICE PRESIDENT BRENT CHARLESWORTH

432-386-6214

brent@crcompany.net

2nd VICE PRESIDENT JOE RICHARDS

806-676-5970

joe@diamondcattlefeeders.com

DELEGATE 2 YEAR TERM DAVID FREEMAN

832-221-1253

chlfreeman@yahoo.com

DELEGATE 2 YEAR TERM SHANE HANCOCK

254-379-3516

shanehancock74@yahoo.com

DELEGATE 2 YEAR TERM ERIC HUSTON

817-368-0159

duaneoverton6113@gmail.com

DELEGATE 1 YEAR TERM STAN MCDONALD

979-229-5963

stanmcdranch@aol.com

DELEGATE 1 YEAR TERM MARIE SMITH 830-570-7058 bmsmith1996@sbcglobal.net

SECRETARY ANNE DOLLERY 979-412-2551 texasjuniorhighrodeo@gmail.com

STATE DIRECTORS

Region I MATT HOGANSON GUY ELLIOTT LANCE GAILLARD

flyingM79@hotmail.com glelliott@wilbargercscd.com lsgaillard@yahoo.com

806-440-1961 940-839-6354 806-898-3748

Region II CASEY BAIZE 512-618-9233 KEITH KENT 325-665-8100 SHANE HANCOCK 254-379-3516

Region III VENITA DEARING 817-223-5355 KEVIN STEWART 817-307-7303 ERIC HUSTON 817-368-0159

coolchickroper@yahoo.com meb522@yahoo.com duaneoverton6113@gmail.com

Region IV AMY BEAM SEAN SUNDBERG JAMES TETTENHORST

LJRanchGRL@aol.com sundberg.sean@yahoo.com JamesTettenhorst@gmail.com

214-435-1579 919-518-6690 903-521-1511

csbaize@yahoo.com keith@johnroleylevelland.com shanehancock74@yahoo.com

Region V RICHARD BALDWIN 936-332-5466

DERIS MARTIN 936-366-1568 BILL WHITE 337-304-0748

Region VI CLAY OHRT 361-571-1040 GARRET OHRT 361-649-4060 TOMMY OHRT 361-550-5202

ohrt6@hotmail.com Julesoh@hotmail.com 1107cattle@yahoo.com

Region VII KIMMI BYLER CODY KENNEY DAN SIMPTON

bcross1@aol.com Cody.Kenney28@gmail.com dansimpton@yahoo.com

979-472-0034 979-922-9534 936-870-5779

r.baldwin147@icloud.com derismartin@yahoo.com whiteacresranch1@yahoo.com

Region VIII BEN ELLIS 361-701-1886 ben_ellis78@yahoo.com MATT SCIBA 361-571-7888 scibaadjuster@gmail.com MARIE SMITH 830-570-7058 bmsmith1996@sbcglobal.net

Region IX STAN MCDONALD 979-229-5963 stanmcdranch@aol.com JOHN SCHUENEMAN 979-268-4994 john.schueneman@gmail.com BRAD DYER 832-928-1647 braddyer@live.com

Region X JAMES KOONSMAN 254-717-6211 jamesk74@yahoo.com BRANT WARD 325-895-1662 ward23@gte.net RENEE WEITZ 512-217-8165 weitzrr@gmail.com

STUDENT OFFICERS

PRESIDENT JESSI EVERETT

V.PRES CEILY SIMPTON

SECRETARY ZOEY HORTENSTINE PRINCESS AMBER SIMONS

57

Champions In & Out of the Arena

By JESSI

W

EVERETT – TJHRA Region II

hat a great summer it has been for the sport of junior high rodeo!

I would like to personally congratulate all of the national qualifiers from Texas. Your hard work has paid off! From the bucking chutes, to the roping boxes, to the alleyway, you will find some of the toughest competition at Region 2. With so many of our contestants competing in the highest level of rodeo that junior high has to offer, it is no wonder so many of our rodeo athletes are

58

champions in and out of the arena.

Region 2 had an outstanding 2017-2018 season, sending multiple contestants to the National Junior High Rodeo Finals in Huron, SD. Ten contestants from Region 2 made up a substantial part of Team Texas, which swept the Finals, bringing home Boys’ Team, Girls’ Team, and National Team honors. Proudly representing Region 2 were Allie Murphy (Barrel Race), Emilee Charlesworth (Girls Breakaway Roping), Travis Handley (Bareback Steer Riding), Bronc Kothmann (Boys Breakaway Roping), JC Lucero (Boys Breakaway Roping), Cade Wallis and Cooper Meador (Team Roping), Lane Reed (Ribbon Roping and Boys Goat Tying), Jessi Everett (Ribbon Roping), and Dax Reed (Bull Riding). Those national qualifiers that will be moving up to the high school ranks for 2018-2019 are: Cooper Meador, JC Lucero, Bronc ALLIE MURPHY Kothmann, Lane Reed, and Travis Handley.

I got the chance to speak to a couple of our Region 2 national qualifiers and find out about their experiences in Huron, South Dakota. “I try not to think about what is at stake, I just want to go and make my run and do what I know how to do,” says Emilee Charlesworth. The cowgirl from Marathon, TX has worked the majority of her life trying to get ready to qualify for nationals. “I think it’s awesome how they give junior high kids such a great opportunity to compete at such a high level.”

Bronc Kothmann has been a part of Region 2 for all of his junior high career, and is continuing with us in high school “My Region 2 family means a lot to me. They LANE REED always have your back. It goes deeper than just rodeo. I have always been competitive in rodeo, but the TJHRA gives me and so many other kids a chance to step up our game.”

Region 2 rodeos will be kicking off again on September 22-23 in Sweetwater, TX, followed by rodeos on October 13th and 14th. Now is a good time to start getting your membership paperwork in! Information and forms may be found at www.thsra2.com.

60

JACK GRIFFIN OF REGION II

by Jacqueline Knox

C

The Whataburger Whatakid is selected due to their ability to excel both in and out of the rodeo arena. Whataburger is proud to recognize a THSRA member from each of the ten Regions who truly upholds the title “Whatakid!” One of the nominees will be chosen at the State Final Rodeo in June as the Whatakid of the Year. In recognition of this accomplishment they will receive free Whataburgers for an entire year!

ongratulations to the Whatakid of the month, Jack Griffin! This seventeen-year-old senior competes in team roping and calf roping. “The reason I like to rope is because of the adrenaline rush. Everything just happens so fast,” Jack said.

Jack rides two different horses that he has for about two and half years. Mate, his calf horse, is very smart and social.

He knows how to untie knots and let himself out of his pen.

a lot of fun because state is my favorite place to go,” Jack said. He has competed at state all three years of high school and plans to be back again.

The funniest rodeo moment Jack remembers is when he “fell out of a golf cart at a rodeo in Gonzales. I had sticks all in my hair.

My friends wont let me live that one down.”

Jack stood up laughing alongside his friends.

The fall just scraped him up a bit and he went on to compete later that day.

Rodeo isn’t the only activity Jack competes in.

He also is a member of the football team and FFA at Eldorado High School. In fact, he was named all West Texas defensive linemen.

At his school, he is also class president as well as student council president.

He takes his academics very seriously and even claimed a medal in social studies at the UIL academic meet. Jack also enjoys spending his limited free time hunting, fishing and skiing. “There is nothing I really enjoy more than the other. I like to mix it up and do a little bit of everything,” Jack said.

Jack tries his best to keep a positive attitude. He constantly tells himself to “always look on the brightside” and would count this phrase as his life motto. “It always comes to me. When stuff gets hard at school, especially during football season because I am swamped with a lot of stuff, I just remember to look on the brightside and push through,” Jack explained.

Clint Griffin, Jack’s dad, is someone Jack admires and really looks up to. Clint was raised in a poor family but was able to do well enough in school to earn his law degree and make a really good life for his wife and kids.

“He really inspires me to use what I have and go do more with it,” Jack said.

He also went on to explain how his friends are a constant inspiration for him; “Our school is in a pretty poor part of town. A lot of my friends live in bad situations and they are still showing up to school everyday with a smile on their face. They just work so hard. I have friends who have pretty much raised their entire family while also working hard enough to completely pay for college. These guys inspire me so much. They are some of the greatest people to be around.”

In the future, Jack plans to attend either the University of Texas or Texas A&M and pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Jack does not know if he will continue to rodeo in college because his schooling is his first priority. “I really enjoy rodeo and I think it’s a great hobby to have but it is not going to be my central focus,” Jack explained.

“I know I have been given way more than I could ever ask for. My parents are always there and I know they are going to be there. A lot of kids don’t have that,” Jack said.

Jack is extremely grateful for everything he has been given and is honored to be this months Whatakid!

“Just the other day Mate undid the latch and got into the feed room. He does a lot of mischievous stuff like that,” Jack explained. His other horse, BJ, is his heading horse.

Jack described BJ as very skittish but always “right on the muscle.”

Jack has been a part of rodeo ever since he was eleven years old. Rodeo has brought him some of his best friends as well.

“My favorite competition was state last years at Abilene.

I barely missed nationals and finished 5th. However, I had

61

INTRODUCING THE OFFICIAL ROPE OF THSRA & TJHRA

Sponsor Spotlight:

We are excited to announce a new partnership with Classic Rope Company and welcome them into the Texas High School and Junior High Rodeo Family. A texas-based company, their rodeo roots run deep and so does their connection with our organization as many of their employees and their family members have participated on the high school rodeo stage. Their commitment to our organization exceeds just a banner in an arena, but they have a passion for coming alongside us and furthering the sport of rodeo at the high school and junior high levels. We are proud to introduce them to you as our partner and ask that you give their ropes a try knowing that you are supporting a family-owned company that is invested in our Texas rodeo youth.

Classic Rope, At Our Core

I

nnovation and leadership are at the core of Classic Rope’s DNA. Since 1986, Classic Rope has pursued to technologically advance the team rope to improve quality, feel, and performance, helping ropers compete and reach their greatest potential.

Classic ropes are individually made to order using the latest blends of high tech nylon and polyester fibers. We take great pride in our superior craftsmanship and competitive edge they offer athletes that use them. Innovation is a catalyst for improving the way we do business and an opportunity that’s been integrated with every phase of the rope production process. We are committed to making the sport better for all ropers with investments in associations, events, and clinics to spur positive changes and advancements benefiting ropers around the globe.

Classic ropes have been made differently from the beginning by using machines to make ropes in specific, ready-to-tie lengths. Classic ropes were tied within days of being made and could be used immediately. The first Classic Rope was the Classic Gold, a neutral colored nylon rope. Since the Classic Gold, Classic has championed a series of “firsts” for over two decades. The Money Maker in 1987 was the first nylon/ poly rope to hit the market. In 1998 the XR4 was introduced and was the first nylon four strand rope with patented CoreTech™ Technology. After successful launches of other unique four strand ropes like the Powerline Lite and the Heat, Classic Rope changed the game again with the release of the first five strand nylon rope in 2007, the Spydr. We started taking our ropes to markets and trade shows, and over time, store

62

owners began to stock our ropes, increasing overall availability nationwide. Team roping today as a sport makes up the largest demographic within the western industry, resulting in the advancement of our technology, manufacturing processes, machinery, and equipment. We have changed how we made our ropes to accommodate ropers’ requests for preference in feel, body, rope size, and tip weight.

More so than production, Classic Rope has invested in and supported the industry to not only grow in the United States but to expand team roping and the western industry globally. It has been our greatest honor to support clinicians, team roping producers, junior rodeo, and team roping associations over the years. The youth is the industry’s future. Together with our sponsored associations, employees, ambassadors, and clinician partners- we encourage kids to get involved and active with a horse early on, helping them realize their full potential.

More valuable than our ropes are the hands that make them and ship them. We are a unique group of individuals actively involved in the sport and with horses, daily. We are a team of driven individuals, more dedicated and passionate about the industry than you can find anywhere with the united belief that everything we do today, can be improved upon tomorrow. This philosophy runs deep throughout our culture and our desire to improve and advance our technology in the sport of team roping.

We are leaders. We are innovators. We are competitors. We are Classic. We would like to thank you, our valued customers, for trusting us. It is through your success, we love to make ropes.

Reining 2017 World Champion All-Around Cowboy