Summer 2020 Extreme Team News, Official News of Texas High School and Junior High Rodeo

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

TREVOR HALE BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPION ALL AROUND COWBOY! 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

STATE FINALS WRAP UP

Rope Myers & Sky Ranch champions rodeo Present the 14th Annual Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down, Breakaway, Team Roping, Goat Tying Join the most talented young rodeo athletes in the country and learn from some of the best professionals in the business. Utilizing three covered arenas, this clinic, hosted by 2001 World Champion Steer Wrestler Rope Myers, will provide four days of extreme rodeo training and expert instruction, as well as keys to becoming successful in and out of the arena.

December 28-31, 2020 | Sky Ranch - Van, Texas BLAIR BURK

LARI DEE GUY

ROPE MYERS

SUZANNE MONTERO WILLIAMS

Team Roping Instructor To be announced

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4

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 COLE SEALY

Marketing Director

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

830.815.1800 • delaune.holly@gmail.com

LAUREN TUTTLE STUMBERG

2ND VICE PRESIDENT MIKE GHORMLEY

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

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

SECRETARY/TREASURER SUSAN BALDWIN

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

NATIONAL DIRECTOR COTTON GEORGE

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

JUNIOR HIGH NATIONAL DIRECTOR CHRIS WOLFE

BRIAN ROBERTS

S TAT E F I N A L S WRAP UP

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

ARIAT PERFORMANCE REPORTERS Region I

EMERY MASK Region II

MADALYN RICHARDS

PAGE 06

630 E FM 813 • Palmer, TX 75152 214.403.4638 • cwwolfe630@gmail.com

MARKETING HOLLY DELAUNE

Computer Programmer brian.roberts53@att.net 281.213.9143

Region III

MADELYN FERRIS Region IV

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

LILLY EAKES Region V

HARLEY JO PERKINS Region VI

HADLEY HARRIS

INTERIM QUEEN COORDINATOR ANN BLACKWELL

Region VII

JAYCI LEE BYLER

936.590.1855 tablackwell@yahoo.com

Region VIII

RYLEE HOWTON Region IX

DELEGATES AT LARGE

BOYD HANAGRIFF

PAGE 07

THOMAS BROCKWAY

8016 CR 2419 • Royse City, TX 75189

Region X

CHAINEY WEITZ

214.770.5302 thomas.brockway@woodpartners.com

THSRA OFFICIAL SPONSORS

BRAD CRONE

2410 McBride Devillier • Winne, TX 77665 409.351.1983 • chlfreeman@yahoo.com

DAVID FREEMAN

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

JOHN SCHUENEMAN

6717 FM 1452 W • Madisonville, TX 77864 979.268.4994 • john.schueneman@gmail.com

BRANDON SMITH

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

FINALS WRAP UP PAGE 31

STUDENT OFFICERS

thsraofficers@hotmail.com STUDENT PRESIDENT Jake Kahla STUDENT VICE PRESIDENT Rylee Dodson STUDENT SECRETARY Shyanne Bauerle QUEEN Taylor Mobbs

Region

news

REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION

I II III IV V

11 REGION 12 REGION 14 REGION 16 REGION 18 REGION JUNIOR HIGH 31

VI VII VIII IX X

20 22 24 26 28

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

5

2020 THSRA State Finals results All-Around Cowboy – Trevor Hale

All-Around Cowgirl – Robbin Rice & Jayci Lee Byler

Rookie Cowboy Colin Fox

Rookie Cowgirl Jessi Everett

2020-2021 Miss Texas High School Rodeo Laramie Dearing

Boy Horse of the Year

Trevor Hale - 7S Crazy Horse (Batman)

TREVOR HALE photo by Jennings

ROBBIN RICE

photo by Jennin

gs

Girl Horse of the Year

nnin

Jayci Lee Byler - BJS Last

BAREBACK: DEMENT, KOLT* MARTIN, KASH* MILLER, BRADLEE* BERRY, KADE* NILES, RHODY HAYES, JADON JENSEN, BRYCE BARRETT, JADE HANDLEY, TRAVIS GOUDEAU, LEVI GUNN, KELLY MCALPINE, ELDON BARRELS: CADWALLADER, ALLI* GOOD, BRADI* DANIELS, KARSYN* LOVE, SALLY* BYLER, JAYCI LEE NORED, ANDEE SHAE SMITH, EMMA MCCALL, KALLI MAYES, MAKENZIE STEINER, STEELY PINKSTON, ACEY DUNN, SOPHIE OUTHIER, MADISON PERKINS, HARLEY JO KORENEK, ZOEY BOYS CUTTING: RAY, CARSON* BUSHAW, CHARLES* PEEBLES, RANCE* RUST, MASON* JAMES, BENJAMIN HALE, TREVOR HEID, BLAKE STARNS, JAKE

6

MAYO, CODY SMITH, BOOMER WALLIS, CADE WHITE, HADLEY MATHIS, PEYTON FISHER, CODY DUREN, DYLAN BREAKAWAY ROPING: CONNER, JOSIE* MILLER, ASPEN* REINA, RYLEE* SCHRECK, ELLIE* MURRAY, MADISON BROWN, MONTANA RICHARDS, MADALYN EDENS, JORDI HODGES, MATTIE GUBERT, BAILEY MASON, HALEY GRAFF, JACQUELYN LOVELADY, HANNAH EVERETT, JESSI SMITH, RYLIE BULL RIDING: BASS, CANYON* KAYLOR, CUTTER* HUGHES, RIGGEN* MARTINEZ, EZEQUIEL* HIGH, CARTER CALF ROPING: ATKINSON, CONNOR* WEBB, RILEY* HALE, TREVOR* HENRY, KINCADE* KORTIS, KUTTER WALTERS, JACOB MOODY, CINCH

O Indicates National Team Member VACULIN, MASON HARRIS, JOEL BRADEN FOX, COLIN GREENE, COLTON LLOYD, QUAY FORD, HAYDEN CRAINER, TREVOR HANCOCK, DYLAN

GIRLS CUTTING: PACKARD, RYANN* SINCLAIR, DYLAN* RICE, ROBBIN* PERKO, SAMANTHA* BYLER, JAYCI LEE SCHRECK, ANNA MARIE SMITH, EMMA LIPPINCOTT, BRINLEY SCHRECK, ELLIE FARRIS, FAITH FERRIER, RYLEIGH KENT, EMILY DRIVER, JORDAN RILEY, MADDIE MCCARTHY, MAGGIE GOAT TYING: MCDONALD, TYLIE* EVERETT, JESSI* KROLCZYK, BROOKE* KENT, EMMA* RICHARDS, MADALYN* NEAL, MADISON DRIVER, JORDAN STEWART, CORA BROWN, SAIGE DOWELL, MAKENZIE OHRT, AMY LAMB, KERA DAVIS, ASHLEY

SHOOK, MAKENNA RODELL, ALEX

POLES: HARDIN, RYLEE* GRANT, ASPEN* MCBEE, CHASE* BYLER, JAYCI LEE* HARMAN, GRACEN* PEACOCK, AUSTYN WEITZ, CHAINEY WEBB, KATY MCCALL, KALLI TROSPER, JADA DEPRIEST, ABI PARSLEY, EMORIE NORTHRUP, CHLOE PIERCE, PAISLEY THIBODEAUX, SADIE REINED COW HORSE: HALE, TREVOR* TOWNSEND, TRAIL* RICE, ROBBIN* PEEBLES, RANCE CHARLESWORTH, COLEE* KENT, EMILY MAJOR, SHANAE DRIVER, JORDAN DODSON, RYLEE POOLE, ABBY RUTHERFORD, CARSON O’NEAIL, AUBREY WRIGHT, WILL BERRY, KAYLEE EDWARDS, EMILY SADDLE BRONC: GAILLARD, GUS* PROFFITT, BENNY*

JAY CI L E pho E BY to b L y Je ER

gs

NEWMAN, CALE* PENA, MIGUEL* POTEET, CAMERON MENDIETTA III, JOSE STEER WRESTLING: WHITE, LANDRIS* MATHIS, MAX* DIXON, CHRIS* FOX, COLIN* HANAGRIFF, BOYD BYLER, BLAZE MENDIETTA III, JOSE KAHLA, JAKE MCDOUGALD, KELLER FONTENOT, BAILEY KELLEY, ZANE NAIL, ROWDY WALLACE, THOMAS HURT, CLAY NILES, RHODY TEAM ROPING: MYERS, CODA* GREEN, CALEB* GREENE, COLTON* PORRAS, COWBOY* TETTENHORST, JAYSE* PROFILI, KADEN* BAUMANN, SLADE* MARTIN, LOGAN* THOMPSON, KREECE GASPERSON, CATCHER HILL, JT BLACKBIRD, STEVIE HARRIS, JOEL BRADEN HANCOCK, DYLAN HUGHES, BRAXTON HISEL, JOHN CLEMENTS, SPENCER

NICHOLSON, ZACH STEWART, STRAN ALLEN, CHISUM SMITH, BOOMER ELLERD, JERYN HABY, RYMOND BALDWIN, RUSTIN KARINS, KYLE DAVIS, RYAN W HUSTON, CLAYTON NELSON, LANE EGUSQUIZA, ANN MARIE LIGHT RIFLE: SYDNI CAIN* KIRBY MCNEILL* JORDAN DRIVER* KYLEE SANCHEZ* ABI DEPRIEST KATE MCNEILL BLAZE BYLER JAYCI LEE BYLER RICHARD (BLAYNE) JONES KAMERON CURRIE TRAP: KADE CURRIE* TYLER EHLINGER* LARAMIE CHADWICK* KOHEN HUDMAN* CODY OWEN TANNER CRONE LANTZ PYSSEN MACY HOGGETT

W

e would like to introduce you to our newest sponsor, Olive Equine and Livestock Insurance Agency. You might recognize some of their agents as parents and leaders in our organization (like Eric Huston, the President of Region III). We are very grateful for their sponsorship and their willingness to help inside and outside of the arena. Did you catch their State Champ interviews at the THSRA State Finals? Go back and watch them on their Facebook Page, Olive Insurance Agency, LLC. We had the opportunity to ask them what makes Olive Insurance different, and we really liked their answer: When Olive Insurance Agency was established 4 years ago, we envisioned the kind of agents we wanted to have on our team. People you could call, text or email at anytime. People that were friendly, knowledgeable and eager to help you make the best coverage choices, based on your insurance needs.

We like to think we have done a great job in accomplishing that goal!

Our agents are intimately involved in the rodeo lifestyle; whether having participated in rodeo themselves, supporting their children that participate, or training/selling horses that compete. At Olive Insurance, we hope that you feel comfortable knowing that the agents on our team understand the value of your equine athletes.

We hope our competitive rates and reliable agents will help make the decision to insure your investments with Olive Insurance Agency an easy one!

Brittni Allerkamp

Lacy Schoenthal

Eric Huston

Shayna Dorsey

Cassidy Carpenter

Kelly Allen

Megan Mires

7

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE RODEO!

Chris Rankin in the announcer’s booth Sierra Schueneman and Shyanne Bauerle welcome contestants during drive thru check-in.

Contestants and their “friends” at check-in.

8

Whatakid of the Year, Robbin Rice

Cotton George gave a tip of his Resistol to the crowd.

Regions Directors received a new Resistol Hat for their service this past year

Reporter of the Year, Madalyn Richards

RFD TV interviews

Student Officers with Joe Hagman from Resistol

Purina Contestant Bags

$180,000 in scholarships awarded

Hooey State Finalist Caps Top 15 Backnumbers and Yeti Bottles

Region III checking in their members

State Champs took home saddles and a Hooey Backpack

Cotton and Brady George working the finals

Tip of the Resistol Hat to these directors

9

10

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

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - COOPER NORRIS VICE PRESIDENT- SLADE BAUMANN SECRETARY/HISTORIAN - CARSEN NORRIS STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

TREY JOHNSON Box 501 • Hapy, Texas 79042 806-433-7382 • tjohnsoncattle@gmail.com SECRETARY - BRANDY WRIGHT 11555 US HWY 83 • Canadian, Texas 79014 806.255.0034 • tristaterodeo@yahoo.com

Region I

KEVIN HUDDLESTON PO Box 750 • Memphis, Texas 79245 806.259.3139 • huddcottonkevin@gmail.com DAVID CHRISTIAN 10200 S Blessen Rd • Amarillo, TX 79119 806.674.1397 • david.christian@11ranch.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT Fast and Furious

Finals

gets together to rodeo. However, somethings didn’t change, Region 1’s domination in the rough stock arena both in the Junior High division and the High School Division, the camaraderie of our region, and the level of competition in the state of Texas.

Gus Gaillard and Benny Proffitt are no strangers to winning, both have been National Champions

By TAYLN WRIGHT – Performance Reporter in the Saddle Bronc Steers in Junior High and Gus he 2020 Texas State Finals has finished third in Saddle Broncs at the National High been anything but our typical finals. School Finals in Rock Springs Wyoming in 2019.

Check in was streamlined and cer- These two friends proved again just how handy they tain stops were made to hand in COVID really are not only qualifying for the short round at releases, grades and coggins papers. All of State in the Saddle Bronc and finishing in the top CLAYTON ANDERSON this while remaining in your pickups and two positions heading to Nationals, but also making maintaining your social distance. Only it together in the team roping. Region 1 sent another two Regions were allowed to compete team to the short round as well, Slade Baumann and Logan Martin. They finished with each day depending on their locality to an outstanding performance of fourth in the state, securing their spot on the National Team where the finals were being held, and headed to Guthrie Oklahoma in July. Logan also made the short go in the calf roping but both go rounds were held in that single came up a little short to qualify for Nationals. Laney Harper of Gruver, Texas was the only day. This was nowhere near what Texas girl from Region 1 to make it back to the short round in Abilene. Laney came back in the contestants are accustomed too. Missed 14th position but missed her calf in Saturday’s performance.

Regardless of the long trip from the Texas Panhandle to Gonzales for the Junior High was all the excitement of waiting in line to get to the arena and see old friends State Finals, Region 1 still managed to send 10 Contestants back to the short go on Saturday. from other regions, being able to hang out Four of the ten made it back in the rough stock arena, Clayton Anderson, Jaxon Stoker, and all week and watch some of the tough- Flint Hill qualified in the Saddle Bronc Steers and Hunter Atwood in Bull Riding. Clayton est competition there is and the electric claimed his 1st State Championship and Jaxon was Reserve Champion, with Flint Hill finishatmosphere you have when the entire state ing up close behind in 6th place. Sage Gaillard and her horse Vegas made it back in barrel racing ending their year 7th in the state of Texas. Sage and Clayton also made it back in the ribbon roping. National Champion Pole bender Jaylee Lane made a return visit to the State Finals short go, despite having issues with her good horse LuAnn the previous week tying up. DW Dun Frauline aka “LuAnn” was also named the 2020 AQHA Texas Junior High Horse of the Year. Tate Thompson qualified in two events boy’s breakaway, finishing in the 4th place and in the team roping with his partner Hunter Corman, going into the short round they were sitting number one, but missing in the short round to finish in the 7th position. Other short go qualifiers were Clint Cross in the calf roping and Kasidy Russell in the girl’s breakaway.

Texas State Finals are in the books, as fast and furious as it was, we still enjoyed great competition and crowned our new State Champions. Congratulations to all our State Contestants that competed during this pandemic. Region 1 also wants BENNY PROFFITT to wish our High School National Qualifiers the best of luck at Guthrie and we look forward to getting back to normal next season.

T

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

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - COLEE CHARLESWORTH VICE PRESIDENT - MADALYN RICHARDS 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

PO Box 364 • Marathon, TX 79842 432.386.6214 • brent@crcompany.net JODY MCELROY Box 224 • Balmorhea, Texas 79718 432.448.7810 • rodeosecretary1@gmail.com

BRENT CHARLESWORTH

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

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

One for the Books T

By JACOB WALTERS – Performance Reporter

his year’s THSRA state finals was definitely one for the books. From rapid schedule changes being made to all of the new facilities at the Taylor County Expo Center we can definitely conclude that we were all very far from our comfort zone. However, in spite of all presented challenges, Texas persevered and held a state finals that was as tough as ever!

Each and every member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association, whether they were a contestant, director, secretary, or any other person involved with THSRA, overcame a little adversity to be at the state finals. I believe I speak for all of Region 2 and all of THSRA when I say we cannot thank the city of Abilene enough for their cooperation and continued support through these difficult times.

Region 2 is sending a solid 12 contestants to nationals, several of which are returning for a second or even third trip. Bradi Good from Abilene, Texas is a two-time state champion in the barrel race and is returning to nationals for a third time, Jordan Driver from Garden City, Texas is making a third trip to nationals in the light rifle, and Madalyn Richards from Hereford, Texas is making her third consecutive trip to the NHSFR in the goat tying. Cowboy Porras of Midland, Texas will be making his second appearance at the National Finals in the in the team roping, heeling for his partner Colton Green who is making his first trip to nationals.

One other contestant returning to the NHSFR is Colee Charlesworth of Marathon, Texas. Colee is completing her senior year with her final trip to the National Finals in the reined cowhorse. While no one’s path to nationals is easy, Colee battled injuries sustained at the 2019 NHSFR. Colee was putting together

COWBOY PORRAS & COLTON GREEN photo by Jennings

a remarkable run in the reined cowhorse, but as she went head her cow off along the fence, her horse went down breaking her ankle. Colee, in fine cowgirl fashion, finished her run and even qualified for the short round before she was immediately flown to surgery. Although this injury kept Colee out of competition for the entire first semester of the 2019-2020 high school rodeo season, she came back the second semester to put together outstanding performances at the remaining region

BRADI GOOD photo by Jennings

2020-2021 THSRA STUDENT OFFICERS Dalton Stripling - President Brooklyn Balch - Vice President Abi DePriest - Secretary Queen - Laramie Dearing

rodeos and at the state finals earning herself another trip to the NHSFR. While Region 2 does have several seasoned veterans returning to the National Finals, it also has its share of young talent as well. Emma Kent of Smyer, Texas is making her National Finals debut in the goat tying as a sophomore.

Jessi Everett from Tarzan, Texas is coming off a junior high national championship in the goat tying, and is showing no signs of slowing down as TRAIL TOWNSEND she is THSRA’s 2020 reserve photo by Jennings state champion goat tier as a freshman.

Other national qualifiers from Region II include Rance Peebles of Alpine, Texas in the cutting, Trail Townsend from Earth, Texas in the reined cowhorse, and Kohen Hudman and Kylee Sanchez in the light rifle.

Good luck to those traveling to the NHSFR this year. GO TEAM TEXAS!

Special Note: This will be a special July / August Edition, your next Extreme Team News will be the September Issue.

Have a great summer!

13

DUANE OVERTON 2110 FM 3027 • Mineral Wells, TX 76067

940.682.6113 • duaneoverton6113@gmail.com

STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - DUSTIN MONTGOMERY VICE PRESIDENT - GRACIE GAMBINO SECRETARY - LARAMIE DEARING

Region III

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

ERIC HUSTON PO Box 945 • Decatur, Texas 76234 817.368.0159 • ehuston1972@gmail.com PO Box 122448 • Fort Worth, Texas 76121

SECRETARY - KELLEY WILLIAMS

KEVIN STEWART PO Box 1308 • Glen Rose, Texas 76043 817.307.7300 • thekevinstewart@live.com PRESIDENT - ERIC HUSTON PO Box 945 • Decatur, TX 76234 817.368.8885 • ehuston1972@gmail.com

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

State finals

2020

A

By RILEE PARKER

– Performance Reporter

mid the current global pandemic, Region III was red hot at our Texas High School and Jr. High State finals held June 5-13 at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

With the cancellation of our region finals due to COVID-19, the possibility of even having the State Rodeo Finals was completely up in the air. However, with some changes to aid in social distancing, rodeo participants were still able to compete and pursue advancement

to the National Rodeo.

Once competitors processed the information of having two regions come in a day, and two performances in a day throughout the week, with the finals on Saturday, they were ecstatic and preparation began.

Another change that occurred this year for high school was the location of the arena.

While the High School Finals still occurred in Abilene, our competitors were some of the first to compete in the

ANDEE SHAE NORAD

RILEY HARDIN

brand new arena.

Region III’s Dylan Sinclair, who became the 2020 Reserve State Champion in Girls Cutting, said, “The new building is really nice. The city did a great job on it, and it’s really neat to be the first ever rodeo in there.”

Some competitors still looked at the past with nostalgia.

Andee Shae Nored from Region III said, “I like the new building, but it didn’t feel like normal not running in the old coliseum. But super cool to be the first people in the new building!” Nored competed in cutting, girls breakaway, and barrel racing, making top 6 in barrels.

Another successful competitor from our Region

III was Rylee Hardin, who became the Texas State Champion in Pole Bending and is heading to Nationals in a couple weeks. Hardin was Region III’s leader in the event and held her title this year at finals on her horse “Velvet” with a 20-second pole run.

When asked her opinion on the decision to put both performances in one day, Hardin said, “At first I was upset that I wouldn’t get to see many of my friends from other regions, but I understand and respect their decision for our safety”. Hardin’s favorite part of finals was that “It didn’t get cancelled and that I was still able to compete”.

In other Region III success, our Jr. High kids recently competed in their state finals as well. These state finals were held recently, in Gonzales Texas on June 22-27.

These finals were held with safety and precaution just as the High School finals were; having two regions come at a time came each day throughout the week, with finals on Saturday. Unfortunately for Jr High, Nationals were cancelled due to the pandemic; however State Finals still gave plenty of opportunities to show what they can do.

Under the unfortunate circumstance these kids’ finals went without the usual team bonding activities as well, However most of our Jr high kids still managed to have fun, Payden Rust says his favorite part was “hanging out with friends”; Rust was reserve state champion in Breakaway and performed in team roping as well on his horse Tarzan. Rust rode his horse Spencer in the breakaway and would have advanced on the Nationals Team.

DYLAN SINCLAIR

Along with our many other successful Region III Jr high kids, we had Kyler Kanady who competed in ribbon roping, chute dogging, team roping, and breakaway. Kanady rode his horse “Hock Shaw” in the breakaway, and “Chick” in team roping, advancing into what would have been the Nationals Team.

Kanady also went to the short go Saturday in the ribbon roping.

Preparation was critical for these contestants, with COVID-19 cancelling many events and our region finals being cancelled, most kids had no other choice than to just practice at home as much as possible, and hope for the best.

Nevertheless our Region III competitors performed at their peak as usual at this year’s Texas State competition, many bringing home titles that bring region three more pride.

Jr High Kids, congratulations on your success at the State competition, and to our High School qualifiers, good luck at Nationals!

PAYDEN RUST

KYLER KANADY

15

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

DR. TANDY FREEMAN

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

Region IV

BRENT CHADWICK 2915 N US HWY 69 • Mineola, TX 75773 903.569.1569 • brentchadwick87@gmail.com PRESIDENT- SEAN SUNDBERG 5113 CR 862 • McKinney, TX 75071 919-518-6670 • sundberg.sean@yahoo.com

16

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Texas Perservered C

By Lilly Eakes – Performance Reporter

orona tried to throw us for a loop but Texas persevered and had both of their state finals.

We would like to congratulate both our jr. high and highschool national and short go qualifiers. Region 4 was well represented in Gonzales 2020.

Mattie Smith was the co-champion pole bender. Clayton Jones and Dixie Tabb were the co-reserve ribbon roping team. Brant Cookston was the reserve champion steer rider.

We would also like to recognize our short go qualifiers. Jhett Atkins in the tiedown. Braydon Morris and

DIXIE TABB photo by Jennings

Jake Murray in the team roping. Aaron Raulston and J-bug Brazzel in the ribbons. Dillon Grote in the goat tying.

Region 4 packed a huge punch at state! It may have been just one day but they made a lifetime of memories on that Wednesday. Ellie Schreck is nationals bound in the breakaway, Laramie Chadwick in light rifle and Karsyn Daniels in barrels. Best of Luck in Guthrie, OK. And last but not least we want to congratulate our newly crowned TJHRA Princess Dixie Tabb! You represented us well all week in Gonzales and we can’t wait to watch you shine the rest of the year.

We would also like to wish our seniors good luck in college and or where ever your dreams may take you. You will all be missed.

ELLIE SCHRECK photo by Jennings

KARSYN DANIELS photo by Jennings

Ft. Worth Stockshow & Rodeo Scholarship winners Sage Spivey – $4,000 Gracie Gambino – $4,000 John Thomas Jones – $4,000 Cameron Poteet – $4,000

san antonio Stockshow & Rodeo Scholarship winners Brinlee Freeman – $10,000 Trace Harris – $10,000 Kate McNeill – $5,000 Brooke Krolczyk – $5,000 Cade Cogbill – $5,000 Jake Kahla – $5,000

Thanks, Hooey for Our State Finalist Caps!

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STUDENT OFFICERS

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS JEFF PARSLEY 655 CR 4703 • Troup, Texas 75789 903.842.4720 • jparsleygeraniums@earthlink.net

PRESIDENT - CADE COGBILL VICE PRESIDENT - SYDNI CAIN SECRETARY - JAYSE TETTENHORST

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

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

Region V

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

PRESIDENT- JEFF PARSLEY 655 CR 4703 • TROUP, TX 75789 903-574-3910 • jparsleygeraniums@earthlink.net

18

PERFORMANCE REPORT

STATE FINALS WRAP UP

2

By SIERRA SCHUENEMAN – Performance Reporter

020 set out to be a year of high expectations and attainable goals; but what felt almost instantly, we all became sidelined and our world came to an abrupt halt. This year was different in numerous ways and the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals was no exception. The decisions that the executive board and Taylor County Expo Center had to make were not easy. Even if you did not have the finals you dreamed of having, I assume you are thankful for the opportunity to run down the alley or nod your head at the new Taylor Telecom Arena. Also, can we take a minute to talk about that

SYDNI CAIN

new coliseum? The old coliseum will always hold a special place in every THSRA contestants’ heart, but boy is the new one spiffy! Thank you to Ken Bray, Susan Baldwin, Holly Delaune, and Rochelle Johnson, as well as many others who dedicated so much of their time an effort into ensuring that our state finals would not only happen, but prove to be the best of the best in terms of youth rodeo finals.

JOSIE CONNER Region V may not have gotten to finish all of our region rodeos, but that did not stop us from being well represented by every athlete we sent to Abilene. After patiently waiting for Friday to show everyone what the region had to offer, 20 of the coveted felt back numbers made their way into Region V. The short round, as per usual, was full of fighting it out for a chance to be on the National Team. When the dust settled, Region V finished with three state champions, two reserve state champions and nine national qualifiers overall!

Senior and back-to-back State Champion Bareback rider Kolt Dement started his finals much like he finished last years, by winning round one with an 82 and then sealed the deal with a score of 83 in short round! With the bareback riding fresh on our minds, Region V also took home the reserve state champion title with the freshman, Kash Martin. These two are going to be household names in the near future, have no doubt! Additionally, the rough stock end of the arena awarded Region V yet another national qualifier, Miquel Pena.

Kincade Henry, senior and the now two-time NHSFR Qualifier in the tiedown put three fast runs together to claim the fourth spot in the average and on the national team. When asked what he enjoyed most about this year’s state finals, he admitted that having the opportunity to rope both calves in one day and being able to go to some other rodeos was beneficial. Looking back on his time in the NHSRA, Kincade said, “you’ll never forget the people you meet via this association. There are people I met my sophomore year at nationals and I still talk to them today.” Kincade also talked about the ability of the four calf ropers that make up the 2020 Texas Team; “I believe that the 4 qualifiers have the ability to not only excel at the NHSFR, but qualify for the NFR and do great things. We have an

advantage in Texas, because we are amply prepared for high pressure situations thanks to the toughness of our state finals.”

Josie Conner is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Conner turned in a time of 2.23 in the first round and a 2.4 in second to come back second in the average in the short round. When some people would allow pressure to consume them, she made a businessman run and roped her short-round calf in 2.4 seconds. When the dust settled the 2020 Texas State Champion Breakaway Roping title headed back to Iowa, Louisiana.

Region V doesn’t just have rough stock riders and calf-ropers; we also have team ropers, pole-benders and some very tough shooters! Kaden Profili and Jayse Tettenhorst never took longer than seven-seconds to rope a steer in all three rounds. With an aggregate time of 22.30 seconds in the average secured their spot as the number three pair going to nationals. Aspen Grant and her bay horse are not rookies when it comes to Abilene and six poles. These two are making their second consecutive appearance on Team Texas with three clean runs and a reserve State Championship!

Sydni Cain is not only the current Miss Region V, but she can also shoot a gun and hit the target 99.9% of the time. Although, she might have been fighting her head and questioning every ounce of ability coming into the finals, whenever she stepped on to the range, she controlled her thoughts and walked away with the Light Rifle State Champion Title.

Senior Tanner Crone spent the week in Abilene alongside the executive board diligently working to help where needed. Filling in as the boys’ event director, carrying goats, un-tying calves; you name it he did it. His help did not go unnoticed and Tanner was awarded the Corral Best Boot Forward award. Tanner was not the only contestant to receive accolades from the state; Wyatt Odom was awarded the Cinch Leadership Team. These two have

ASPEN GRANT

set the bar high and embody what rodeo is all about- to humbly and wholeheartedly help others when the spotlight isn’t shinning. The THSRA is an association that prides itself on the ability to be able to help seniors finance their collegiate education. While there wasn’t a ceremony in the ranch house this year many of our deserving seniors received thousands of dollars in scholarships. Cade Cogbill was awarded one of the coveted San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Scholarships. As a region, I think we can all agree

KINCAID HENRY

that this group of seniors will be hard to replace- but we cannot wait to see what their futures hold. Best of luck as you embark on this new journey, Class of 2020.

While the summer heat began creeping in, our Region V Junior High members made the trek to Gonzales to get their chance to compete for state championships. After learning that they would not be competing for a spot on the national team, but instead a State Championship. If this year was typical in any fashion, there would be 10 junior high national qualifiers; two of which were co-state reserve champions. Region V had a prominent showing in the short round in Gonzales as well, thirty-two of the top 15 awards were earned by these deserving junior high contestants.

As a first year Region V member, I am proud to say the kids we are sending to represent not only Texas but our region extremely well! 2020 might not have been your year, but I still want to congratulate every single one of you that worked hard to be the best you could be when you entered that arena. The number of hours everyone put in to keep their skills sharp are countless. Being a state qualifier in general is hard enough, but in the circumstances, we faced this year, it was even harder. No matter where you ended up after your day or two in Abilene, look back and be proud of where you are now compared to when you started. If you put everything on the line and became a National Qualifier or made the long drive home after watching the short round from the stands, the future ahead of you is so much brighter than what happened during those runs! A good friend once told me that “If you did not win this one, you pick your sucker out of the dirt and realize that God has a different win for you down the road.”

To everyone making the trip to Guthrie, Oklahoma, trust your ability, go have fun and show them all what Texas and Region V are made of!

To those of you, like myself, that didn’t have the state finals you wanted, take this time to get ready for next year, take tips and tricks from those around you and make it work for yourself. Wherever this summer takes you, have fun, be safe and I hope to see y’all down the rodeo road soon!

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STUDENT OFFICERS

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

PRESIDENT - BRINLEE FREEMAN VICE PRESIDENT - SAGE SPIVEY SECRETARY - BRADI FREEMEAN

GARY MOBBS 9076 FM 443 • Shiner, TX 77984 830.857.1418 • gary.mobbs@southstatebank.com SECRETARY - ANNE DOLLERY P.O. BOX 1818 • Gonzales, TX 78629 979.412.2551 • texasjuniorhighrodeo@gmail.com

Region VI

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

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

DOING WHAT WE LOVE!

S

By BRADI FREEMAN

– Performance Reporter

tate Finals came and went smoothly considering the amount of changes that had to be made to make sure everyone stayed safe and healthy! It was great to finally see everyone again. It was noticeable that during the time we were apart, everyone had still been working hard, putting in the hours to be better.

That’s what this sport is all about, even when we’re given a curveball, we find ways to adjust, and we find ways to con-

tinue to do what we love.

Even though state finals weren’t the same as they’ve always been, everyone was just really grateful that we even got the chance to be there. Taylor Mobbs, 20192020 Miss THSRA, said her favorite part about state was “still being able to compete on such a high level of competition, even with everything going on”. For a lot of people state provided a sense of familiarity in this ever-changing world.

Sizzling Region 6 did awesome! We have four high school national qualifiers!

Charles Bushaw is going in the cutting, CANYON BASS Canyon Bass and Ezequiel Martinez photo by Jennings qualified in the bull riding, and Gracen Harman will be competing in the pole bending. We are super proud of all the talented athletes in Region VI who gave their all at state! Even though there are no junior high nationals, we are still amazed with the efforts of the kiddos who worked so hard all season to compete at state!

GRACEN HARMON

EZEQUIEL MARTINEZ photo by Jennings

CHARLES BUSHAW photo by Jennings

Farm & Ranch Family of the year

The Lloyd Family of Region X C

by Catelyn Felts

ongratulations to the McCoy’s Farm and Ranch family of the year, the Lloyd’s! Cory and Brandy Lloyd, along with their four kids, Dryden, Wyatt, Mayci and Rainen own and operate the 7 Cross Farm & Ranch located in Juno, Texas.

Most farmers and ranchers would agree that what they do is more than just an occupation; it’s a way of living, and the Lloyd’s are no exception. The family business consists of ranching long hair sheep, goats and cattle; breeding, raising and training horses with 15 brood mares and their own studs; and raising kelpie dogs. They also own and operate CL Fence Construction building fence and barns all over Texas and New Mexico. The family said they are constantly bouncing back and forth between fencing and ranching every day.

On the days that consist of ranching, the family said they enjoy rounding up cattle with their dogs and horses.

In fact, instead of hiring outside help, they rely on their kelpies for extra support. This way of ranching and the hours they spend in the saddle plays a big role in the success they have seen in their horse training program. “Each of us may go through two to four colts in a day when we are gathering stock at the ranch,” the family said. “Hours upon hours are put in to make outstanding horses.”

This way of life is not for the faint of heart, but it does run in Cory and Brandy’s blood. They both grew up farming and ranching, and continue to help out on each of their family’s operations. Brandy’s family farms wheat

and hay, and raises sheep and cattle in Bronte, Texas; while Cory’s family farms cotton and raises sheep and cattle in Eldorado, Texas. Between the fencing and multiple ranch locations, the Lloyd’s manage to keep themselves busy. Accomplishing the amount of work they do on a daily basis definitely requires all hands on deck. Everyone in the family has a role and plays a huge part in every day operations. “It’s sun up till way past sundown,” Brandy said.

Dryden is a sophomore at Weatherford Junior College, and pitches for the baseball team. He spends most of his summers helping drive a tractor getting ready for the next crop. Wyatt, a high school sophomore and THSRA calf roper and team roper, does his home schooling for the day, and then works with the fence crew or at the ranch. Rainen is a third grader attending public school, so as soon as he gets home and finishes his homework, he heads to the barn to feed and water all of the dogs.

When the family isn’t ranching they said they love to spend their time together in the practice pen, at a high school rodeo, a baseball game or a team roping. “This is our therapy,” Brandy said.

“Getting to leave the ranch to go compete is our vacation!”

The family is very familiar with McCoy’s as they built their own home using mostly supplies from McCoy’s. “Everyone in the San Angelo McCoy’s knows us by name!” Brandy said. “They are our friends, always going above and beyond in customer service and quality in their products.”

The Lloyd’s said they are they are honored to be chosen as Ranch Family of the Year! The Lloyd’s received a $500 McCoy’s gift card for being selected as the Ranch Family of the Year.

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

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

STUDENT OFFICERS

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

Region VII

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

CRAIG MILLER 11603 Anders Lane • Santa Fe, NM 77510 409.682.5427 • craigwmiller80@yahoo.com PRESIDENT- CRAIG MILLER 11603 Anders Lane • Santa Fe 77510 409-682-5427 • craigwmiller80@yahoo.com

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

NO STOPPING

TEXAS

T

By JAYCI LEE BYLER

– Performance Reporter

his year has been one that will be in the history books.

Generations will read about the school closures, businesses shutting their doors to never recover the financial loss, a roller coaster of unknowns and social distancing.

For everyone in the rodeo family it has been canceled events and even rescheduled ones. Texans have rallied with everything that has been thrown at them. We overcome these things by watching over each other and put-

ting our trust in God. Our executive board put a plan in action to hold our state finals and to get a Texas State Team. With state finals rocking, Texas is keeping up with what’s going on in the world. We can always trust in God. He is Our light.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You arewith me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4.

We also couldn’t have make it through these hard times without some of the best sponsors that have helped out to make Texas state finals happen. Thank you Bloomer Trailers, Whataburger, Heel-O-Matic, Resistol, Kybota, Classic, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Boot Barn, McCoy’s Building Supply, Priefert, Henson Brand, CH Graphics, LoneStar, Olive Insurance Agency, Ultralite Films, Hooey, Purina, and Tandy Freeman. The Covid-19 has financially impacted these sponsors, we thank them for their continued support to the Texas Junior High and High School Rodeo Team.

REGION VII WINNERS photo by Jennings

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

WWW.KUBOTA.COM

like us on facebook, instagram & twitter Texas high school rodeo social media: YOUR SOURCE FOR INSIDER INFORMATION! 23

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

PRESIDENT- TOM AASBO

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

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

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

It’s A Wrap!

By BAILEY GUBERT – Performance Reporter

H

ey region 8, this is Bailey Gubert your Region Reporter; here are a few facts about me. I love horses, water parks, hanging out with my friends, and rodeoing. I am very competitive and I like tough competition. This year, has been one for the history books. The pandemic, has shown us all how the world can change in the blink of an eye. We take a lot of our freedoms, and our life style for granted. The sport of rodeo, along with the rest of the world’s sporting events have suffered a great deal during this pandemic. Hopefully, the sport of rodeo will be back stronger than ever, and we will all stay healthy. Our Sponsors are essential to the success of our association. They make a big impact

on our associations ability to award scholarships, prizes, added money, and more.

I want to say thank you to the Taylor Expo staff, and all of the regions, state, and event directors for dedicating their time to work all week, and meet the guidelines for COVID-19 to have the State Finals. The State Finals are a wrap, luckily we were given the opportunity to compete this year.

REGION SPOT LIGHT Congratulations!!! Kirby McNeill, will represent region VIII at Nationals in the Light Rifle this year. I am definitely rooting for Kirby, she and her sister Kate, are dang tough in the shooting competitions. There is no doubt, she will be at the top for Texas! I wish all the qualifiers the best of luck and safe travels. Qualifying for Nationals is an amazing experience, and we all hope to experience it at least one-time as a youth competitor. As a Lone Star State competitor, the competition is very salty, and if you are in the top 4 of your event, you will represent Texas well. Go Texas! We are defending our title this year #1 #TeamTexas!

On another note, I was able visit with our Region Secretary, Celina Fetty. For those that have not gotten to know her, please take the time to do so.

Celina is married to Jesse Rodriguez and her daughter is, Melissa Garcia.

Melissa was a member of Region VIII for 7 years. Celina and her family live in Corpus Christi, Texas and she works at Stark College & Seminary as Director of Operations. Her hobbies are cooking, entertaining family, and friends. She has been involved with High School Rodeo, since 2010 and she has always been a part of Region VIII. Even though she never rodeoed, she was completely committed to givCELINA FETTY ing her daughter the opportunity. Here are a few questions I asked; Celina: What made you want to get involved with high school rodeo as the Secretary: I always wanted to make sure the organizations I am involved with,

are strong and have a clear and concise mission or goals. TJHRA and THSRA both embodied those traits.

What is your favorite thing about High School Rodeo: Watching High School Rodeo grow over the years and that there are so many great opportunities for our kids in regards to scholarships that help further our education as well as help us build a strong work ethic.

Rodeo helps teach kids responsibility for their animals and themselves. Rodeo has also been a great platform for fellowship. Our children meet rodeo families from other areas and become lifelong friends. Some of the best friends in our life right now, we consider to be more like family, and those friendships were made through rodeo.

What advice would you give parents and members about how to best enjoy their High School Rodeo experience: volunteer your time and get to know the other families within the organization, you will meet many lifelong friends there. Remember that everyone who is there wants to win, so teach your kids to make the best of each of their runs, and be a great competitor in the arena, and a friend outside of the arena.

“Success Isn’t Owned. It’s Leased and the Rent is Due Every Day.” -J.J. Watt

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

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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.

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

254-592-1211

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PRESIDENT - CLAYE ANN SULLIVAN VICE PRESIDENT - RHEAGAN COTTON SECRETARY - MONTANA BROWN

IT WENT ON

STUDENT OFFICERS

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

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS ROGER HANAGRIFF

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

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

DON JACKSON

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

PRESIDENT- MIKE GHORMLEY

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PERFORMANCE REPORT

A

By MONTANA BROWN

– Performance Reporter

s the month of June is coming to an end, so is the 2020 high school rodeo season. THRSA promised the contestants a state finals by saying “Texas Cowboys don’t quit, it is on” and it went on. Many changes had to be made to ensure that everyone could get a try at a state title, something that they have been working towards since the end of their region season. Although the national pandemic kept contestants from rodeo, they definately were prepared when state came around.

Region IX alone had twelve short-go qualifiers, five national qualifiers, and two state champions.

STATE CHAMPIONS: Tylie McDonald- State Champion in Goat Tying, Tylie was a 7.3 in the first round to place 4th, 1st in the second round with a 6.7, and a 7.0 to win the short round and secure her spot for not only a national qualification but a state champion title.

High School: Franklin High School, just finished her freshman year Favorite things to do: “I like to shop, travel, and spend time with family and friends” Plans After High School: “Attend College and major in public relations” Favorite Food: Dots Pretzels

SHORT-GO QUALIFIERS: Rhody Niles, Cutter Kaylor, Bryce Jensen, Bradlee Miller, Levi Goudeau, Boyd Hannagriff, Montana Brown, Tylie McDonald, Allie Cadwallader, Chase McBee, Austyn Peacock, and Haley Mason.

Alli Cadwallader- State Champion in the Barrel racing. Alli was a 15.390 in the first round, a 15.931 in the second round, and a 15.420 in the short round.

High School: Just finished her freshman year Favorite Things to Do: “Outside of running barrels I enjoy all water sports” Plans After High School: “When I graduate, I plan on rodeoing for a college while still doing pro rodeo with my little to no free time” Favorite Food: Pizza Bagel Bites

NATIONAL QUALIFIERS: Bradlee Miller- Bareback Riding Cutter Kaylor- Bull Riding Chase McBee- Pole Bending

During the regular region season, Region IX had four astounding student officers and numerous adult officers and directors who put in many hours of work to ensure that all of the rodeos would be organized and run smoothly. The student officers are as follows, Claye Sullivan- President, Rheagan Cotton- Vice

TYLIE MCDONALD photo by Jennings

President, Montana BrownStudent Secretary, and Boyd Hannagriff- Reporter.

Two of the student officers graduated high school this year.

Claye Sullivan, who is going to attend Sam Houston State University to further her education and college rodeo. Rheagan Cotton also graduated this year and plans on going to SWJTC to college rodeo and get her associates degree.

Throughout the year the student officers had to make tough ALLI CADWALLADER photo by Jennings decisions and deliberate on several topics. The students had excellent guidance from the adult officers.

The adult officers are as followed, Mike Ghormley- President, Jimmy Cotton- Vice President, Dave McMahon, Roger Hannagriff, and Don Jackson- State Directors, and Lacey Aubihl- Secretary. Over the course of the twelve rodeos, Region IX held church service every Sunday morning before the rodeo, Pastor Jimmy Cotton gave the messages. By the end of the year, the grand stands were full of contestants and parents for the church service.

Region IX would like to thank Mr. Mike Ghormley for all the years of service he has put in to the region and the contestants. Through the years, Mr. Ghormley has served as Region IX President for six years, State Director for four years, and three years on the State Executive Board. Mr. Mike was always quick to jump in any place he was needed. He set Barrels and poles, Drug the arena, and helped with all the rough stock and roping events.

At the region finals, Region IX gave away beautiful Double J Saddles and Gist Buckles to the state qualifiers and region champions. The finals banquet celebrated the hard work that all of the contestants put in throughout the year. Several Scholarships were given at the banquet, including the Yates Manahan and Seth Broesche Memorial Scholarship.

As we get closer to Nationals, we are are living in unprecedented and challenging times, so always remember this “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” –Proverbs 18:10. Good Luck to everyone at nationals and God Bless!

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STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT - SAIGE SEALY VICE PRESIDENT - MAKENZIE DOWELL SECRETARY - CHAINEY WEITZ LARRY DOWELL 370 CR 220 • Marlin, Texas 76661 254.715.8814 • fivedowell@gmail.com

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS

817.648.2728 • texasregion10@gmail.com

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

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

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

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Bringing the Heat

By KATY

A

WEBB – Performance Reporter

s the 2019 – 2020 THSRA and TJHRA year comes to an end I think it is safe to say that no one will forget this year full of new challenges.

The THSRA and TJHRA state finals were a little different this year because of the global pandemic that has put a big pause on the entire rodeo industry, but having some of the most amazing officers and directors around they made State 2020 possible!

Even with state being way different than ever before it definitely didn’t take away from the tough competition, region 10 really brought the heat this year and sent 26 high school contestants into the short round and had 8 competitors make it to nationals where they will compete for a national title in Guthrie Oklahoma on July 21-27.

SALLY LOVE photo by Jennings

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Region 10 brought home the team roping state championship title and had 2 reserve state champions in the steer wrestling and the calf roping! Right along with the high school competitors we also had 22 junior high competitors headed to the short go and kids make it into the top 4. Unfortunately, the NJHRA could not hapCHRIS DIXON pen for the young contenders so they do not get photo

by Jennings to represent Texas at nationals.

Competing at nationals we have Kade Berry in the bareback riding, Max Mathis in the steer wrestling, Chris Dixon in the steer wrestling, Sally Love in the barrel racing, Caleb Green in the team roping, Coda Myers in the team roping, Cale Newman in the bronc riding, and Riley Webb in the tie down roping. When I asked them what preparations they made while being at home knowing that they were holding CALE NEWMAN photo by Jennings a good spot in the average and could potentially be back in the short go their answers did not disappoint. Kade Berry stated “I stayed in the gym and on my spur board, I knew I had a solid spot in the average, so I tried to not overthink it. I just took it one horse at a time and made the best spur rides I could make.” Max Mathis also said that he just practiced all week and that he went into the short go treating it like just another rodeo. Riley Webb took a little bit different approach and said that he took it easy and ran a couple of practice calf’s Friday morning before heading back to Abilene. Coda Myers answered with saying that he just rode and kept his horse legged up like he always does and continued to rope the dummy to keep things sharp and he said that there was no need to get nervous because he trusted his horse to do her job and he was going to do his part and see if the work he had put in was good enough. Cale Newman said that he did not make a huge deal out of it and continued to work out and ride his spur board while also hitting up a few pro rodeos throughout the week before coming back to the short go. For Sally Love it was all about knowing that her horse (Flash) was in tip top shape for the week and knowing that he knew his job. She also said that she had been in the short go position multiple times and she just had to kept clam and do her job.

Good luck and safe travels to all of team Texas as they take on Guthrie Oklahoma! Just remember whether you win or lose in the arena walk out knowing that just to have made nationals from Texas is a huge accomplishment and your there to have fun and enjoy doing what you love while representing the great lone star state!

of the Year

ROBBI N RI C E OF REGION VII

C

by Jacqueline Knox

ongratulations to the Whatakid of the Year, Robbin Rice!

This eighteen-year-old senior is an all-around amazing woman. In the arena, she competes in breakaway roping, cutting and reining cow horse. Of the three, reining cow horse is her favorite. “It is a feeling like no other,” Robbin said.

Robbin rides four different horses: Dunny, Dinero, Chavez and The Dual. She ropes on both Dunny and Dinero. When talking about Dinero she mentioned that, “I raised him since he was a yearling. My dad helped me train him to rope off of.” She rides Chavez for reining cow horse while The Dual is her cutting horse.

Matlock Rice, Robbin’s dad, has helped her train most of her horses. “My dad helped me perfect everything on my horses, from learning how to ride them to show them better. Besides The Dual, every horse that I have performed off of, I have gotten the opportunity to make them what they are with the help of my dad,” Robbin said.

“That’s probably one of my favorite things about my horses. We don’t go buy them; we just make them great with what we have.”

Robbin has been a part of rodeo her whole life. “It is just a way of life for my family and me. My dad is a horse trainer and everybody in my family, even my 78-yearold grandfather, shows and ropes. I am just glad that I have been raised this way,” Robbin said. She has been competing since she was around four and is currently a member of THSRA. Robbin’s favorite rodeos have been the Abilene State Finals, the very first World’s Greatest Youth Horseman Competition back in February, and the Summer Spectacular for NCHA. She

really enjoys showing in Fort Worth “because it is such a historic place to show at. That is where championships are won,” Robbin said.

In 2017, she was named rookie all-around cowgirl at the THSRA State Finals. She is also extremely proud that this past summer she got awarded the very first NCHA Christian Leadership Award.

Although those awards and achievements are amazing, Robbin considers accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior her biggest accomplishment. “I think that is the most important thing that anyone can ever achieve or decide,” Robbin said.

Not only does Robbin compete in rodeo, she is also a member of the varsity volleyball team, National Honor Society and Future Farmers of America at Bellville high school.

She also takes her academics very seriously as she is in the top 10% of her class. Robbin mentioned that her favorite teacher was her mom, Susan Rice, who taught her seventh and eighth grade algebra and pre-algebra.

In her free time, Robbin enjoys sharing God’s Word and being involved in ministry.

“Pretty much any show or rodeo that I go to on a Sunday, I am preaching at it,” Robbin said. She has gotten the opportunity to preach at her Church, All-Around Cowboy Church in Sealy, Tx. “It is really cool because my grandparents pastor that church. I have always been in the church, but they have had a big impact on me stepping out and sharing what God has done in my life, as well as just what He does in everybody’s lives and how awesome He is,” Robbin remarked. She has even been invited to preach at the NCHA Futurity in Fort Worth, TX. “Live in such a way that those who don’t know God but know me will come to know God because they know me” is a saying that Robbin lives by.

She believes that it is extremely relevant and something we can all remind ourselves of everyday. This saying especially helps her as she is preaching and putting herself out there on such a big platform because, “I have to sacrifice what the world will think of me and what people will say. Sacrifice my pride and just do it because that is what I am called to do,” Robbin said.

Someone that Robbin looks up to is Tony Reina, one of her best friend’s fathers. “Not only is he successful in the rodeo arena, he is just an all-around awesome person. He truly does live the life that God has called us to live.

He is always there for anyone who needs him,” Robbin explained. She also looks up to her uncle, Boyd Rice, because he has been extremely successful and dominant in the reining cow horse and cutting businesses.

She realizes that she couldn’t do anything without her mom and dad.

“They support me more than anyone in the whole world. Both of my brothers, Cade and Casey, are also just a phone call away anytime I need them for any advice or anything else,” Robbin said. “My family is just awesome, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them at all.”

In the future, Robbin plans to attend Weatherford College and then Texas Tech University. She hopes to be part of Tech’s ranch horse team and graduate as either an agricultural business or economics major. From there, she would like to go into agricultural pharmaceutical sales and continue with her ministry.

Robbin receive Whataburgers for a year for being this year’s Whatakid.

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YOUTH RODEO ASSOCIATION 2020 - 2021 YRA SEASON

The 2020-2021 rodeo year is the 49th Anniversary of the YRA. At the 2020 YRA Finals All-Around saddles, Year End saddles and Finals Average saddles were awarded in each event along with belt buckles through 6th Place for Year End.

To qualify for the Finals you only have to enter 6 rodeos in each event you wish to compete in at finals.

2020 Awards: 1 – Aluminum Trailer, 2-Three Horse Trailers, 66 Saddles, 170 Belt Buckles, and Scholarships

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

Membership Applications (due August 3, 2020), Entry Blanks and the Schedule are available on the YRA website: www.yratx.com or call 713-501-8843

AGE GROUPS (AS OF 9/1/20)

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

REMINDER INFO TEXTS PeeWee & Subs text @yrapw to 81010 Jr and Sr text @yraj to 81010

Like the Youth Rodeo Association Facebook Page!!

www.yratx.com

SCHEDULE: #1 August 14, 15, 16 – Bryan – Short Go 8/16 Jr. American Qualifier #2 September 18, 19 – Edna 1st Postmark Deadline #3 October 16, 17 – Bellville - 8/3 #4 November 13, 14 – Hitchcock Call in if you miss #5 November 20, 21 – Halletsville postmark 8/11 from #6 January 15, 16 – Hitchcock 5-9pm at 713-501-8843 #7 February 12, 13 – Giddings #8 February 26, 27 – Rosenberg #9 March 12 ,13, 14 – Gonzales – Short Go 3/14 Vegas Tuffest Qualifier #10 April 23, 24 – Caldwell #11 May 7, 8 – Giddings #12 May 14,15,16 – Edna Short Go 5/16 Vegas Tuffest Qualifier June 16-19 – YRA Finals – Edna

Friday Perf 7:00 PM * Saturday Perf 11:00 PM * Short Go - 10:00 AM Roughstock only at #1, #9, #12 Mail In Only

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EVENTS

Bareback Calf Riding Steer (Jr. Bull Riding) Bull Riding Chute Dogging PeeWee Poles Sub Jr. Poles Jr. Poles Sr. Poles Sub Jr. Tiedown Jr. Tiedown Sr. Tiedown PeeWee Barrels Sub Jr. Barrels Jr. Barrels Sr. Barrels Sub Jr. Ribbons Jr. Ribbons Jr./Sr. Girls Ribbons Sr. Ribbons PeeWee Figure 8s Sub Jr. Figure 8s Jr. Figure 8s Steer Wrestling Sub Jr. Girls Breakaway Sub Jr. Boys Breakaway Jr. Girls Breakaway Sr. Girls Breakaway Jr. Boys Breakaway Sub Jr. Goat Tying Jr. Goat Tying Sr. Goat Tying Team Roping

AGE

Boys - 15 – 19 Boys - 9 & under Boys - 10 – 14 Boys - 15 – 19 Boys - 15 & under Boys & Girls - 8 & under Boys & Girls - 9 – 12 Girls - 13 – 15 Girls - 16 – 19 Boys - 12 & under Boys - 13 -15 Boys - 16 – 19 Boys & Girls – 8 & under Boys & Girls – 9 – 12 Girls - 13 – 15 Girls - 16 – 19 Boys & Girls – 12 & under Boys & Girls – 13 – 15 Girls – 13 - 19 Boys – 16 – 19 Boys & Girls - 8 & under Boys & Girls – 9 – 12 Girls – 13 -15 Boys – 16 – 19 Girls - 12 & under Boys – 12 & under Girls – 13 – 15 Girls – 16 -19 Boys – 13 – 15 Boys & Girls – 12 & under Girls – 13 – 15 Girls – 16- 19 19 & Under

TYLER CALHOUN 2020 TJHRA STATE CHAMPION ALL AROUND COWBOY!

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JUNIOR HIGH 32

LETTER FROM THE STATE SECRETARY’S DESK

T

ANNE DOLLERY

exas Junior High State Finals are in the books for 2020! The finals were supposed to be the end of May and with the COVID-19 pandemic they just could not happen on that date. The Texas Executive State Board along with the State Directors did not lay down and cancel, they postponed, as Scott Shook said “we have to do this for the kids,” and they did.

Things started happening after we announced we were postponing, Garrett Talamantes started a prayer group via Zoom and Face Book, I was lucky enough to witness several contestants witness to others the love of our Lord.

They prayed over our leaders of Junior High Rodeo and our leaders of our state. Garrett went so far as to write a letter to Governor Abbott, which made it to his hands. I honestly believe that if Governor Abbott would not have gotten this letter, we would not have had the finals and would not still be doing the sport we love at this time. In the Governor’s orders, there is an exception to the gathering rules and that rodeos and equestrian events can still happen with 50% occupancy, as we all know the arenas are large so this helps us continue the sport.

So, the finals went with having two regions a day participating. We would bring two regions in the night before and then they would preform at 8am and 2pm, they would leave and the next two regions would come in. Since the finals were moved there were no stalls to rent, so with that being said we worked with 260 stalls for the week, when we usually have 850. I can say that everyone was very understanding with everything we were dealing with; I believe everyone was just happy to be able to rodeo.

We had the Texas state finals on the dates that we should have been at the National Junior High Finals is Des Moines, Iowa, they were canceled early on. So Texas Junior High contestants were in Gonzales naming the Texas State Champions and what a rodeo they put on.

The short go was on Saturday were contestants that had gone home came back and those later in the week stayed

for, it was an exciting day. We even awarded the State Champions their saddles in the arena on live feed, that was an added treat.

Everyone was so worried about being in Gonzales near the end of June, because after all it is already hot at the end of May when we usually have the finals, well all I can say is that we had an unusually mild week, even got some rain.

There are always silver linings we can find.

The Texas Junior High Executive Board had a few that worked the whole week, and believe me they worked. We all had to rely on each region stepping up to the plate along with their State Directors to put these two-day rodeos together. Believe me it took a village to have the finals, we even had our marketing director, Maci Beach holding the goat for girls and boy goat tying. If someone was asked to do something, they usually jumped in with two feet and was hustling. We would like to thank everyone that helped in the arena.

All in all, the week went really well. We would have had an awesome National Team to take to the finals.

Many of them are 8th graders and I can not wait to see where they go next year, they will make the High School National team one day also.

It is hard to believe we already getting ready to vamp up for next years season, but we are moving ahead and looking forward to a great year. By the time May rolls around in 2020, hopefully all of this will be behind us and we will have the best finals ever in 2020. I will say that we learned a lot from having the finals this way and hopefully we can take the positive and make our finals better from now on.

In closing, I hope everyone enjoyed their short stay in Gonzales at the state finals. I truly hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay safe and we will see you soon!

Anne Dollery TJHRA State Secretary 979-412-2551

2020-2021 TJHRA STUDENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT – Bryce Ehlinger VICE PRESIDENT – Kamryn Robison SECRETARY – Drew Ellen Stewart PRINCESS – Dixie Tabb

2019-2020 JUNIOR HIGH STATE DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD NATIONAL DIRECTOR CHRIS WOLFE

214-403-4638

cwwolfe630@gmail.com

PRESIDENT SCOTT SHOOK

281-437-8214

scottcshook@yahoo.com

1st VICE PRESIDENT JOE RICHARDS

806-676-5970

joe@diamondcattlefeeders.com

2nd VICE PRESIDENT SHANE HANCOCK

254-379-3516

shanehancock74@yahoo.com

DELEGATE 2 YEAR TERM DAVID FREEMAN

832-221-1253

chlfreeman@yahoo.com

DELEGATE 2 YEAR TERM LANCE GAILLARD

806-898-3748

lsgaillard@yahoo.com

DELEGATE 2 YEAR TERM ERIC HUSTON

817-368-0159

duaneoverton6113@gmail.com

DELEGATE 1 YEAR TERM BRAD DYER

832-928-1647

braddyer@live.com

DELEGATE 1 YEAR TERM JILL MURRAY 903-348-4356 murrayarena@hotmail.com

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

STATE DIRECTORS

Region I MONROE TIMBERLAKE KEVIN MCCREARY JUSTIN LANE

monroetimberlake@gmail.com kevin@mccrearysales.com shannon.lane@region16.net

Region II BRANDI RICHARDS 806-676-2386 KELLY WOOD 432-940-1136 CHAD CURRINGTON 806-786-9016

Region III JEFF JORDAN 940-642-4372 SHANE CRISWELL 325-347-2656 DARRYL SHELTON 940-255-0738 Region IV JOHNNY YOUNG, JR PAIGE ALMON BRIAN LOGAN

To Advertise in Extreme Team News Contact Us at 210-632-3208

806-344-6846 806-674-5601 806-733-5149

903-249-1647 903-681-6592

brandirichards@yahoo.com woodrodeogirls@yahoo.com ccurrington@sundowwnsb.com jjordan4372@gmail.com kodyhorses@yahoo.com dshelton@rdoequipment.com jpyoung75486@gmail.com epaigealmon@yahoo.com

Region V RICHARD BALDWIN 936-332-5466

JUSTIN KLEIN 936-590-0229 BRADY SCARBER 936-590-0585

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 sendtojustin@yahoo.com brady@spartain-LLC.com

amberbass@greatertexasfoundation.org

Region VIII BEN ELLIS 361-701-1886 ben_ellis78@yahoo.com MATT SCIBA 361-571-7888 scibaadjuster@gmail.com CASS RINGLESTEIN 210-885-0902 cass.oasis@yahoo.com

Region IX DAVID COLEMAN 936-661-3411 david@colemanandpatterson.com RUSTY MCCARTHY 936-206-4051 rust@RDMContracting.com BRAD DYER 832-928-1647 braddyer@live.com

Region X SHELLEY TOWNSEND 830-798-7755 sarrington36@yahoo.com MATT SILAR 254-472-0133 matt.silar@patriotinsp.com BRANDON VACULIN 979-814-0351 bvaculin@gmail.com

STUDENT OFFICERS

PRESIDENT BRYCE EHLINGER

V.PRES KAMRYN ROBISON

SECRETARY DREW ELLEN STEWART PRINCESS DIXIE TABB

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2020 State Junior High Division Finals Results

AL RC E L TY

HOU

N

All-Around Cowboy TYLER CALHOUN

All-Around Cowgirl CHAYNI CHAMBERLAIN

Rookie Cowboy JASE STOUT

Rookie Cowgirl MIA JANOSKY

AQHA BOY’S HORSE OF THE YEAR: COLEMAN CANTON AQHA GIRL’S HORSE OF THE YEAR: JAYLEE LANE

CHA YNI CHA MBE RLA IN

CINCH LEADERSHIP TEAM SELECTION & CORRAL BOOT COMPANY COURAGE, CHARACTER AND COMMUNITY AWARD: KINLEY SHOOK AND GARRETT TALAMANTES CRISIS FUND HARD LUCK SCHOLARSHIP: LUCY RICHARDS

O

BARRELS Devin Young – Texas Champion Barrel Racer * Claire Sechelski – Reserve Champion Barrel Racer * Patton Ann Lynch * Drew Ellen Stewart * Tana Trosper Steeley Rhea Franklin Alli Autrey Sage Gaillard Spring Pennigton Charli Snow GIRLS BREAKAWAY Kaitlyn Torres – Texas Champion Girls Breakaway * Harley Odom – Reserve Champion Girls Breakaway * Rylie Edens * Grace Jenkins * Avery Foegelle Macie Vaculin Brynn Clinton Olivia Thibodeaux Kasidy Russell Macy Hancock POLE BENDING Mia Janosky – Texas Co-Champion Pole Bender *

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TOP 10 IN EACH EVENT: Indicates TJHD National Team Member

Mattie Smith – Texas Co-Champion Pole Bender * London Gorham – Reserve Champion Pole Bender * Bailey Zeplin * Allie Thompson Autumn Villarreal Liela Klein Olivia Thibodeaux Kiley Dean Maddie Williams

GIRLS GOAT TYING Kenna Thomas – Texas Champion Goat Tyer * Olivia Thibodeaux – Reserve Co-Champion Goat Tyer * Kameryn White – Reserve Co-Champion Goat Tyer * Reese Jacobs * Jolie Watson Kaleigh Elliott Drew Ellen Stewart Braxtyn Sitka Macy Hancock Emma Ivie TIEDOWN ROPING Tyler Calhoun – Texas Champion Tiedown Roper * Ace Reese – Reserve Champion Tiedown Roper * Kelby Frizzell *

Holt Brockenbush * Mac Street * Holt Brockenbush Clint Cross Tanner Evans Taygan Bertsch Coy Frankum Paden Thigpen

CHUTE DOGGING Wyatt Jones – Texas Champion Chute Dogging * Tyler Calhoun – Reserve Champion Chute Dogging * Logan Yarbrough * Misael Hernandez * Ryan Thompson Mac Street Hayden Haymen Coy Frankum Jake Shelton Raine Redden BOYS BREAKAWAY Kyler Kanady – Texas Champion Boys Breakaway * Payden Rust – Reserve Champion Boys Breakaway * Deakon Kay * Tate Thompson *

Dax Reed Brogan Sims Heath Harkins Cameron Tullos Blaine Burleson Trenton Baca BOYS GOAT TYING Tyler Calhoun – Texas Champion Boys Goat Tying * Quincy Lucky – Reserve Champion Boys Goat Tying * Craig Sciba – Reserve Champion Boys Goat Tying * Karson King * Tyce Scarber Murt Stewart Cort Boyd Dillon Grote Rendon Powledge Tacolby Calhoun BAREBACK STEER RIDING Ethan Cart – Texas Champion Bareback Steer Riding * Brant Cookston – Reserve Champion Bareback Steer

Riding *

Jase Stout * Cooper Lane * Tanner James-Gonzales

Cash Walker Kanin Jones Ridge Hughes

Dusty Rhodes Hunter Atwood Brant Cookston

SADDLE BRONC STEER RIDING Clayton Anderson – Texas Champion Saddlebronc Steer Riding * Jaxon Stoker – Reserve Champion Saddlebronc Steer Riding * Cooper Lane * Jase Stout * Ethan Cart Flint Hill Jesse Calk Mac Street Brant Cookston

TEAM ROPING Samuel Mendoza & Buck Garza –

BULL RIDING Kristopher Baker – Texas Champion Bull Rider * Ridge Hughes – Reserve Champion Bull Rider * Tyler Rivas * Tanner James-Gonzales * Dax Reed * Kyler Moss Rico Russell

Texas Champion Team

Ropers *

Casper Ringelstein & Braden Martinez – Reserve Team Ropers * Kyler Kanady & Shye Pate * Luccasee De La Fosse & Tristin Brooks * Brayden Morris & Jake Murray Kinley Jenkins & Samantha Andrews Hunter Corman & Tate Thompson Kelby Frizzell & Dax Reed Colton Clayton & Carson Sonnier Zane Starns & Rankin Williams Seth Ross & Rendon Powledge RIBBON ROPING Taygan Bertsch & Chayni Chamberlain –

Jackson Griffin & Liela Klein - Reserve Co-Champion Ribbon Ropers * Dax Reed & Lucy Richards * Tanner Evans & Ainsley Denham Kyler Kanady & Rylie Edens Aaron Raulston & Jaylyn Brazzel Tyler Calhoun & Zaili Saculla Holt Brockenbush & Avery Foegelle Jhett Akins & Lulu Eakes LIGHT RIFLE Paden Thigpen – Texas Champion Light Rifle * Lane Picklo – Reserve Champion Light Rifle * Campbell Pegues * Kody Sanchez * Bo Payne Wyatt Jones Corley Cal Jacob Mendietta Jade Philipp Barett Shelton

Texas Champion

Ribbon Ropers *

Clayton Jones & Dixie Tabb – Reserve Co-Champion Ribbon Ropers *

2020 TJHRA FINALS FUN

TJHRA SENDS A THANK YOU CARD TO GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT

KIDS CELEBRATING WHATABURGER DAY!

continued on page 38

35

Under the Resistol:

THE INCREDIBLE MAN UNDERNEATH THE HAT

I

THSRA President, Ken Bray

t all started when Ken Bray was around 9 years old. That was the first time brands. Classic Rope Rattler Rope, Classic Equine, Martin Saddlery and Cashel he competed in a rodeo. Bray grew up around cattle and the ranch lifestyle, Company are all under the Equibrand umbrella. They also have an entertainas his father was in the cattle business. “We were horseback from the time ment division that includes the Racer’s Edge television show and podcast. we were little kids,” Bray said. “We just loved everything about being a Classic Rope and Rattler Rope are National and Texas High School Rodeo cowboy. This was way before cell phones and video games, so working and sponsors, while Classic Equine is a Texas High School Rodeo sponsor. looking forward to the few rodeos a year Ken owes a lot to the sport of rodeo, was just what my two brothers and I did.” including the introduction of his wife, Bray remarked that rodeo when he Billie. They met for the first time at a grew up was nothing like it is today. He calf roping jackpot being held during grew up in Dumas, Texas in the Texas the College National Finals Rodeo in Panhandle, where there were only three Bozeman, Montana. The two got maryouth rodeo events a year. There was ried in 1994. Billie works alongside also no junior high rodeo program, so it Ken as the Vice President of Marketing went from youth rodeos straight into high for Equibrand. In her role, Billie makes school ones. Bray started off with the sure that Equibrand is heavily involved Tristate High School Rodeo Association. in the promotion of all western equine “That was bigtime because there were sports. She manages the sponsorships like 22 rodeos a year,” Bray said. that Equibrand has with THSRA, He recalled that 1980 was the first NHSRA, NRCHA, Ultimate Calf qualifying rodeo for that segment of Roping and United States Team Roping Texas to qualify for the THRSA Finals.

Championship, as well as others. Billie Bray was fortunate to qualify in calf ropalso works with smaller youth rodeo ing, bulldogging and team roping. That associations across the country and is on same year, Ken and his brother qualified the road almost year-round to support to go the National High School Rodeo them. “We believe in doing our part to Finals in Yakima, Washington. “That was cultivate and support youth involvement the year Mount St. Helens erupted. So, in all equine sports. She works alongside that was a pretty incredible experience,” a great team at here at Equibrand to cover Bray said. “It was an amazing experience and it was an opportunity that I all the bases,” Bray said.

THSRA President,Ken Bray, and THSRA National Director, Cotton wanted to make sure that my kids got to Ken and Billie have two children, George helping the cutting event run smoothly. enjoy. That experience got me scholarPaden (21) and Wyatt (19). Both boys ships for college and helped me get a have grown up in the rodeo world, startcollege rodeo scholarship.” ing in the junior high division (TJHRA) and then moving onto the high school Bray continued to rodeo in college at South Plains College and then, division (THSRA). They are also both rodeo rockstars, as they both previTarleton State University. After he graduated, he went on to compete in amateur ously qualified for the Junior High School Rodeo National Finals and the High and PRCA Circuit Rodeos and became a Jackpot Team Roper.

School Rodeo National Finals. These big accomplishments helped both boys Now, Bray is the CEO of Equibrand Corporation, which is a collection of secure rodeo scholarships for college. Paden is currently a junior at Tarleton

36

State University and Wyatt is a freshman at Cisco Junior College. Paden was also named the 2019 PRCA Resistol Rookie Heeler of the Year!

Ken loves the western industry and the brotherhood that is rodeo culture. “It’s a competition playing field like no other. People truly want to try to win every time on their own, but 99.9% of them are also there to help you win as well,” Bray said. He went on to add that “it is a sport no one can perfect. It continues to evolve in terms of its level of competition. As new products come through the market and new young talent comes up through the ranks, it just gets tougher and faster.

That’s exciting to me because it is a sport that never truly plateaus.”

Ken previously served THSRA as the Region III President, State Director and Executive Director. In

Bray honoring our flag during the grand entry.

2017, Ken was recruited by his fellow executive board members to run for the position of Texas High School Rodeo Association President. “I was honored that they had asked me to run for it. I was happy to serve at any level,” Bray said.

He felt that it was important for him to serve in this position so he could give back to the sport that has given him so much. “The industry and the sport has been amazing and fantastic for me and my family and my business,” Bray said. “I think it is important we give back and pay it forward.”

“Ken has a unique perspective when it comes to high school and junior high rodeo,” THSRA Marketing and Public Relations Director Holly DeLaune said. “Functioning in the diverse roles of rodeo parent, western industry business owner and even a contestant himself he knows how critical the health and success of high school rodeo is to not only the contestants today, but rodeo as a whole for years to come. He works tirelessly at a “job” that is thankless because he wants Texas rodeo athletes to have the best opportunities possible.”

The president position is completely volunteer, and Ken does this job with ease, never asking for any credit or praise. As Ken and many close to him will tell you, he is there to make sure the kids are taken care of. “I think the most important part of volunteerism is that our kids our worth it,” Bray said.

“He has the kid’s best interests at heart. He is in it for the kids, not any other reason,” THSRA Secretary and Treasurer Susan Baldwin said. “He knows that they are our future of the industry and the sport. He just wants to do anything and everything he can to further their education and give them the best experience in the arena. He just has so much compassion for these kids.”

As president of THSRA, Bray loves that he gets to work with a great team to ensure that THRSA remains vibrant and strong for years to come. “I am grateful to be a part of a fantastic board of likeminded people that truly care about Texas youth and the sport of rodeo,” Bray said. “They are all committed to excellence in the terms of quality rodeo production and doing what they can to help keep the kids in the state of Texas be provided with an amazing platform for fairness in competition and opportunity for scholarships that help them pursue a higher education that benefits well into the future. ” Together, the board has been able to accomplish a lot while Bray has served as president. He believes that their greatest achievements as a collective board are higher THSRA Finals payouts and more scholarships. The current board has done so much work to build and protect the scholarships funds. They have awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors each year and have also added around $50,000 to the payouts for the High School Finals.

Bray is also extremely proud of the work the board has done to have one of the first rodeos in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. He believed that it was very important to still have the THRSA Finals this year “because Texas is like no other. Texas is one of four states in the National High School Rodeo Association that has a region program,” Bray said. “These kids bought memberships and worked their butts off all year to qualify for the state finals. Just to qualify for the state finals is a huge accomplishment. They deserved the opportunity to fulfill their goals and their dreams and to compete for that state championship title. Also, without a state finals, Texas would not be able to send a team to the national finals. I just felt it was incredibly important that we make this happen for all of the kids and families who have invested so much of their time, energy and effort to make it happen in the arena.”

This wasn’t easy, however, as the federal, state and local guidelines that surrounded the coronavirus crisis were everchanging. Bray expanined that there were new restrictions or recommendations on the daily, so the guideline proposal they submitted was having to be constantly tweaked.

“We just didn’t take no for an answer,” Bray said. “We kept working with government agencies and the local government around Abilene to find a program that they could endorse and would allow us to have our event.”

“We couldn’t ask for a better president of the Texas High School Rodeo Association with everything that is going on,” Junior High National Director Chris Wolfe said. “He has taken leadership of that role and done an excellent job.” continued on page 38

37

2020 TJHRA FINALS FUN

continued from page 37

Bray and Announcer, Chris Rankin discussing the production of the rodeo.

38

Because of Bray and the board’s work, Texas has set an example for other states. There are four other states that have adopted the guidelines and procedures put forth by the board of THSRA and have gotten a sign off from their state government to be able to have rodeo state finals. “It makes me feel really good that not only are we helping the kids of Texas, we are helping kids across the United States,” Bray said. “The good work we did with our guidelines and procedures ended up benefiting more than just Texas.”

“Without Ken Bray there would not have been a 2020 Texas High School State Finals Rodeo this year… period. He is too humble to probably even accept that statement, but it is absolutely true,” DeLaune said. “The odds were not in our favor this year, but Ken would not take no for an answer.

We all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Bray shared some advice that he wants to pass along to all of those competing at the Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals this year: “Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the moment. Also, don’t let the Texas High School Rodeo Association experience define you. Go in there, be prepared to compete and give it your all. Leave it all in the arena,” Bray said. “There are World Champion PRCA Cowboys that did not advance out of the state of Texas. The competition is just that tough. So, come with high goals and expectations but don’t let any experience you have at the finals dampen the opportunity of being there and competing at that level.”

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