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
979.251.4131 • reionixsecretary@gmail.com
Region IX
STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS BRAD DYER
MIKE YARGO
SECRETARY - LACEY AUBIHL 1326 PR 5011 • Ledbetter, Texas 78946
PO Box 551 • New Waverly, Rexas 77358 936.581.0527 • mjyargo@yahoo.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
46
PERFORMANCE REPORT
R
By TYLIE
MCDONALD – Performance Reporter
egion IX is locked, loaded, and ready to roll. Some familiar faces will be returning to Abilene to compete for a chance to bring home another state title and punch their ticket to the National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming. Before planning a trip to the Texas High School Rodeo Association state
finals, the state qualifiers from all regions across the state had to com-
pete against athletes within their region. While it is exciting to see who the top ten in an event are, it is even more thrilling to watch the champions of each region, especially the ones from Region IX. Competitors such as Kiley Hargrave-Batten and Tyler Calhoun know what it takes to be a champion. Both of these individuals have state and national accomplishments on their resumes. When asked what their plans are for the state finals, both explained that they plan to do their very best and just let the chips fall. Batten, Region IX’s champion pole bender, says, “My plans are not to win again, although it would be nice; I really just want to be the best rodeo athlete I can be. I want clean, safe, and hopefully fast runs.” Batten and her famous pony, Socks, have high expectations since they are the reigning state and national champions. This duo has been through ups and downs over the past seven years of being in Batten’s barn. She and her grandpa trained the 19-second pole horse that has provided Batten with so many wonderful opportunities. Batten says that as long as she reminds herself to do what she knows how to do, the pressure and stress will not get between her and her goals. Along with Batten, Region IX’s champion tie-down roper Tyler Calhoun has a similar approach to competing at the state finals. Calhoun is the reigning reserve state champion tie-down roper. After being just a few points shy of a state championship, Calhoun is actually not out for redemption. Calhoun says, “Last year, I roped my best and did everything I could on the calves I drew. The champion (Koby Douch) just out roped me. I will go back this year with the same mindset of doing what I can on what I draw.” Calhoun gives credit to his equine partner, Wayne, and says, “He has his own personality, and we have grown together over the years. I like our TYLER CALHOUN chances as long as I continue to photo by Jennings work with him and keep him as
