THE GRIFFIN FAMILY

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 2022 THSRA State Finals.

The Griffin Family of Region V

by Ashtyn Carr

Congratulations to the Griffin family for being named a McCoy’s Farm and Ranch Family! Jason and Holly Griffin reside in Roaquin, TX with their sons, Jackson, 15, and Jacob, 11.

The rodeo roots run deep with the Griffin’s. In fact, Jason started rodeoing by the age of five! Further down the line, Jason and Holly both competed in high school and college rodeo. Jason even made it to nationals for steer wrestling in 1994. It is safe to say that this family tradition is not going anywhere.

“We grew up rodeoing,” Jason said. “We want to carry that tradition on to the kids. We like the people and the atmosphere. The kids enjoy doing it. We’re usually somewhere just about every weekend, at a roping or a rodeo.”

Jason received a forestry degree from Panola College, while Holly earned an early childhood education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. The two met in college through mutual friends and eventually married in 2001.

After teaching for 13 years, Holly made a career change. She now manages the family farm and their employees. The Griffin’s have many irons in the fire. They operate logging and mulching business, which both offer a variety of services. Likewise, the Griffin’s have always raised cattle. They have also been raising chickens for 23 years.

The chicken farm was built in 1999 as part of Pilgrim’s Pride. In this case, Pilgrim’s Pride provides the birds and the feed. The Griffin’s are then responsible for housing, electricity, water, and every day care. After raising the chickens to about 10 pounds, they then are picked up and processed. Jason says they are pretty much on call 24/7, which has been difficult to manage amid the widespread labor crisis.

“If something happened with a power or something, somebody has got to be real close to make sure the generator [is on],” Jason said. “So much of it has changed now. My wife can call in even when we’re at a rodeo or wherever and manage it all. So, that helps a lot.”

Although the Griffin boys are young, Jackson and Jacob have already expressed interest in helping with the businesses when the time comes. Jackson wants to help with logging and mulching. On the contrary, Jacob would like to continue working with the cattle. Apart from lending a helping hand on the family operation, the boys also enjoy rodeoing. Jackson is an active member of THSRA, while Jacob is a member of TJHRA. Both Jackson and Jacob team rope and calf rope. They are even team roping parents from time to time at ropings! However, they are in different age groups so they do not compete at youth rodeos together. Being different ages does not keep the boys from pushing each other forward. They practice together at home, working to perfect their skills. The competition is one of Jackson and Jacob’s favorite parts about being involved in rodeo. “It’s really about growing in the sport,” Jason said. “It’s pride for them and the parents as well. You know, watching them grow and better. You don’t always win. But learn from your mistakes, just keep going down the road.” Holly and Jason extend a thank you to McCoy’s for their support and investment into children such as their own. The family shops at their local McCoy’s in Nacogdoches. As a matter of fact, much of the lumber used to build the Griffin’s house and Jason’s office was purchased from McCoy’s! They also frequent the store to buy things like gates, panels, and, as Jason put it, a little bit of everything.

Overall, the Griffin family is happy to be part of the THSRA.

“It’s good and famil oriented,” Jason said. “You can spend time traveling together and just being together. I’m thankful that my parents took me and it’s a real enjoyment to take our kids and watch them grow.”

JUSTINE HUNT

2433 Witte Rd • Bellville, TX 77418 979.525.7098 • rodeohuntboys@gmail.com

DAVID FREEMAN PRESIDENT -

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

TOMMY OHRT

8971 Lower Mission Valley Rd • Victoria, TX 77905 361.550.5202 • t07cattle@yahoo.com

SECRETARY - ANNE DOLLERY

P.O. BOX 866 • Caldwell, Texas 77836 936.412.2551 • region6thsra@gmail.com

STUDENT OFFICERS

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

DAVID FREEMAN

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

Region VI

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By TABER GARCIA – Performance Reporter

Devin Young, our very own Region VI contestant, participated in the legendary RFDTV the American held in Arlington in March 2022. Devin was in the battle for what could have been the biggest payday for some rodeo contestants.

Devin Young is a fifteen-year-old freshman who is from Rosanky, Texas. She is the daughter of Amanda and Tab Young and the sister of Nick Young. Around the age of four, Devin discovered her passion for riding horses. Devin has been rodeoing for about eleven years.

Young is a two-time Texas Junior High State Champion Barrel Racer and a Texas Junior High Reserve State Champion Barrel Racer in 2019, 2020, and 2021. This year, Devin qualified for the American Semi-Finals after being the first to win all five rounds of the Jr. NFR in barrel racing. Devin found winning all five rounds to be extremely exciting. “I knew Tequila could place, but I would never have expected him to win all five with these great horses there,” said Young.

After qualifying for the American Semi-Finals, Devin was not done yet. She managed to qualify for the final ten

Region VI State Qualifi er Makes Showing at RFDTV the American

at Arlington and won the long round against professional barrel racers. Since Devin was a qualifier and not invited, she was one run closer to possibly winning the two million dollars. A few hours later, Devin ran for a second time and ended third in the short round. Devin explained how the feelings truly did not set in until a week later, when she had finally realized the magnitude of what she had done. “It was crazy to beat the pros, but I knew Tequila would do well because of his amount of try,” Devin explained.

Devin’s goal for next year is to qualify again for the American and make it to Arlington. One of her long-time goals is to set a new arena record and continue her rodeoing career in college. Young’s barrel horse Tequila is her favorite. Another one of her favorites is her old speed event horse from when she was younger. Devin prepares her horse by icing his legs before and after his runs and keeping him in his best shape.

Young attends Smithville High School. Even while committed to rodeos almost every weekend, she finds time to be very competitive in running. Devin is involved in cross country along with track. Her support system includes her family, friends, sponsors, and school.

Devin tends to get in her head quite a bit before she runs, but she reminds herself that she is prepared and has been doing this for a long time. Young’s advice to someone who wants to accomplish some of her achievements is that anything is possible with a lot of hard work. Young’s favorite rodeo memory was when she won the Texas Junior High State Finals Barrel Racing title for the first time when she was a sixth grader.

This year Devin will be competing at her first Texas High School State Finals as a Freshman in barrel racing. The finals are held June 2 through June 11 in Abilene, Texas.

DEVIN YOUNG photo by Jennings

SCOTT SHOOK

5750 FM 360 • Needville, Texas 77461 713.851.9553 • sshook@troyconstruction.com

DAN SIMPTON

24543 SH 6 • Navasota, Texas 77868 936.870.5779 • dansimpton@yahoo.com

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

SCOTT SHOOK

5750 FM 360 • Needville, Texas 77461 713.851.9553 • sshook@troyconstruction.com

SECRETARY - NENA BOETTCHER

PO Box 833 • East Bernard, Texas 77435 281.468.8973 • region7thsra@gmail.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS AMBER BASS

6808 Cedar Hill Road • Brenham, Texas 77833 979.851.9553 amberbass@greatertexasfoundation.org

Region VII

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By JAYCI LEE BYLER – Performance Reporter

As we look into the future of rodeo, we can say we are seeing more and more outstanding athletes are being made. Recently, I was able to have an insight into our Junior High School All-Around champion’s lives. Kaitlyn Torres and Lane Leopold are Region VII’s 202122 All-Around Champions. To say the least, I was ecstatic to be able to ask them some questions to really get to know them and what it had meant to them to win such an amazing title.

KAITLYN TORRES:

Region VII’s

Junior High Top Hands

KAITLYN TORRES:

Do you have any siblings and do they rodeo? Do you attend a school or are

you homeschooled? Kaitlyn Torres is an only child and is currently homeschooled.

What activities outside of rodeo do you like doing with your family on

the weekend or during the week? She enjoys going and supporting their home town softball, volleyball, and football games with her family.

Did your parents grow up doing high school rodeo? Her dad used to team rope in the high school as well as the youth rodeos, but her mom grew up in the city and was never around horses much.

What events do you compete in at our Region VII rodeos? At the region rodeos, she competes in six events which include pole bending, barrel racing, breakaway roping, ribbon running, goat tying, and team roping.

How long have you been in Junior high school rodeo? She has competed in Junior High rodeos since the start of her sixth grade year.

What regional, state, or national titles have you won? Kaitlyn came in as a dominate competitor during her sixth grade year by winning the Rookie title following with winning the All-Around title for all three years. She holds five event championships for Region VII and a state championship in the breakaway. My money is on this cowgirl to bring home another state championship title.

What did it mean to you to win the All-Around title for Region VII?

“It was a great feeling to come out with the All-Around especially this year because we struggled with no speed horses. I rode a heel horse in speed events the first half then got a young speed horse for the last four rodeos. So it was pretty special and a tough/ frustrating one as well.”

LANE LEOPOLD LANE LEOPOLD:

Do you attend a school or are you homeschooled?

Do you have any siblings and do they rodeo? Lane Leopold is also homeschooled and has two siblings, Wyatt and Lucy Jo who also compete in rodeo.

Did your parents grow up doing high school

rodeo? His dad competed in high school rodeos and has influenced Lane to compete at the rodeos.

What activities outside of rodeo do you like doing with your family on the weekend or during the week? Are you involved in any clubs, sports,

or other associations? Lane’s outside activities are hog hunting, hanging out with his friends, and roping cows. He involves himself in 4-H where he shows commercial heifers and also enjoys competing in rodeo.

What events do you compete in at our Region VII rodeos? He competes in five events from the roughstock end in the bull riding to the timed-event end in the roping.

How long have you been in Junior high school rodeo? Lane has been a part of the Junior High rodeo for all three years. What regional, state, or national titles have you won? Lane has won the All-Around title in 2021 and 2022. He has also won the tie down in 2021, rookie of the year in 2020, and the chute dogging in 2021 and 2020. Region VII looks forwards to watching this cowboy compete on both ends of the arena at Junior High State Finals.

What did it mean to you to win the All-Around title for Region VII?

“It meant a lot to me to win the All-Around. I have worked hard all year to improve my roping to win and all that hard work payed off to win. I really wanna thank my parents for all the late nights staying up to practice with me. I can’t continue to explain how thankful I am to have this award.”

Wishing all of our Region VII Junior high competitors a sizzlinghot finals! “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

KAITLYN TORRES

BEN ELLIS

PO Box 1845 • Orange Grove, Texas 78372361.701.1886 • ben.ellis78@yahoo.com

JASON UNDERBRINK

520 Phillips Rd • Pleasanton, Texas 78064 210.854.7718 • jasonunderbrink@yahoo.com

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

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

SECRETARY - CELINA FETTY

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

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS TOM AASBO

PO Box 787 • Asherton, TX 78837 830.999.3344 • tom@catarosaranch.com

Region VIII

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By LYNLEY WRIGHT – Performance Reporter

Now that region rodeos are done for the 2021-2022 season, the top ten contestants in each event look forward to summer, when State Finals will bring people together from across the state to see who qualifies for Nationals. Junior high state will be held at the end of May, and high school finals will be the first week in June. Given that junior high will be first, let’s shed a little light on the younger generation of Texas rodeo members.

There are many members of THSRA, current and past, who remember the days of Junior High rodeos. When State Finals were held in Gonzales, Texas, and we had to rely on our parents and older friends or siblings to drive us from place to place. This year, from May 22-28, kids ages 6th to 8th grade from across the state will convene at the J.B. Wells Park in Gonzales to spend a week seeing who gets top 4 in each event, and from there go on to Nationals.

For Region 8, much like other regions, the last rodeo was highly anticipated to see who ended up where for the year. Contestants who are sitting 8th or 9th in an event can suddenly jump to 2nd or 3rd, and close out the year with a Top 5 buckle, while those who were winning for three rodeos straight can get bumped out entirely.

There are certain contestants, however, who spend countless hours a week putting time into every event they can enter. These all around cowboys and cowgirls, both in junior high and high school, work hard at each and every rodeo to try their best to place in all of their events, knowing that every point counts at the end of the year.

Staying true to keeping the focus on junior high, I’d like to draw some focus to Region 8’s junior high All-Around cowboy and cowgirl. This year, Craig Sciba and Kiley Dean claim those titles. At our final rodeo of the year, Craig won the boys goat tying, chute dogging, and tie down, and Kiley won the girls breakaway and girls goat tying. Having such a successful final rodeo aided in making sure those allaround titles were theirs, and assured them both a very busy week in Gonzales.

Congratulations and good luck to those of you who are gearing up for state. Do your best, have fun, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. No matter what happens at the finals, win, loose, or draw, having the ability and freedom to rodeo is something we should never overlook. It is a sport than takes strength, both mentally and physically, and the will power to get up and keep going when things don’t go right. Though there are some who barely missed the mark this year, or have never gotten to experience state, don’t give up. Your time will come. It could be sometime soon, or not for what feels like forever, but it is coming. Keep up the hard work, and it will pay off. And for everyone, both state qualifiers and not, remember, “…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Keep Up the Hard Work

CRAIG SCIBA

photo by Jennings

KILEY DEAN photo by Jennings

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

MIKE YARGO

PO Box 551 • New Waverly, Rexas 77358 936.581.0527 • mjyargo@yahoo.com

STUDENT OFFICERS

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

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

SECRETARY - LACEY AUBIHL

1326 PR 5011 • Ledbetter, Texas 78946

979.251.4131 • reionixsecretary@gmail.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

BRAD DYER

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

Region IX

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By TYLIE MCDONALD – Performance Reporter

The end of the school year is right around the corner. Do you know what that means? The TJHRA and THSRA state finals is also right around the corner. Since Junior High finals is approaching us quickly, I would like to highlight the exceptional individuals who will be heading to Gonzales in May to represent the junior high division of Region IX.

I had the pleasure of talking with Region IX's junior high Co-champion Barrel Racer and Girls All-Around champion, Drew Ellen Stewart. Stewart is the definition of a gritty competitor. She is an all around athlete in and out of the arena. When asked how she was going to prepare for

CLAIRE SECHELSKI

photo by Jennings

DREW ELLEN STEWART

photo by Jennings the state finals, she replied, "I just want to have my horses in the best shape possible and make sure my mental game is on point." Going into the state finals, Stewart is most excited about, "getting a chance to try to make it back to nationals and compete against the best." Drew Ellen was a national qualifier in the barrel racing back in 2020, but was sadly unable to compete at the national level due to Covid-19. Since this is her last year to compete at the junior high level, she describes it as "bittersweet." However, she is so thankful to have been able to accomplish her goals at the region level the past three years and hopes to go out with a bang at her last TJHRA state finals. Stewart plans to return to Region IX next year to high school rodeo and "be able to make it to state against a new group of girls and,

hopefully, win the Rookie All-Around." Joining Drew Ellen at the state finals is former national and state champion Reese Jacobs - goat tying, former state champion Claire Sechelski - pole bending and former national qualifier Lane Thibodeaux - pole bending.

The competition that was witnessed amongst the junior high contestants was nothing short of brilliant. I hope you are as excited as I am to see how the Region IX kiddos, as well as the members of the other nine regions across the state, will do at the TJHRA state finals! Best of luck and God bless!

LANE THIBODEAUX

photo by Jennings

REESE JACOBS

photo by Jennings

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