Region VIII

By SAMANTHA CORTINAS – Performance Reporter

Region 8 has many exciting things going on from our raffle ticket drawing at the end of year awards to kicking off the season with rodeo prom, then recognizing the top 10 state qualifiers. Our team members work hard on and off the dirt, practicing long hours during the day and keeping grades up at school. After our region rodeo finals on March 11, 2023, the body of region 8 will come together to celebrate an amazing season at our Denim and Diamonds Rodeo Prom. Many are excited to show off their great dance skills and crown the prom king and queen. It's a great time for everyone to have fun with all their friends while ending our 2022-2023 rodeo season with a bang!

Our team has worked very hard to get to where they are today! We recognized some of the members: Layla Weaks who tied 4th and 5th in breakaway, Taylor Gessley earning 2nd in the barrels, Gracie Callaway coming in 3rd in poles, Garrett Talamantes who, while balancing state president and singing, placed 5th in tie down. Layla is qualifying for her 2nd time in breakaway; she was 10th last year and now is 4th. She worked on her mental game while reviewing her runs and finding minor fixes to work on. Weaks says, “Focusing on your mental game is just as important as roping in the practice pen. When I have a good mindset backing into the box, I tend to rope