June 2021 Extreme Team News - Official Newspaper of the THSRA and TJHRA by Texas High School Rodeo, Extreme Team News

CODA MYERS & CALEB GREEN 2020 THSRA CHAMPION TEAM ROPERS

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

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

ABILENE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

ON A WHOLE OTHER

LOVELL.

COLBY LOVELL WORLD CHAMPION HEADER

EXECUTIVE BOARD STATE PRESIDENT KEN BRAY

In This Issue

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

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

HOLLY DeLAUNE

1ST VICE PRESIDENT MIKE GHORMLEY

Marketing Director

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

210.632.3208 • delaune.holly@gmail.com

LAUREN TUTTLE STUMBERG

2ND VICE PRESIDENT JOHN SCHUENEMAN

PO Box 1177 • Madisonville, TX 77864 281.785.0077 • john.schueneman@gmail.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER SUSAN BALDWIN

722 Southview Circle • Center, TX 75935 936.590.4447 texashighschoolrodeo@gmail.com

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

ABILENE ENTERTAI NMENT GUIDE STARTS ON PAGE 06

NATIONAL DIRECTOR COTTON GEORGE

ARIAT PERFORMANCE REPORTERS

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

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

Region I

TAYLIN WRIGHT Region II

JUNIOR HIGH NATIONAL DIRECTOR JOHN SCHUENEMAN

JACOB WALTERS Region III

979.268.4994 john.schueneman@gmail.com

RILEE PARKER Region IV

MARKETING HOLLY DELAUNE

LULU EAKES

PAGE 28

73 Breeze Way, Boerne, TX 78006 210.632.3208 delaune.holly@gmail.com

Region V

SIERRA SCHUENEMAN Region VI

BRADI FREEMAN Region VII

QUEEN COORDINATOR ANN BLACKWELL

JAYCI LEE BYLER Region VIII

936.590.1855 tablackwell@yahoo.com

DELEGATES AT LARGE

BRIAN ROBERTS

Computer Programmer brian.roberts53@att.net 281.213.9143

BAILEY GUBERT

ASPEN MILLER PAGE 31

THOMAS BROCKWAY

8016 CR 2419 • Royse City, TX 75189

Region IX

CAMERAN CANTU

MONTANA BROWN Region X

PAGE 45

KATY WEBB

214.770.5302 • thomas.brockway@woodpartners.com

THSRA OFFICIAL SPONSORS

BRENT CHARLESWORTH

PO Box 362 • Marathon, TX 79842 432.386.6214 • brent@crcompany.net

LARRY DOWELL

370 CR 220 • Marlin, TX 76661 254.715.8814 • fivedowell@gmail.com

RANCH FAMILIES

JEFF PARSLEY

655 CR 4703 • Troup, TX 75789 903.574.3910 • bmsmith1996@sbcglobal.net

BRANDON SMITH

6800 E FM 476 • Pleasanton, TX 78064 830.570.7157 • bmsmith1996@sbcglobal.net

STUDENT OFFICERS

thsraofficers@hotmail.com STUDENT PRESIDENT Dalton Stripling STUDENT VICE PRESIDENT Brooklyn Balch STUDENT SECRETARY Abi DePriest

SPEER FAMILY PAGE 19

Region

news

MAYO FAMILY PAGE 26

REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION

I II III IV V

20 22 24 32 36

EHLINGER FAMILY PAGE 52

REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION

VI VII VIII IX X

38 40 42 46 50

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

schedule of events WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2

4:00 PM - Deadline for Cutting and Reined Cow Horse Contestants to be Checked In

THURSDAY, JUNE 3

9:00 AM - 1st Go Reined Cow Horse Event - First Financial Pavilion 9:00 AM - 1st Go Boy's Cutting -Guitar Arena - 1st Go Girl's Cutting -Guitar Arena

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

9:00 AM - 2nd Go Reined Cow Horse Event - First Financial Pavilion 9:00 AM - 2nd Go Girl's Cutting -Guitar Arena - 2nd Go Boy's Cutting -Guitar Arena

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

8:00 AM - NRA Light Rifle Contest - Big Country Three Guns Range 9:00 AM - 1st & 2nd Go Round and Top 15 Awards for Cutting and Reined Cow Horse - Guitar Arena 10:00 AM - Cutting Short Go Round: Boys followed by girls - Guitar Arena - Reined Cow Horse Short Go Round (following cutting) - First Financial Pavilion 2:00 PM - Cutting and Reined Cow Horse State Champion Awards - Taylor Telecom Arena

6:00PM - NRA Trap Shoot -Abilene Clay Sports

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 HOOEY BACKPACKS & CAPS, KUBOTA TRACTORS & RESISTOL HATS SPONSORS OF THE DAY

9:00 AM - CHECK-IN - Open - Display Building 1:00 PM - ALL CONTESTANTS MUST BE CHECKED IN - MANDATORY EQUIPMENT CHECK/INSPECTION for ALL Rough Stock Riders and MANDATORY Safety Seminar 2:30 PM - CONTESTANT'S MEETING - Taylor Telecom Arena ALL CONTESTANTS MUST ATTEND - Awarding of Ft. Worth & San Antonio Rodeo Scholarships - 2021-22 MISS THSRA PRESENTED - Resistol Tip of the Hat Presentation to State Directors - FCA Rodeo Message by Trey Johnson - Directly after the meeting Region Team Pictures taken 7:00 PM - Classic Equine Jackpots - First Financial Pavilion 9:00 PM - Contestant's Welcome Dance - Round Building MONDAY, JUNE 7

CH GRAPHICS, BRAZOS VALLEY EQUINE HOSPITALS AND BILL FICK FORD SPONSORS OF THE DAY

7:45 AM - Grand Entry - Regions IV & VI 8:00 AM - MORNING PERFORMANCE Start of

1st GO-ROUND 1:45 PM - Grand Entry - Regions IV & VI - Team Cinch members will be introduced 2:00 PM - AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE Start of 2nd GO-ROUND After Rodeo - Top Hand Eating Contest - Big Country Hall 7:00 PM - Classic Equine Jackpots - First Financial Pavilion

TUESDAY, JUNE 8 BOOT BARN, CLASSIC ROPES & HEEL O MATIC SPONSORS OF THE DAY

7:45 AM - Grand Entry - Regions VII & VIII 8:00 AM - MORNING PERFORMANCE 1st GO-ROUND Continued 1:45 PM - Grand Entry - Regions VII & VIII 2:00 PM - AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE 2nd GO-ROUND Continued 7:00 PM - Classic Equine Jackpots - First Financial Pavilion 7:30 PM - Sponsors, Abilene Officials, & THSRA Leadership Dinner - Joe Allen's Ranch

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 PURINA AND OLIVE EQUINE INSURANCE SPONSORS OF THE DAY

7:45 AM - Grand Entry - Regions III & X 8:00 AM - MORNING PERFORMANCE 1st GO-ROUND Continued 1:45 PM - Grand Entry - Regions III & X 2:00 PM - AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE 2nd GO-ROUND Continued 7:00 PM - Classic Equine Jackpots - First Financial Pavilion

THURSDAY, JUNE 10 MCCOY'S, PRIEFERT & LONE STAR TRANSMISSION SPONSORS OF THE DAY

7:45 AM - Grand Entry - Regions II & IX 8:00 AM - MORNING PERFORMANCE 1st GO-ROUND Continued 12:00 PM - Voting Delegates, Student Officers and Officer Candidates Mandatory Meeting - Ranch House 1:45 PM - Grand Entry - Regions II & IX 2:00 PM - AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE 2nd GO-ROUND Continued McCoy's Mutton Busting & Family Night - $3 Hot Dog

and a Coke 7:00 PM - Classic Equine Jackpots - First Financial Pavilion

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 BLOOMER TRAILERS & WHATABURGER SPONSORS OF THE DAY

7:45 AM - Grand Entry - Regions I & V 9:00 AM - MORNING PERFORMANCE 1st GO-ROUND Continued 1:45 PM - Grand Entry - Regions I & V 2:00 PM - AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE 2nd GO-ROUND Continued WHATARODEO NIGHT - Introduction of Bloomer Team & Drawing for Bloomer Trailer following barrels 7:00 PM - THSRA Board of Directors Meeting - Joe Allen's Corral Room

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 DR. TANDY FREEMAN, YETI & TEXAS FARM BUREAU INS. SPONSORS OF THE DAY

8:30 AM - 1st & 2nd Go & Top 15 Awards Presentation- Taylor Telecom Arena 9:45 AM - Grand Entry - All Regions 10:00 AM - Final Performance - Top 15 Contestants in each event - Drawing for Bill Fick Ford Truck following barrels After rodeo - N H S R A FINALS CONTESTANT'S MEETING STATE CHAMPION AWARDS - ROUND BUILDING ENTRY BLANKS AND OTHER FORMS FOR THE NHSRA FINALS WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE AWARDS PRESENTATION SATURDAY NIGHT. ALL NATIONAL QUALIFIERS AND THEIR PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND!!! PLEASE NOTE: Due to unseen conflicts, this schedule is subject to change. Current as of 5.10.21. Please check the OFFICIAL DAILY SCHEDULE posted outside the rodeo office. It is the responsibility of each contestant to be in the arena and ready when their respective event is underway. Rodeo Events: Taylor Telecom Arena Reined Cow Horse: First Financial Pavilion Cutting Events: Guitar Arena

GO TO THSRA.ORG FOR LATEST SCHEDULE 7

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATIOn 2021 STATE FINALS RODEO

GOLF CAR RENTAL

tenative ORDER OF EVENTS June 7 - 12, 2021 1ST & 2ND GO ROUNDS MORNING PERF. Bull Riding Steer Wrestling Barrel Racing Breakaway Roping Calf Roping Goat Tying Team Roping Pole Bending

AFTERNOON PERF. Bareback Steer Wrestling Barrel Racing Breakaway Roping Calf Roping Saddle Bronc Goat Tying Team Roping Pole Bending Bull Riding

SATURDAY SHORT GO Bareback Steer Wrestling Barrel Racing Breakaway Roping Calf Roping Saddle Bronc Goat Tying Team Roping Pole Bending Bull Riding

1 DAY: $142.12** 2 DAYS: $207.55 3 DAYS: $255.73 4 DAYS: $303.53 5 DAYS: $351.52 6 DAYS: $399 .50 (**ONLY IF AVAILABLE

7 DAYS: $455.88 8 DAYS: $503.97 9 DAYS: $551.86 10 DAYS: $599.85 11 DAYS: $647.83 12 DAYS: $695.83 - NO RESERVATIONS)

EMAIL TO: JOHNNY@METROGOLFCARS.COM

COWBOY SHOPPING MALL LOCATED ON THE CONCOURSE OF THE TAYLOR TELECOM ARENA. Sunday, June 6: 8am to 6pm Monday, June 7 – Friday, June 11: 8am to 12:30pm, 1:30pm to 7pm Saturday, June 12: 9am to 2pm

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2021 STATE QUALIFIERS 301 South 11th Street O Abilene, Texas 79602 325-672-6082 | Catering - 325-672-9948

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONTESTANTS, COME BY AND SEE US!

CALF ROPES STRINGS TEAM ROPES BITS HEADSTALLS SADDLE PADS

REINS HALTERS BELL BOOTS SPLINT BOOTS GIRTS SKID BOOTS

FARRIER SUPPLIES FLY SPRAYS FLY SHEETS SHOW SHEEN & HAIR CARE ITEMS

431 North 7th – Abilene, Texas 79601

325-677-8677 | wtvsupply.com DIRECTIONS: South 11th all the way to Treadaway, turn right on Treadaway, go North on for 11 blocks, go under railroad tracks, travel straight ahead for 7 blocks, building with rock front and dark brown sides on the right or East side of Treadaway.

2021 STATE FINALS REGION ASSIGNED SPONSORS REGION 1: HEEL O MATIC REGION 2: PURINA / CH GRAPHICS REGION 3: KUBOTA / OLIVE EQUINE INSURANCE REGION 4: HOOEY / DR. TANDY FREEMAN REGION 5: PRIEFERT / MCCOYS REGION 6: TEXAS FARM BUREAU INSURANCE/ RESISTOL HATS REGION 7: WHATABURGER / CLASSIC & RATTLER ROPES REGION 8: BOOT BARN REGION 9: BILL FICK FORD REGION 10: BLOOMER

Top Hand Eating Contest hotdog, donut and watermelon eating contest

Big Prizes

Location: Big Country Time: Monday, June 7th, 2021 Directly after the afternoon performance $300 Cash Raffle Tickets $5 a Piece Sold by Cinch Team Members all proceeds donated to Feeding America

White Horse Christian Academy Education Tailored to Meet Your Child’s Individual Needs

hite Horse Christian Academy is an accredited private school that oﬀers a wide variety of services for a wide variety of students. It is our desire to meet the educational needs of each individual student by providing curriculum, instruction, planning/grading and college preparation. Students can choose from a full time, part- time or distant learning plan. We provide online instruction as well as classes in traditional text books. If you are interested in a diﬀerent educational setting for your child, contact us and we will tell you about our program.

Vanessa Halford

B.S. Education, M. ED. Counseling / Psychology

254-592-1211 11

2021 THSRA State Finals Grand Entry

e will have morning & afternoon grand entries Monday through Friday and also for the short go on Saturday. Each region has been assigned a day and will need to have members there for both performances that day!!! Please have at least 5 members from your region to help carry flags. If there are not enough contestants for all of the flags, then they will be asked to carry a second flag. If you have a member that likes to carry sponsor flags, they are welcome to help at any performance. Some understand it is a good way to get their horse in the arena before competition. Contestants will be asked to hold the flag pole upright and make one lap around the edge of the arena at a slow lope so that the sponsor flag is displayed behind them while the announcer reads the script for their flag.

REGION ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK: Monday – Regions 4 & 6 Tuesday – Regions 7 & 8 Wednesday – Regions 3 & 10 Thursday – Regions 2 & 9 Friday – Regions 1 & 5 Saturday – All Regions MORNING PERFORMANCES: Line up at 7:30 am in the back of the alley. Start at 7:45 am. EVENING PERFORMANCES: Line up at 1:30 pm in the back of the alley. Start at 1:45pm. SATURDAY’S GRAND ENTRY STARTS AT 9:45AM. All regions are asked to send contestants to help with this one. Line up at 9:30am in the back of the alley – or as quickly as you can following the Go Round and Top 15 awards.

2020-2021 Region All Arounds

REGION I Gus Gaillard & Jaylee Lane

REGION V Garrett Curry & Amy Ohrt

REGION II Cort McFadden & Jordan Driver

REGION VII Colin Fox & Jayci Lee Byler

REGION III Dylan Hancock & Acey Pinkston

REGION VIII Rymond Haby & Tess Underbrink

REGION IV Cole Carpenter & Makenzie Mayes

REGION IX Bradlee Miller & Tylie McDonald

REGION V Peyton Mathis & Saige Brown

REGION X Cayden Harmon & Rainey Skelton

2021 STATE FINALS RODEO OFFICIALS: Rodeo Coordinators:

Cotton George & Ken Bray

Rodeo Timers: Lacey Aubihl & Angie Key Cutting Timer: Angie Key

Programs/Trade Show: Susan Baldwin & Richard Baldwin Computer Secretaries: Sponsor Appreciation: Holly Delaune, Dalton Stripling, Brooklyn Balch & Abi DePriest THSRA Scholarship:

Mike Ghormley, Thomas Brockway, Cotton George & Holly Delaune

Cowboy Church Service:

FCA Rodeo

Arena Directors: Rodeo: Richard Baldwin Rough Stock: Larry Dowell Barrier Events: Thomas Brockway Timed Events: Mike Ghormley Cutting & Reined Cow Horse: Cotton George Queen: Ann Blackwell Judges: Rodeo: Teddy Alleman, Gip Allen & Tommy Zant Cutting: Chris Benedict & Jim Carr Reined Cow Horse: Ed John & Trigg Renfro Queen: Judy Gill, Jim Donnan, Kelly Baxley, Blake Henry, Courtney Phillips, Treva Rice, Sherry Smith & Janet Woods

Announcers: Chris Rankin Secretaries: Rodeo: Susan Baldwin Cutting: Suzanne George Reined Cow Horse: Kelley Williams

Jody McElroy & Kelley Williams

Rodeo Stock Contractor: J & J Rodeo Company Cutting Contractor: Brandon Smith Reined Cow Horse Contractor: Brandon Smith Jackpot Arena Contractor: J & J Rodeo Company Bullfighters: Hunter Allen, Cagney Anderson & Ross Johnson Photographer: Jennings Photography Videographer: D & C Productions Grand Entry: Ken Bray, Holly Delaune, Dalton Stripling, Brooklyn Balch & Abi DePriest

2021 THSRA STATE FINALS ADULT EVENT DIRECTORS Bareback Brandon Jones, Shelley Townsend & Rene Weitz Barrels Tom Aasbo, Kim Nicholson & Jason Underbrink Breakaway Roping Michael Akins, Barry Braden & David Schreck Bull Riding Joe Glenn Kahla, Justin Klein & Bill White Cutting Cotton George & Executive Board Members Goat Tying Casey Baize, Jody McElroy & Joe Richards Pole Bending Brad Dyer, Roger Hanagriff & Dave McMahon Saddle Bronc David Christian, Trey Johnson & Randy Martin Steer Wrestling Craig Miller, Scott Shook & Dan Simpton Team Roping Eric Huston, Daryl Shelton & Kevin Stewart Tiedown Roping Matt Crainer, Justine Hunt & Gary Mobbs Arena Tractor Mike Berberich

FCA RODEO LUNCH MONDAY - WEDNESDAY | 12:00-1:00 | DISPLAY HALL

First 100 through the door receive $5 OFF YOUR LUNCH! Courtesy of FCA Rodeo

CHECK SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY MENU! 16

MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGE GIVEN EACH DAY BY TREY JOHNSON

FA M I LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D S I N C E 1 9 6 5 O V E R 8 5 S T O R E S N AT I O N W I D E • S H O P O N L I N E AT C A V E N D E R S . C O M

Jordi Edens T E A M C AV E N D E R ’ S

T E X A S H S S TAT E C H A M P I O N B R E A K AWAY R O P E R

2401 S DANVILLE DRIVE • ABILENE 18

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 2021 THSRA State Finals.

The Speer Family of Region VIII

by Jacqueline Knox

ongratulations to the McCoy’s Farm and Ranch family of the month, the Speers! In order for Speer Ag to be run smoothly it is all hands-on deck for the Speer family. Justin and Bethany work alongside their girls, Mckenzie (14) and Madison (12), to keep their business successful. The ranch has been a part of Justin’s family his entire life. In 2006, he opened his own division of the business. Their ranch spreads out over roughly a thousand acres in Uvalde, Texas (Region VIII). The ranch functions as a both a cow calf and feeder stocker operation. They also farm corn, cotton and milo. Additionally, the Speers own the local feed store in Uvalde, which has been in business since 2017. Every day, the crops and cattle have to be checked. Justin shared that they have about 100 mama cows and about 2,000 stocker steers on the ranch. They also have about 200 acres of corn, 200 acers of milo and about 9000 acres of cotton. The girls love helping out on the ranch or at the store. “Whatever needs to be done, whether it is baling hay or driving the tractor, the girls are right there helping us do what needs to be done,” Justin said. Just shared that their favorite thing to do is work cattle. Both Justin and Bethany grew up on a ranch. “It is all I have ever known,” Justin said. “I grew up farming and ranching. We are just trying to carry on the tradition and

legacy.” They hope that ranching has taught Mckenzie and Madison a lot about responsibility and work ethic. They also hope that the girls see the rewards in what they are doing every day. “You are helping put food on someone’s table or carrying for livestock, animals or crop,” Justin said. “That’s the rewarding point.” Justin shared that he has learned that “it is not always easy, but it can be very rewarding even when times are tough,” Justin said. He loves that by farming and ranching he can be making a difference for others with his everyday work. When they aren’t working on the ranch, the Speer family can be found at a rodeo! Both Mckenzie and Madison compete in barrels, poles, goats and breakaway for TJHRA. They love that rodeo “gets everyone together as a family,” Justin said. They are thankful for THSRA and TJHRA because it has gotten them in contact with people all over Texas. Unfortunately, there is not a McCoys close to the Speers, but they are honored to be named this month’s McCoys Farm and Ranch Family! “To be selected as McCoys Farm and Ranch Family means that we are making a difference,” Justin said. “To know that we are making a difference and people outside of our local community are seeing it, that’s the reward.”

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - WYATT MASK VICE PRESIDENT- JAYDA JAMESON SECRETARY/HISTORIAN - RIDLEY TIMBERLAKE STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

DAVID CHRISTIAN 10200 S Blessen Rd • Amarillo, TX 79119 806.674.1397 • david.christian@11ranch.com

RANDY MARTIN PO Box 334 • Vega, Texas 79092 806-670-2113 • randyleemartin@hotm 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 DAVID CHRISTIAN 10200 S Blessen Rd • Amarillo, TX 79119 806.674.1397 • david.christian@11ranch.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

You’re Ready Region 1!

By TAYLN WRIGHT

– Performance Reporter

ay up in the Texas Panhandle, home of Region 1 Rodeo, we do things a little different than the rest of the regions of Texas High School Rodeo. We are unique because we are also home to the Tri-State High School Rodeo Association. This association allows the membership several opportunities that they wouldn’t typically see anywhere else in the State. Tri-State Rodeo has been around since the 70’s and consisted of contestants from Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Rodeos were originally held all over the TriState area and were hosted by the Clubs. Over the years it has evolved and joined with Texas High School Rodeo and all rodeos are now within the Region 1 boundaries. However, we are still different in that our clubs not directors put on our rodeos.

When a NHSRA member joins region 1 they are also asked to join a club. Each club has its own requirements it asks of each member. Region 1 is made up of five clubs and each club is required to host at least 1 rodeo per year. This allows our contestants the chance to be able to compete in several different venues and be prepared to compete in any element, which makes them more likely to be successful in their next stages of rodeo. Several of the clubs also offer to reward their members for helping work their rodeo by paying a portion of their state fees. Another benefit of Tri-State High School Rodeo Association is the opportunity to compete at an additional finals in preparation for State. The top 15 in each event advance to a 3 day finals held in May and at the conclusion, our year end Champions are crowned. The ones lucky enough to advance to these finals are running at around $7500 in added money. Fundraising throughout the year by the membership is divided between added money for the finals and scholarships for our seniors, which is another great advantage offered in our Region. This year Tri-State awarded $11,500 in scholarships to its seniors. The requirements are being a member of Region 1 for a minimum of 2 years, filling out an application and going through an interview process. Each senior that completes all the requirements receives a minimum of $250. This year’s top winners were Karlie Harter and Slade Baumann, each were awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2500. Second place in the amount of $1500 a piece was Kenli Johnson and Harris Albracht, third in the amount of $1000 were Laney Harper and Stetson Jameson. Congratulations to all the winners and good luck in your future endeavors. As we finish up another season of Region 1 and Tri-State High School Rodeo, we have crowned our champions, awarded our seniors, and done our best to prepare contestants for the next level. You are Ready. Good luck at state and make Region 1 proud!

photos (clockwise from top left): Braxton Hughes and John Hisel team roping Champions region 1 and Tri-State; Scholarship Recipients; Josue Molina at Tri-State Finals photo (page 20): Top 3 All Around Girls in Tri-State

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

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - MADALYN RICHARDS VICE PRESIDENT - EMMA KENT SECRETARY - ALLISON VAUGHN STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS CASEY BAIZE

Region II

SECRETARY - JODY MCELROY Box 224 • Balmorhea, Texas 79718 432-940-0385 • secretary@thsra2.com

JODY MCELROY Box 224 • Balmorhea, Texas 79718 432.448.7810 • rodeosecretary1@gmail.com JOE RICHARDS 5101 Hwy 214 • Hereford, Texas 79045 806.676.5970 • joe@diamondcattlefeeders.com PRESIDENT- CASEY BAIZE PO Box 62862 • San Angelo, Texas 76904 512.618.9233 • csbaize@yahoo.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

PREPARATION & PRACTICE

By JACOB WALTERS – Performance Reporter

ello from Region 2. Here we find ourselves at the end of a very exciting regional rodeo season, and looking forward anxiously to the state finals in Abilene. In our last article I highlighted a few of our region champions and inquired on how they would be preparing for state. Today we are going to take a closer look at the importance of preparation and look to see how we can make our preparation and practice more effective. There is a popular saying around my house that goes, “the harder you work, the luckier you get.” This rings true in any form of competition. The vast majority of contestants in the THSRA are more than capable of winning on any given day. So when so much talent compact into a single group of competitors, what separates the top ten that leave the region to go state and on an even larger scale the top four that leave the state to go to nationals? As hard as it may be to accept, the answer a lot of the time is luck. Who drew the tough calf, steer, or goat, or who had to run at the bottom of the drag in the tough ground.

Everyone has the high hopes of performing well and moving on to the next level but unfortunately these certain circumstances may stand in the way of our goals. However, the amount of work and preparation we as competitors put in can allow us to work through these challenges and capitalize on opportunities when things do go our way. A huge part of our preparation as athletes is our physical condition and strength. We have seen so many big names in rodeo incorporate a workout program into their lives, and benefit greatly from it in the arena. Athletes like Trevor Brazile, Tuf Cooper, and Kaycee Field work out on a daily basis depending on the time of the year. Beyond this, our regular practice schedule is absolutely critical. We have to make sure that we as athletes are working good and sharp by putting together countless repetitions at whatever our trade may be. Furthermore, we must also make sure our equine partners are working and feeling good going into state, as well as the rest of the summer run. Every horse is a little bit different in how they need to be prepared for a big event. Some may need to be cooled off and super calm, wear as others may need to dial up the intensity just a little bit. Whatever the case may be, we need to make sure that our horses are tuned up and ready to go. Being physically ready to compete is a great start, but that is only a small part of the preparation process. Mental game is a huge part of any competitor's success. According to the Ohio Center for Sports Psychology, mental preparation can be broken down into three levels. The first level includes having a good attitude, understanding your own motivation, and staying committed to your personal goals. Having a good attitude and being willing to work at something is crucial both to competition and life success. Understanding what motivates you as an individual is very important, so remember to step back and remember why you’re doing what your doing. And finally being able to commit your goals and doing everything in your power to see them through is absolutely necessary. Level 2 is composed of “self talk” and mental imagery. Self talk is where you find the majority of your confidence. Find something to tell yourself that lets you know you belong in this competition and that you’re there for a reason. Mental imagery is simply putting together exactly what you want to happen over and over again in your mind. The third and final level consists of managing emotions and concentration.

IF IT 'S HAPPENING IN WESTERN SP ORTS, IT 'S STREAMING ON RIDEPASS

TX STATE FINALS STREAMING JUNE 7-12

WATCH THE NHSRA SUMMER OF RODEO

This comes into play when you are at the competition about to compete. When you have so much of your time and effort into something, it is only natural that you will feel nervous when your opportunity arises. But when you find a way to push the butterflies down and turn those nerves into excitement, your chances of having success go up. And finally concentration, as you lock in on what you’re doing all of the preparation you have put in comes into play and muscle memory takes over. I got to catch up with Region 2 alumni and 2012 NFR qualifier in the tie down roping, Bradly Bynum, and talk to him about his preparation process. Before going to a big event, Bradly likes to put a lot of reps in. He tells us he finds comfort in knowing that he is roping sharp and his horses are working sharp. He also likes to plan and adjust his roping according to the demands of the set-up, saying, “I like to make sure it’s happening right because sometimes you have it on them in two swings and sometimes you have to track a little ways. I just have to make sure that I'm ready for whatever the set-up calls for.” He also says, “As far as the mental deal goes, it's just visualizing what I want to happen, and then when I back in the box, I focus on my point, and try to keep my horse calm. As long as I stay locked in on my point it usually works out pretty good.” In conclusion, preparation is extremely important to success in the arena. It starts with physical preparation, which includes our physical condition and quality practice reps. And then you move to the mental game, by doing whatever you have to do in order to make sure that your mind is in the right place. Good luck to everyone - see you in Abilene!

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Region III

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

KEVIN STEWART PO Box 1308 • Glen Rose, Texas 76043 817.307.7300 • thekevinstewart@live.com PO Box 122448 • Fort Worth, Texas 76121

SECRETARY - KELLEY WILLIAMS

13196 Burns Branch Rd • Krum, Texas 776249 940.255.0738 • dshelton@rdoequipment.com

DARYL SHELTON

PRESIDENT - ERIC HUSTON PO Box 945 • Decatur, TX 76234 817.368.8885 • ehuston1972@gmail.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT REGION III SENIORS:

Making Memories

By RILEE PARKER

– Performance Reporter

tate Preparation has begun, and for many seniors this is the last year at the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals. As the year comes to a close our Region III state-qualifying Seniors reminisce on their past as members of one of the most competitive Regions of rodeo in the country, and speak on their plans for the future. Like many Region III kids, oftentimes the passion for rodeo runs in the family and the sport comes naturally. “My Dad rode bareback professionally, I decided a couple of years ago to pursue Bareback riding and everything clicked,” Braden Tyrer, 2021 Bareback riding state-qualifier said. “Rodeo has been a family affair for multiple generations, especially at Region III, so it’s something I’ve learned to grow and love,” Paige Clayton, 2021 Senior Poles statequalifier said. “I’ve always been somewhat involved. However, I didn’t start regions till my sophomore year,” Jaishaun Wofford 2021 steer wrestling state-qualifier said.

“I began rodeoing by entering a little playday in Saint Jo, Tx. We started off with jackpots until finally getting a step-up horse and traveling more. Since then, it’s been an every weekend thing! I got into High School Rodeo my 7th grade year. I started at Region X and changed to Region III my freshman year,” Whitley Burns 2021 Senior Barrel racing state-qualifier said. More often than not, challenges are faced on the road to success, whether it is in the arena or inside the competitor’s head. “One of my main obstacles is my mental games! Doing really good in the practice pen all week but then going to the rodeo sometimes and not doing so well,” Cole Walker 2021 Steer-wrestling state-qualifier said. “My biggest struggle is getting over the feeling of being scared of the unknown I face everytime I nod my head. The only way to get over it is to stop thinking and breathe and just go and let muscle-memory take over,” Dyson Sowers 2021 Saddle bronc riding state-qualifier said. “My greatest obstacle I have struggled with would have to not be comparing myself to all of my competitors. While we are challenged with being the best, that does not mean focusing on being better than our opponent. You have to focus on the ability of your team and showing to the best of your control,” Shanae Major 2021 Reining CH state-qualifier said. While there will always be internal and external struggles and obstacles in the arena some of the most difficult are dealt with outside the pen. “Last year I had to draw out due to a heart surgery and was not supposed to be able to rodeo again but here I am trying to make it back! It just means a lot to come this far despite the obstacles,” Riley Smith, 2021 Senior Goat Tying state-qualifier said. Unlike last year due to COVID, this year’s State competition will return to the way it has normally been, allowing the competitors to focus on their event.

KREECE THOMPSON

“I’m excited that they are having the jackpots during the week since they didn’t last year,” Kreece Thomas 2021 Team roping state-qualifier said. “I am most looking forward to the level of competition and the normalcy that last year didn’t have,” Madison Neal 2021 Senior goat tying state qualifier said. Along with the benefit of the greater competition, the more social, fun aspects of the competition week will return to normal as well! “I have so many fun memories! But my absolute favorite is making the short go, and making new friends and seeing old friends,” Emily Bednorz 2021 Senior goat tying and Breakaway roping state-qualifier said. “I’m excited for getting to stay all week and to have the full experience of state again” Samantha Haardt 2021 breakaway state-qualifier said. The competition will be tuff this year, with many competitors having it be their last!

COLE WALKER

“I’m keeping my horses in shape and keeping my mind focused on what I need to do,” Rylee Hardin 2021 Senior poles state-qualifier and former Texas State Pole bending champion said. “I’m staying focused on what’s important and not over-thinking. Staying in shape and riding bulls whenever I get the chance,” 2021 Bull-riding state-qualifier Charles Kelly said. “I prepare for state like I prepare for a local jackpot, I practice every single day with the mindset of winning and what I have to do to do it,” Tegan Stewart 2021 Team roping and Calf roping statequalifier said. “My favorite event is breakaway roping, I’m keeping myself prepared by entering a lot of rodeos prior to state because it keeps me at the top of my game as well as making sure my horse

stays happy and healthy so she can give her best performance when the time comes,” Taylor Cuccurullo 2021 Breakaway and Girls Cutting state-qualifier said. Many of our qualifying Seniors addressed what their long-term goals are, and their plans for the near future. “My short-term goal is to make the CNFR my freshman year, and a long term is to be at the NFR in a few years,” Jacoby Campbell 2021 Bareback-riding stateEMILY BEDNORZ qualifier said. “I will be attending Weatherford college for rodeo and I’ll be trying my best to make the NFR once I get my pro card,” Reagan Laney 2021 Senior Barrel-racing state-qualifier said. Along with these goals, several of the Seniors spoke on their role-models, and the initiative and drive that inspires them within their own life. Samantha Haardt and Brayden Bruton, 2021 Senior Goat tying statequalifier, both spoke on JJ Hampton, with Haardt saying “She is not only good and confident in the arena but a great business woman out of the arena as well.” Addie Beth Denton, 2021 Senior Goat tying state-qualifier, also added a roper she respects “My rodeo role-model is Lari Dee Guy.” “My rodeo role-model would have to be Derek Begay because he became great from his hard work and determination to be something most people thought would never happen,” Alden Dauer, 2021 steer-wrestling state-qualifier said. For many, these inspirations are from a more personal account, “Mine would be my brother-in-law Tyler Olive, he’s such a great guy and one of the best horseman around, he has taught me everything from roping to horsemanship to just being a good kid in general,” William Koonsman, 2021 Teamroping state-qualifier said. These members continue to prove how dynamic they can be by keeping up with their studies and in-school commitments such as; sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities. “I have been involved in 4-H, FFA, and have competed in the Zoetis Young Horse developmental program for two years. Balancing these activities and rodeo is very challenging, you have to make time for all of these activities. It’s even harder with a job on top of that. You basically have to have really good time-management skills,” Sage Mizer 2021 Senior Poles state-qualifier said. Region III will always be personal for these seniors and hopefully the memories will stay with them in the future, Good luck to all 2021 Seniors going to State and Happy Graduation!

The Mayo Family of Region III

by Jacqueline Knox

ongratulations to the McCoy’s Farm and Ranch family of the month, the Mayos! In order for their ranch, Mayo Ranch, to be a success, Beau and Laura work alongside their three sons, Clint (24), Clayton (21) and Cody (18). Their ranch has been in business for about 20 years. Additionally, the Mayo family has a focus on rental properties where they lease a lot of property to Tarleton State University students. Their ranch spreads out over 400 acres in Stephenville, Texas (Region III). On the ranch, they run about 50 mama cows, as well as about 25 bucking horses and colts. In fact, the Mayo family currently provides the bareback and saddle bronc horses for Region III. Every day, the livestock have to be fed and checked. Additionally, any maintenance work like fixing fences has to get done. Beau shared that every April they have friends

Cody cutting at Region III

come over on the day they are vaccinating and branding all their cattle and make a day out of it. The entire family works together on the ranch. “All the boys help when they are home,” Beau said. “Especially when we are working cattle. It is a whole family deal, so everyone pitches in.” Beau also shared that all of the boys now have some cattle of their own that they are responsible for. While Clint and Clayton no longer live at home, Cody is homeschooled and helps out on the ranch a lot. Beau shared that Cody Cody, Clayton, Laura, Beau, Clint rides all day every day. “He is on a horse all the time,” Beau said. “He just loves it.” When asked why they chose the ranching lifestyle Beau joked, “well I was a rodeo cowboy, so I wasn’t really cut out for an 8-5 job.” He went on to share that he loves the freedom ranching provides of being able to make your own way in the world. Both Beau and Laura hope that the ranching lifestyle has taught their boys responsibility. “If you have horses or cattle and it gets cold outside causing the water to freeze over, you have to think about them first,” Beau said. “You have to figure out what you are going to do to keep them healthy.” Rodeo runs in the family, as the boys’ grandfather, Bob Mayo, is the six-time NFR qualifier and Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee. Their great uncles, Paul and Don Mayo, are also both NFR qualifiers. Additionally, the boys’ dad, Beau Mayo, was the 1992 PRCA bareback rookie of the year, and 12-time Texas circuit finals qualifier. It is to no shock that the Mayo family’s favorite thing to do together is rodeo. Clint and Clayton both previously competed in bareback riding for Region III. In fact, Clint was the Texas High School State Champion in bareback riding in 2016. Now, Cody competes in cutting. He won the region in cutting last year and came in second this year. Beau shared that he loves watching the young kids improve and get better at rodeos. “I love to see a kid gain confidence ridging bareback and broncs,” Beau said. “There is nothing better than that.” Luckily, thy have a McCoys close to them in Stephenville, and they love to hop there. “We are regular customers,” Beau said. The Mayo family is honored to be named this month’s McCoys Farm and Ranch Family! “It is very humbling,” Beau said. “We are extremely honored.”

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n a world where you can be anything, we choose to stick to the values that helped us establish Bloomer Trailers, 23 years ago. Although things are changing, we are still as hungry as ever to stay motivated to develop new ideas that make your life easier and your horses haul, safer. Determination might be our motivation, but reliability and trust are still at the core of our business. One thing that we have always aspired to be was trustworthy, people trust that we are putting in the time and effort to develop a product that speaks for itself when it comes to the components we use and the thought that is put forth when we send your Bloomer Trailer out on the road. For years, we have spoken about the components we use and the products we build, but did you know that beneath the surface is a story that truly defines the American success story. At 34 years old, Randy Bloomer, was a trailer dealer who was quickly standing out for his passion for the industry and his compassion towards customer’s needs. However, he knew that something was missing in the industry. As someone who was

familiar with the products, but also using them, he challenged the brand that he was working for to develop a safer trailer and utilize products that would help revolutionize the industry. When he eagerly presented this idea to the owners of the company, they shot him down. They believed that what they were doing was working, so why change it? If you know anything about Randy Bloomer, you know that good is not good enough. From a payphone, he called his wife Kim, and told her that he was going to start his own brand of horse trailers and even if they built one, it would be the best trailer on the road. You see Bloomer Trailers today, but many do not know that the original trailer was designed on a Denny’s napkin, drawn by Bloomer himself and that was the beginning. Randy and Kim sold their belongings and jumped headfirst into creating Bloomer Trailers. They started with humble beginnings, in the middle of chemical alley in LaMarque, TX. From the beginning, they have always focused on hiring the best people to build Bloomer Trailers, many of which are still with us today. For years, they hustled and worked long hours, with minimum

sleep, but they thought it was worth it to ensure that everything that is important to you is as safe as possible. Only two years after starting, we had hit our stride and had introduced many new components the horse trailer industry had never seen. In 2003, Bloomer made the decision to build a state-of-the-art facility in Salado, TX. Directly in the middle of Texas, Salado, was the perfect location in regard to convenience for dealers, customers and vendors. Stepping away from the old building in chemical alley, they designed a building fitting for Texas, a large Alamo inspired building graced the side of I-35 and that would be the home of Bloomer Trailers. For many, the irony of the symbolic Alamo appearance serves as a reminder that within these walls, we will continue to fight for what is important, which has always been our customers. When the building was completed, Bloomer Trailers moved over forty employees and their families to Central Texas to continue the craftsmanship that was expected and desired by the Bloomer Trailers customers. Our employees have always been what makes

us stand apart, but the way that Randy Bloomer leads is what lights a fire under us to strive for excellence. When we named our newest model, The Evolution, it was to remind ourselves that we have yet to build the perfect trailer, so we have to continuously search for new ideas to improve our trailers. Although we strive to build the best trailer, we also have always worked towards making the industry better. We are proud to say that no other custom horse trailer company has done more for youth rodeo athletes than Bloomer Trailers. In 2009, we became the Official Trailer of Texas High School Rodeo and vowed to build a trailer to raffle off every year, with the proceeds going directly to THSRA athletes. To this date, THSRA athletes have raised over $2,000,000 by raffling off a Bloomer Trailer. “I don’t think people truly grasp how impactful the Bloomer sponsorship program has been to our scholarship program. At this point after 12 years of sponsorship, Bloomer has enabled THSRA to give scholarships to literally hundreds of high school rodeo seniors. Their sponsorship not only makes a difference in enhancing our organization, but also in the futures of our members,” says Holly DeLaune, THSRA Marketing Director. Our support for youth did not stop there, in 2008, we started the Bloomer Youth Team in 2008, and since then, hundreds of youth rodeo athletes have undergone interview training, acquired sponsorships and had the support to compete at IFYR each year. The support doesn’t stop there, Bloomer Trailers has continued to support these athletes throughout their careers, in and out of the arena. “I’ll never forget the day that Randy called me and told me that I had gotten on the Bloomer Team, I was leaving basketball practice and when he told me the news, I tried to hide my excitement and be professional. I had wanted to be on the team for so long because you knew that you were one of

the best if you got the opportunity to represent them. That opportunity changed my life,” says 6X World Champion Bull Rider, Sage Kimzey, “I think that is part of the reason I got confidence in my riding is because I was selected. When I was at the team meeting, they taught us so many valuable lessons that I still use today in my career.” Today, several of those youth rodeo athletes are on our Pro Team. To name a few, Clayton Biglow, Jess Pope, Marty Yates, Sage Kimzey. Several of them have went on to win World Titles and many past members went on to qualify for the WNFR. “It’s rare for a brand as big as Bloomer to support you from the time you are in high school, all the way until you are a professional athlete. They have kept up with me and it was neat to win not only a National High School title as a Bloomer team member, but also my first NFR Average title as a team member as well,” said Jess Pope, the 2020 WNFR Champion. At Bloomer, we are family, so when you work here or become a team member, you feel like you are a part of something much bigger than a trailer company. We started as a family company and today, we are proud to say that our family is heavily involved. Randy still runs the company and continues to develop new ideas. Kim went from receiving a call from a payphone that would change the fate of our family to running the accounting department. As for the children, Alexis was raised at the Bloomer Trailers facility in LaMarque and she now runs our Marketing Department. Jake Bloomer went from drawing Bloomer Trailers for school art projects, to being the Vice President of Operations. Today, Randy Bloomer, refuses to take all the credit, “There is no such thing as self-made man, there are so many people that attributed to our success. I would not be here today without the help and support of so many people along the way,” says Randy Bloomer, Bloomer Trailers CEO. We never imagined that our dream would lead to being used by several World Champions, Award-Winning Musicians, Actors, Athletes and would even be used on a hit television series like Yellowstone. We dreamed of being the Official Trailer of the pillar organizations of our industry and now we are proud to be the Official Trailer of the PRCA, NFR, NHSRA, THSRA, NRCHA, BFI, The American and the iconic Pendleton Round-Up. We know that half of businesses fail after the first five years and we are humble enough to know that our success is a testament to the support of our incredible dealers, employees and loyal customers. We have been through recessions, a plane crash, and a pandemic but we have never taken a shortcut when it comes to your safety and comfort. When you purchase a Bloomer Trailer, you are purchasing a dream that started as a quest to build one perfect trailer. Although that was over 6,000 trailers ago, we are still working hard to build the best trailer on the road.

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ASPEN MILLER OF REGION VII by Jacqueline Knox

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, Aspen Miller! This 17-year-old senior from Santa Fe, Texas is unstoppable in the arena. She competes in breakaway and team roping. Of the two, her favorite is breakaway because it is such

a fast event. Aspen rides three different horses: Chick, Iggy and Boone. Aspen rides Chick and Iggy in breakaway and team ropes off of Boone. Her favorite memories of riding her horses are her big wins. Aspen has grown up riding horses and started competing in rodeo around age six. Aspen loves rodeo because of the atmosphere, the people and the sport itself. “I love how you can get to such a big stage at such a young age, which is rare for a lot of sports,” Aspen said. Rodeo has taught her so much, but she loves that rodeo has taught her “that there are good days and bad days, but

there is always tomorrow,” Aspen said. “You can always get better and fix your mistakes. You have to bready to improve and there is always room for improvement with a sport like rodeo.” When asked about her favorite rodeo memory, Aspen said it was when she got to rope at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. She was there competing in a junior NFR. “It was a huge arena and we got to go up on stage,” Aspen said. “The music was loud, and it was a very thrilling experience.” Aspen’s greatest achievement is becoming so responsible at a young age. “My parents taught me to do all of this stuff at a young age, which sets up me for college and for the future,” Aspen said. “I know how to handle situations.” Even though she is homeschooled, Aspen takes her academics very seriously. She said that her favorite subject is currently chemistry. When she isn’t working on school or practicing rodeo, Aspen can be found hanging out with her friends or family. On a normal day, Aspen wakes up to feed and check on her horses. She is homeschooled and does school for a few hours in the morning before going to rope the dummy. She practices roping every night. Her motto on life is, “what you put into it is what you get out of it.” This is something that her mom, Randi Miller, has always said to her. “As I have gotten older, this has made a lot more sense in all aspects of live,” Aspen said. She talked about how this rings true in the practice pen because how and what you practice shows at the rodeos. Aspen considers her dad, Craig Miller, as her hero. “He works everyday so that I can rodeo,” Aspen said. “Even after he gets home from work, he gets in the practice pen with me to help me there. He is always on my side and in my corner to help me.” When asked if she had many any sacrifices to help her get stronger, Aspen said, “I think that rodeo kids live a different life than normal kids. We are on the road more and we may not get to experience the same things as the average kid. But to me, it pays off in the end. I know that rodeo is what I want to do.” If she could pass down any advice for younger riders, Aspen would tell them “to keep practicing. Spend a lot of time in the practice pen because that is where you learn and become better. You can’t get better without practice.” In the future, Aspen plans to get a business degree from Sam Houston State University. She also plans to continue roading at Sam Houston State. After college, she plans to get her cosmetology license. Aspen is honored to be this month’s Whatakid! “This is so exciting,” Aspen said. “It is awesome that I was chosen, and it means a lot my family and I.”

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - BRYLEE BRADEN VICE PRESIDENT - MAKENZIE MAYES SECRETARY - DIXIE TABB STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS MICHAEL AKINS 2449 West Line Road • Whitesboro, TX 76273 makins1@yahoo.com • 904.368.9390

DR. TANDY FREEMAN

DAVID SCHRECK 209 Sarah Way • Murphy, TX 75094 214.403.5606 • dschreck@intelemedia.com SECRETARY - TINA BRADEN PO Box 549 • Horatio, AR 71842 870.832.3149 • tbbraden@earthlink.net

Region IV

BARRY BRADEN PO Box 549 • Horatio, AR 71842 870.584.2308 • tbbraden@earthlink.net MICHAEL AKINS 2449 West Line Road • Whitesboro, TX 76273 makins1@yahoo.com • 904.368.9390

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Bittersweet

By Lilly Eakes – Performance Reporter

s the 2020-2021 region season wraps up we want to thank some of our awesome region sponsors. A special thanks to J Mart Armstrong for always going above and beyond with donations. Without all of our sponsors we couldn’t do what we do! Goodbyes are always hard but it is bitter sweet to send such a great group of seniors out into the world. Region 4 will graduate 28 seniors this season. We awarded $7500 in scholarship money to our seniors. To share in our seniors excitement we invited them to share their future endeavors: Anna Maria Schrek dedicated 7 years to region 4. She plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall and major in Biomedical Science studying veterinary medicine. Elizabeth Barta has been a member of region 4 for 5 years. She plans to attend Tarleton

University as part of the honors program and major in Animal Science. Erin Foust has rodoed at region 4 for 3 years. She plans to attend Weather College and continue her rodeo career in barrel racing. Jessie Kinney competed at region 4 for 3 years. She plans to continue her rodeo career on the UPRA circuit and attend Texas A&M Commerce. Garrett Roffino roped in region 4 for 5 years In the fall he plans on attending Texas Tech, majoring in Ag Business and continuing his rodeo career. Trevor McCartney was a newcomer this year to region 4. After graduation he plans to attend Northeast Texas Community College and continue his roping career. Brady Joe Howard rode bulls at region 4 for 2 years. He plans to continue that endeavor and has signed to rodeo and attend Northeast Texas Community College. Landon Priefert was a member of region 4 for 6 year. Landon will attend Northeast Community college where he will continue to team rope. We wish all of our seniors the best of luck and cannot wait to see where their next adventure take them. We are already looking forward to the 2021-2022 rodeo season. We are fortunate again next year to be able to hold our region rodeos at the Hopkins Events Center.

REGION IV 2021-2022 RODEO SCHEDULE: September 18-19, 2021 October 2-3, 2021 November 6-7, 2021 January 8-9, 2022 February 19-20, 2022 March 25-27, 2022 Good Luck to all of our contestant competing at state and at summer rodeos. We can’t wait to see everyone back in Sulphur Springs in the fall.

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Inaugural World Championship Junior Rodeo Set to Light Up the Lazy E July 27-31

by Kendra Santos | Lazy E photos by James Phifer

he stage is set for the inaugural World Championship Junior Rodeo presented by Montana Silversmiths, which will run July 27-31 at the recent-times hub of rodeo Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. This first annual, first-class event at the Fabulous Lazy E will include bareback riding, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, goat tying, saddle bronc riding, pole bending, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding, and will feature $115,000 in added money, with an estimated total payout in excess of $450,000. It should surprise no one that the big-thinking Lazy E’s goal for the WCJR is for it to be the richest youth rodeo in all the land. WCJR entries open May 14, and will be handled online by Rodeo Logistics. You can find the entry link and more information at wcjrodeo.com. Stalls and camping hookups can be reserved starting May 14 and close June 15 at openstalls.com, or by using the stalls link on wcjrodeo.com. Stalls are $165, and camping rates range from $200-400, depending on location and amenities. Contestants move-in and check-in will start at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 26. All horses must be Oklahoma State Law compliant, including current EHV vaccination. The WCJR is open to contestants 19 & Under as of the start of the rodeo on July 27, 2021. Anyone who is age eligible can enter the WCJR, with no qualifications or memberships required. Entry fees are $350 per event, and the WCJR will feature a gener-

ous 80 percent payback. Entry fees for Friday’s optional buyback round will be $200. There will be a $100 nonrefundable office and gate fee per contestant. A copy of each contestant’s birth certificate is required for all entries, and should be emailed to bgarcia@lazye. com. Contestant and parent signatures are required on the WCJR release of liability form. Each contestant can enter each event one time, and team ropers can enter once as a header and once as a heeler. The 2021 WCJR will be the only qualifier for the 2022 Jr Ironman, which will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Cinch Timed Event Championship next March at the Lazy E. There will be a Jr Ironman side pot for contestants who enter heading, heeling, steer wrestling and tie-down roping, with the top five money earners in three or more events advancing to the 2022 Jr Ironman. The WCJR format will include two long rounds, with the top three contestants from each round and the top eight in the two-head average advancing to the Semi Finals. The top two in each event from the buyback round also will advance to the Semifinals, for a total of 16 contestants per event in the Semis. The Semi Finals starts with a clean slate, with the top eight moving on to the Finals. The WCJR World Champions will be determined suddendeath style by the fastest times and

highest scores in the Finals. See you all at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena, July 27-31, for the summer-spectacular 2021 World Championship Junior Rodeo!

PRESIDENT - ABI DePRIEST VICE PRESIDENT - RILEY JAY OTWELL SECRETARY - PEYTON MATHIS

STUDENT OFFICERS

JOE GLENN KAHLA 612 FM 1747 • Jasper, Texas 75951 409.384.0921 • jgk@mklawyers.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

BILL WHITE 277 Billy White Rd • Singer, LA 70660 337.304.0748 • whiteacres55@yahoo.com

Region V

SECRETARY - SUSAN BALDWIN 722 Southview Circle • Center, Texas 75935 936.590.4330 • regionvsecretary@gmail.com

JUSTIN KLEIN PO Box 2107 • Center, TX 75935 936.590.0229 • sendtojustin@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT- KIRK MATHIS 777 Freeman Cemetery Rd • Lufkin, TX75904

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By SIERRA SCHUENEMAN – Performance Reporter

,240,543,592 seconds comprise the average human life span; yet, some of the greatest decisions are decided within a split second. It is easy to adjust technique during a rodeo run; it is even easier to run a 5K instead of three miles. It is not as effortless to make futuristic decisions without substantial evidence; particularly in regard to education and rodeoing. That is the thing I have only recently discovered about life and the decision-making process; some choices are meant to test us and challenge us. Choices are what grow us as individuals. If we are not challenged, we stay stagnant; and that is where I saw myself prior to becoming a member of the region that prides itself on “being the biggest, the baddest, the best.” Staying in one place too long allows you to morph into your surroundings. You get comfortable, you are no longer transformative. You accept mediocrity. In fact, you do not even consider mediocrity to be anything other than “your best.” This is where I was in 2019. I had been rodeoing against the same group of

girls since sixth grade; it was a knife fight some weekends and we should not revisit the other. Eventually, I got irritated with people who did not challenge me to level up in my competition or mentality. So, I branched out. March 2019, I traveled to Deridder, Louisiana for my first Region Five rodeo. Now if you weren’t there that weekend let me give you a fast recap…. IT WAS TERRIBLE. I knocked every single barrel out of the arena. My goat horse tried to eradicate me not once, but twice. The nicest way I can put this weekend into summation is by admitting, I looked like an utter fool. However, what I experienced in those three days was truly refreshing. It was on the drive back to Madisonville that I knew Region Five would be a change worth making. While my time in Region Five has not been as lengthy as some, the memories I have lived through both in and out of the arena will forever hold a place in my heart. If you have been to a morning goat break in, you would know we all struggle to get things together that early, be it twenty-eight or ninety-five outside. The pre-goat tying prayer ritual is something I look forward to, the coaching during and after runs, eating my weight in brisket tacos from Café Del-Rio after every rodeo and the other moments in between that I will cherish. Region Five has taught me that when you lose, and you will lose, you still cheer on your friends and you never leave one behind. In one of my Ariat Reporter articles this year, I talked about how temporary high school and rodeo are. While they are milestones of life, our successes or failures in high school rodeo do not determine who we are to become. I have learned that success is circumstantial. In order to truly reap the best rewards in life, we must level ourselves up. Surround yourself with people who truly want you to succeed, who lead you closer to the life you want to live. At eighteen years old, I do not have it all figured out. In fact, I have nothing figured out. However, over the last two years I have evolved as a person and I accredit that heavily to the decision of coming to Region V and becoming a part of this rodeo family. “All good things must come to a close.” To my fellow seniors, I hope you take advantage of your last trip to Abilene, lay it all on the line and remember that you can only be as good as you allow yourself to be. To Region V, thank you for taking me in for two years and backing me no matter what. To MY people, y’all are making this “goodbye” a lot harder than I thought it would be. It has been an honor to be a part of “the biggest, the baddest, the best” region in the state. See ya around.

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PRESIDENT - MEKENNA DAVIS VICE PRESIDENT - BAYLEE BURLESON SECRETARY - BRADI FREEMEAN

STUDENT OFFICERS

STATE DIRECTORS MATT CRAINER PO Box 32 • Carrizo Springs, TX 78834 830.876.6141 • mattcrainer@yahoo.com

GARY MOBBS 9076 FM 443 • Shiner, TX 77984 830.857.1418 • gary.mobbs@southstatebank.com

Region VI

SECRETARY - ANNE DOLLERY P.O. BOX 1818 • Gonzales, TX 78629 979.412.2551 • texasjuniorhighrodeo@gmail.com

JUSTINE HUNT 2433 Witte Rd • Bellville, TX 77418 979.525.7098 • rodeohuntboys@gmail.com PRESIDENT - DAVID FREEMAN 1039 Mockingbird Lane • Eagle Lake, TX 77434 832.221.1253 • chlfreeman@yahoo.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

All-Around Athletes

By BRADI FREEMAN

– Performance Reporter

ith High School finals right on our heels, we’re very excited to see how far all of our athletes have come! This year State Finals means more to some people, as they were the ones who chose to rise above all the challenges thrown their way. The ones who never stopped pushing when times got hard. And the ones who aimed high and reached high.

Just like our junior high, we’re very proud and want to acknowledge our high school all-around athletes for this years region season! Our boys all-around was a new face to Region VI, Mr. Garrett Curry. He came to join us over at Region 6 for his final high school season, and we were so happy to have him! Our girls all-around was Miss Amy Ohrt! She worked very hard all season and continues to do so! Our two high school Rookie All-Around’s were Blaine Burleson and Kaylie Garza. These two freshman came in with a bang!! They both did incredible this season and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in the years to come! Everyone is very excited to send such a hard working and dedicated group of young men and women to compete at state finals. Each competitor has proven themselves worthy of the spot they finished in! I personally cannot wait to see what the future holds for all these amazing athletes. It’s been an honor to be able to compete with some of the best of the best. It’s amazing to have an association like THSRA that gives us the opportunity to do what we love with the people we love being around.

STUDENT OFFICERS

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS CRAIG MILLER 11603 Anders Lane • Santa Fe, NM 77510 409.682.5427 • craigwmiller80@yahoo.com

7 STEPS TO SUCCESS

PRESIDENT - KERA LAMB VICE PRESIDENT - CARLI RAWLINSON SECRETARY - PAISLEY PIERCE

DAN SIMPTON 24543 SH 6 • Navasota, Texas 77868 936.870.5779 • dansimpton@yahoo.com SECRETARY - NENA BOETTCHER PO Box 833 • East Bernard, Texas 77435 281.468.8973 • region7thsra@gmail.com

Region VII

SCOTT SHOOK 5750 FM 360 • Needville, Texas 77461 713.851.9553 • scotctshook@yahoo.com PRESIDENT- CRAIG MILLER 11603 Anders Lane • Santa Fe 77510 409-682-5427 • craigwmiller80@yahoo.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By JAYCI LEE BYLER

– Performance Reporter

o it’s time to get you ready for State Finals. Rodeo is a physical sport but it takes the mental side to a whole new level when you’re going up against the tough contestants of Texas. After asking around of some of my peers and also asking some of my idols I’ve put together a few steps they gave me to help y’all out. STEP ONE: The biggest one I got from one of my idols Ryann Pedone, Turn off any negative news, media or social media. Don’t be afraid to unfollow or unfriend people who would aggravate you or cast doubt on your ability there’s no shame in believing in yourself. STEP TWO: Established a good practice session. Whether you practice by yourself, with family, a trainer, or with fellow competitors, make the most of your practice sessions. Keeping an open mind of things you’re working to correct and get better at. STEP THREE: Look at your idols training tapes or Instagram‘s post and see what their suggestions are about practicing, technique, horsemanship and Bible study. STEP FOUR: Nutrition, try to eat better to fuel your body. Keeping your body strong allows you to avoid injury

and mental fatigue. STEP FIVE: Establish a better sleep schedule to rest up and allow your body time to repair. STEP SIX: Don’t be afraid of losing. It does not mean you are a failure, just means that somebody else was better that day. STEP SEVEN: Get involved in a program in your church, community or at school helping others in need. There is nothing that does the soul better then bringing joy to others. When visiting with one of Region VII top ropers, senior Madi Outhier, I asked how she got mentally ready to win another major event like the WCRA. “It is all mind set; I take it one calf at a time. With it being multiple rounds I got a good night rest, I tried to do school work a little now and then and I ate a good meal before heading to the rodeo.” So maybe applying a couple of the steps listed above might just give you that leg up for the rodeo. Many of our Texas High School contestants nominated at the region rodeos to qualify to the WCRA DY standings. Our Region VII was well represented at WCRA at Corpus Christi with Madi Outhier- $12,500 Women’s Breakaway Champion, Guy Raasch, Hannah Bass, Nick Achille, Kaitlyn Torres- 3 Event Qualifier, Cameron Suehs, Carson Sonnier, Congrats to y’all! “Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them” Ezekiel 38:7

PO Box 787 • Asherton, TX 78837 830-999-3344 • tom@catarosaranch.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS TOM AASBO

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - KATE MCNEIL VICE PRESIDENT - RYLEE DODSON SECRETARY - SYDNEY BLAIR

JASON UNDERBRINK 520 Phillips Rd • Pleasanton, Texas 78064 210.854.7718 • jasonunderbrink@yahoo.com 3005 Santa Ana St. • Corpus Christi, Texas 78415 361.739.9858 • region8thsra@gmail.com

Region VIII

SECRETARY - CELINA FETTY

KIM NICHOLSON 8434 N. US Hwy 183 • Goliad, Texas 77963 830.570.7302 • kim_nicholson@att.net PO Box 787 • Asherton, TX 78837 830-999-3344 • tom@catarosaranch.com

PRESIDENT- TOM AASBO

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Hello Abilene Texas

By BAILEY GUBERT – Performance Reporter

he Texas State Finals are here; we have all worked so hard to make the top 10 in our events. Congratulations to everyone on your accomplishment’s. Our region has a ton of talent and we can’t wait to see who will be representing Texas at Nationals this year. I would like you to meet our standouts……. All Around Champion GirlTess Underbrink All Around Champion BoyRymond Haby Girl Rookie of the YearKenna Thomas Boy Rookie of the YearRaine Redden Champion Team Ropers TeamBailey Gubert and Rymond Haby Champion Steer WrestlingTyler Bauerle Champion Reining Cow HorseRylee Dodson Champion Pole BenderTess Underbrink Champion Girls CuttingIsabella Picklo Champion Boys CuttingBoomer Smith

Champion Goat TyingTaryl Toepperwein Champion Calf RoperRymond Haby Champion Bull RidingTucker Shanklin Champion Breakaway RoperBailey Gubert Champion Barrel RacerAlissa Flores

It has been my pleasure being the region reporter this year! This is goodbye and see you down the road…. “I hated every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t’ quit. Suffer now and spend the rest of your life as a Champion.” - Muhammad Ali

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CAMERAN CANTU OF REGION VIII by Jacqueline Knox

ongratulations to the Whatakid of the month, Cameran Cantu! This eighteen-year-old senior is a force to be reckoned with. She competes in breakaway, team roping and barrel racing. Of these, breakaway is her favorite because she loves practicing with her dad, Conrad Cantu. Cameran rides three different horses: Woody, Esteban and Honey. She rides Woody for breakaway, Esteban for team roping and Honey for barrels. Cameran remarked that she loves that Woody always splashes and plays in the water. Cameran starting to rodeo at age six was no surprise since Conrad is a team roper. “I actually stole his horse from him,” Cameran said. Growing up, Cameran always knew she was going to love rodeo. “I love the way it made me feel, and how it felt to win,” Cameran said. Rodeo has taught Cameran a lot, but she loves that it has taught her that “even on your bad days you still have to look at the good side of everything,” Cameran said. “There is always going to be another rodeo and you can’t keep doubting yourself.” She also loves that rodeo has taught her to always keep her head up. One of her favorite rodeo moments was actually when her horse, Woody, was hurt. “My friend Victoria had to lend me her horse,” Cameran said. “I ended up winning the rodeo. Her and her

dad’s reaction was awesome.” She also loves going to state because she gets to hang out with all of her friends. Cameran reminisced on one state rodeo where her friend, Tres Mendietta, dressed up like a girl. “It was the funniest thing I had ever seen him do,” Cameran said. In addition to rodeo, Cameran takes her academics very seriously, as she is the salutatorian for the Class of 2021 at Freer High School. She said that her favorite subject is math. “My mom is a math teacher, so I think I got my love of math from her,” Cameran said. She also competes on the varsity volleyball and varsity basketball team for her high school. Cameran is really proud to have made the Coastal Bend Coaches Association all-star team for basketball. She considers this as her biggest accomplishment. Cameran also was named the MVP for basketball her junior and senior year. When she isn’t practicing for her next rodeo or sports event, Cameran loves to hang out with her friends and go swimming. On a normal day, Cameran goes to school until 4 p.m. After school, she saddles all the horses, so they are ready when her dad gets back at 5:30 p.m. Then the two of them rope together until dark. They feed and bathe the horses before going back home and ending the day. Her motto on life is to be positive. “Whenever the negative thoughts try and take you down, always look at the positive side of things,” Cameran said. This is something that her dad instilled in her. “You are going to have your bad weekends, and he would always tell me not to look down because there was going to be another one,” Cameran said. Cameran considers her mom, Michele Cantu, her hero. “My mom has faced a lot of challenges,” Cameran said. “She didn’t come from a wealthy family and put herself through college. About seven years ago, she defeated breast cancer. She is a very strong and powerful women. I always look up to her for that.” If she could pass down any advice for younger riders, Cameran would tell them “that it doesn’t matter if you have a bad day. There is always other rodeos so keep your head up,” In the future, Cameran will attend Sam Houston State University. She is majoring in animal science with a minor in equine science. She wants to work in the veterinary field after college and hopes to one day open up a rehabilitation center for horses. Cameran is taking some horses with her to college and plans to compete in jackpots. Cameran is honored to be this month’s Whatakid! “Being picked is a huge honor and I am so happy to represent region eight,” Cameran said.

PRESIDENT - RILEY JO CHEATHAM VICE PRESIDENT - BOYD HANAGRIFF SECRETARY - CHASE MCBEE

STUDENT OFFICERS

149 Willow Creek • Huntsville, Texas 77340 832.928.1647 • braddyer@live.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS BRAD DYER

240 Pool Road • Richards, TX 77873 936.661.8988 • announcer.mcmahon@gmail.com

DAVE MCMAHON

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

Region IX

979.251.4131 • laceyaubihl@thsra9.com

198 Pool Road • Richards, Texas 77873 936.661.4163 • rhanagriff@gmail.com

ROGER HANAGRIFF

198 Pool Road • Richards, Texas 77873 936.661.4163 • rhanagriff@gmail.com

PRESIDENT- ROGER HANAGRIFF

PERFORMANCE REPORT

HARD WORK BETRAYS NONE

Texas. With a whopping number of 70 barrel racers, it’s safe to say that the top 10 girls definitely staked their claim in the arena. I may be a bit biased, but I believe that region IX had some of the By MONTANA BROWN – Performance Reporter toughest competitors across the s the school year winds down board of events this year. These to an end, the top 10 competi- are your event champions for this tors in each event from all of year, Tie down: Tyler Calhoun, the High School regions are most Team Roping: Brady and Colby likely beginning to prepare for the McDonald, Steer Wrestling: road to Abilene. For some it started Rhody Niles, Pole Bending: last year when state ended, and for Aspen Grant, Reining Cow others practice became the only thing Horse: Carson Rutherford, Girls Cutting: Maggie McCarthy, Bull on their mind after the region finals. Region IX had a very successful Riding:Jax Mills, Barrel Racing: year in and out of the arena. This Aly Jurica, Bareback: Bradlee RYLIE JO CHEATHAM year was a record breaking year with Miller, Goat Tying: Rylie Jo membership numbers. Making region Cheatham, who is region IX’s IX one of the biggest regions in very own Mrs. President btw, Breakaway: Tylie McDonald, and Boys Cutting: Jake Starns. The region IX competitors have their nose to the grindstone in the practice pen to ensure they have success at the new Taylor Co. Expo this year. Thankfully the world has calmed down since last year, giving the seniors a chance to enjoy their last trip to THSRA state. As I pass the hat to the new Ariat Reporter, Tylie McDonald, I look back on this opportunity of getting to highlight the tough competitors of region IX. I am forever grateful for all of the memories I was able to create this year. Fulfilling this duty has gifted me with many skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. On behalf of the competitors from Region IX, good luck, we wish you the best draw in the pen! “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various RYLIE JO CHEATHAM & BRADY AND COLBY MCDONALD forms.” -1 Peter 4:10

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25 Event Buckles | 6 All Around Saddles SHORT GO FOR TOP 10 IN EACH EVENT WILL BE @10:00AM ON SUNDAY, JULY 25TH

Free Admission to Rodeo Families and Public To Download an Entry Form Go to:

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STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - SAIGE SEALY VICE PRESIDENT - MAKENZIE DOWELL SECRETARY - CHAINEY WEITZ BRANDON JONES 194 CR 427 • Lorena, Texas 76655 254.833.0251 • crystal_jones1991@yahoo.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

RENEE WEITZ PO Box 40 • London, Texas 76854 512.332.6731 • weitzrr@gmail.com

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

817.648.2728 • texasregion10@gmail.com

SHELLEY TOWNSEND 900 Quarter Horse Dr. • Kingsland, TX 78639 830.798.7755 • sarrington36@yahoo.com PRESIDENT - JERRY WRIGHT 434 CR 315 • Oglesby, Texas 76561 254.290.4965 • jerrywrighthomes@hughes.net

PERFORMANCE REPORT

FUTURE PLANS

By KATY

WEBB – Performance Reporter

s the Region X High School and Junior High Rodeos have come to an end, the hard work and preparation has begun for the competitors that are headed to the State Finals. The high school state finals will be held on June 3-12 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene,TX. Before the high school state finals kick off the Junior High kids will be traveling to Gonzales,TX to the Junior High State Finals. For a lot of us seniors there has started to be quite a few of the “last time”, whether it is the last time playing a High School sport, the last time to every put a FFA jacket on, the last High School Rodeo, or the last time to be in a classroom with the people you have spent the last four years with. Moving onto the next chapter of our lives is exciting and region 10 has had multiple seniors that have chosen to con-

tinue their rodeo career and have signed to colleges. Kade Berry has signed at Tarleton University. Kade Berry will be competing in the Bareback Riding. When I asked him how he knew that Tarlton was the right school for him he stated “I knew Tarlton right place for me because there were great facilities and the rodeo coach “ Mark Eakin” is someone I think could help me become a better competi-

SHAE NICHOLSON

2020-2021 JUNIOR HIGH STATE DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD NATIONAL DIRECTOR JOHN SCHUENEMAN

979-268-4994

john.schueneman@gmail.com

PRESIDENT SCOTT SHOOK

281-437-8214

scottcshook@yahoo.com

1st VICE PRESIDENT SHANE HANCOCK

254-379-3516

shanehancock74@yahoo.com

2nd VICE PRESIDENT ERIC HUSTON

817-368-0159

duaneoverton6113@gmail.coM

832-221-1253

chlfreeman@yahoo.com

832-928-1647

braddyer@live.com

EXEC BOARD AT LARGE DAVID FREEMAN LANDON EHLINGER CHAD CURRINGTON BRAD DYER CHARLES HENRY

MARKETING MACI MEYER SECRETARY ANNE DOLLERY 979-412-2551 texasjuniorhighrodeo@gmail.com PRINCESS CORD DONNA ODOM, RACHEL ROBBINS, SARAH ROWLANDS

STATE DIRECTORS Region I MONROE TIMBERLAKE KEVIN MCCREARY KYLE ANDERSON

KADE BERRY

tor physically and mentally along with helping me grow as the next chapter of my life starts.” Shae Nicholson has signed with Cisco College and is excited to be a part of their rodeo team. Shae will be competing in the barrel racing and goat tying for the Cisco college rodeo team and she said “Cisco was the place for me because it was close enough to home in case something was to happen, but it was still far enough to be on my own. It is a good start at a junior college so I can learn how to adjust before going to a big school.” With new changes ahead I would like to wish all of the region 10 seniors good luck in the next steps of their lives. Heading to state this year feels a lot more normal than 2020s state finals did. Although it is not exactly like it has been in years past it is still a blessing that we can be a part of a great organization that has even better people behind it. All of the competition has their mind set on winning state and going to nationals but unfortunately things don't always go the way we plan them, trying to remember that it is all in God's way and God's timing can be frustrating and hard to accept but just doing the best we can and applying what we have practiced is all we can do and the rest is in God's hands. There will be many memories made and some tough but friendly competition to compete against. Good Luck and Safe travels to all 10 regions that are headed to Abilene and Gonzales and when they are hauling to other rodeos during summer.

806-344-6846 806-674-5601

Region II JOHNNY YOUNG, JR KELLY WOOD 432-940-1136 CHAD CURRINGTON 806-786-9016 Region III JOHN ROBERTSON 817-475-6377 SHANE CRISWELL 325-347-2656 WESLEY WHITE Region IV JOHNNY YOUNG PAIGE ALMON BRIAN LOGAN

903-249-1647 903-681-6592 903-348-1740

monroetimberlake@gmail.com kevin@mccrearysales.com

woodrodeogirls@yahoo.com ccurrington@sundowwnsb.com jrober5729@att.net kodyhorses@yahoo.com

jpyoung75486@gmail.com epaigealmon@yahoo.com

Region V RICHARD BALDWIN 936-332-5466 STACEY MARTIN 225-505-7645 SHANE PASCHAL 409-673-1676 Region VI CHARLES HENRY 979-221-4450 DENNY PATTERSON 832-330-3054 CLAY OHRT 361-571-1040

crossfireexpress@att.net pattersondenny@gmail.com ohrt6@hotmail.com

Region VII AMBER BASS LANDON EHLINGER DAN SIMPTON

landon@6Econstruction.com dansimpton@yahoo.com

979-255-2458 281-389-2784 936-870-5779

r.baldwin147@icloud.com nextlevelgoattying@gmail.com spaschal@paschalweld.com

amberbass@greatertexasfoundation.org

Region VIII BEN ELLIS 361-701-1886 ben_ellis78@yahoo.com JUSTIN SPEERS CASS RINGLESTEIN 210-885-0902 cass.oasis@yahoo.com Region IX POPPA CALHOUN 979-422-3105 calhounpoppa@yahoo.com RUSTY MCCARTHY 936-206-4051 rust@RDMContracting.com BO WILLIAMS 979-220-5898 dwilliams@midsouthenergy.com Region X SISSY PENNINGTON MATT SILAR 254-472-0133 matt.silar@patriotinsp.com ZAC THOMPSON

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT BRYCE EHLINGER VICE PRESIDENT KAMRYN ROBISON SECRETARY DREW ELLEN STEWART PRINCESS DIXIE TABB

The Ehlinger Family of Region VII

by Jacqueline Knox

ongratulations to this month’s McCoys Farm and Ranch Family, the Ehlingers! In order for their ranch, 6E Ranch, to be a success, Landon and Tracy work alongside their four children, Tyler (18), Skylar (16), Bryce (13) and Ryan (11). The ranch has been in business since 2010. Additionally, they own a commercial construction company called 6E Construction. Their ranch spreads out over roughly 500 acres owned/leased in Brazoria County (Region 7) and is a cow/calf operation where they run Braford cattle. Landon shared that they have roughly 350 head. Additionally, they have nine roping horses, 15 roping calves, about 40 goats that their oldest son Tyler raises, breeds and sells as meat goats, and their adorable toy Schnauzer named Coco. Every day, the livestock have to be checked and fed. Additionally, the horses have to be exercised daily and their vaccinations and shooing’s have to be checked monthly. Working on the 6E Ranch is a family affair, as each one of the Ehlingers has a vital job to the operations success. “Everyone pitches in when it’s time to fix fence, work/ship cattle, or take care of sick/orphaned cattle,” Landon said. He went on to add that the kids all love getting to skip school on days that they are working cattle. Landon and Tracy feel that the kids are getting more out of the experience of physically working cattle and learning the business of ranching, then if they had to present at school that day. “We feel that we work and play hard as a family and this has made us

even closer,” Landon said. “We spend almost every single hour of the day together, but it has allowed us to have so many memorable experiences that we will cherish forever.” Both Tracy and Landon have worked hard in order to lead and excel in their work, which led them to opening their own businesses where “we had total control of our future. Working construction and running a ranch is definitely not your 8-5,” Landon said. “It more like 24 hours a day! There is always a project on our minds or cattle out during the middle of the night. Owning our own company is stressful but well worth it.” Landon and Tracy hope that the ranching lifestyle has taught their kids that hard work pays off and that there are no shortcuts. “Thank goodness they all seem to get the hard work portion already as they are all always willing to help,” Landon said. Additionally, they hope that their kids have learned that education, both scholastic and education acquired through the work environment, is very important. “We have learned a lot through our trials and tribulations of owning several companies,” Landon said. “We hope to continue to share the knowledge that we have gained as business owners to help them own or operate their own successful companies one day.” When they aren’t working on the ranch or at home, the family loves to travel to and compete in rodeos. Tyler competes in tiedown calf roping, team roping, and trap shooting for THSRA. He qualified for nationals in 2020. Bryce competes in tiedown, ribbon roping, breakaway, team roping and steer riding in TJHRA. Bryce also serves as the Student National President and Region 7 President for TJHRA. “We enjoy meeting and working with other athletes and families throughout our region and state,” Landon said. “They have become our extended family for sure as we spend almost every weekend at a rodeo somewhere with them.” Additionally, Skylar is a competitive cheerleader, and the boys all play select baseball. “If we aren’t on the rodeo trail or attending (one of the) kids sporting event, we enjoy taking vacations to beach destinations, snow skiing, fishing for trout/redfish, or hanging down at the ranch in South Texas doing a little hunting,” Landon said. Luckily, the Ehlingers have a McCoys about five miles from their home. Landon shared that they have been doing business with McCoys their entire lives. “Even growing up our parents were customers,” Landon said. “McCoy’s always seems to have what we are looking for and has the inventory on hand to provide for our ranching and construction needs. If it means building fence, a new set of cattle working pens, or a new barn, McCoys has us covered.” The Ehlinger family is honored to be named the McCoys Farm and Ranch Family! “It’s quite exciting to be selected as the McCoys Family of the month,” Landon said. “Although, (our lifestyle is) a lot of work and a daily grind, we wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”