PRESIDENT - AUDREE PHILLIPS VICE PRESIDENT - MAGGIE MCCARTHY SECRETARY - SYDNEY WILLIAMS
REGION IX SUCCESS
STUDENT OFFICERS
149 Willow Creek • Huntsville, Texas 77340 832.928.1647 • braddyer@live.com
STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS BRAD DYER
25798 Hwy 90 North • Bedias, Texas 77831 936.581.4255 979.251.4131 • reionixsecretary@gmail.com
LYLE SMITH
Region IX
SECRETARY - LACEY AUBIHL 1326 PR 5011 • Ledbetter, Texas 78946
7121 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 979.229.5963 • stanmcdranch@aol.com
STAN MCDONALD
7121 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 979.229.5963 • stanmcdranch@aol.com
PRESIDENT- STAN MCDONALD
28
PERFORMANCE REPORT
A
By TYLIE
MCDONALD – Performance Reporter
nother THSRA state finals means another successful week for Region IX. From the cutting to the bull riding, Region IX is sending eight of their very own to the National High School Finals Rodeo. Amongst the athletes are former state champions and back to back national qualifiers that are ready to represent Team Texas in Gillette, Wyoming. However, Region IX is sending some first-time national qualifiers. Freshman Riley Farris of Madisonville, Texas made her debut in the cutting as the 2022 state champion and will head to nationals to represent both Region IX and Team Texas. The cutting competition, along with the reining cow horse, takes place the weekend prior to the start of the rodeo competition. Being so, most do not get to witness these exciting events. Yet, even with the small crowd, Riley Farris managed to get everyone on their feet, providing her with an "unreal" experience. "Going in, I had no expectations," Riley said. "In my mind, I didn't even think I could make nationals, much less win a state title." Even though Riley sur-
prised herself, many expected the Farris name would come out on top. Last year, Riley's cousin, Faith Farris, was crowned the state and national champion in the same discipline. Riley exclaims, "To be able to make my family proud and carry on a legacy means the world to me. I couldn't be more grateful." Farris is ready to take on nationals with an "I just hope for the best" mindset. She explains that she will stick to the same agenda she has at any other cutting competition. Riley states, "I'm going to continue working my horses and letting my dad do what he does best... fix my mistakes." Farris gives a large amount of credit to her supportive family, amazing pen help, and her equine partner. However, she gives all thanks and glory to God. She proclaims, "He (God) gave me this amazing opportunity and the people to do it." With her confidence, faithfulness, and grit, it will be exciting to see all that Farris accomplishes at the NHSFR, the upcoming NYCHA World Finals, and the rest of her cutting career. Region IX could not be more proud of the competitors going to nationals. The talent from Texas will be sure to make headlines. Be sure to tune in to the Cowboy Channel to watch all of the action live. Region IX wishes all contestants from all regions a blessed finals, and hopefully, Team Texas' seventh consecutive team championship. We will see everyone in Wyoming. God Bless!
RILEY FARRIS photo by Jennings
