REGION IX

7121 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 979.229.5963 • stanmcdranch@aol.com

LYLE SMITH

25798 Hwy 90 North • Bedias, Texas 77831 936.581.4255

STUDENT OFFICERS

PRESIDENT - AUDREE PHILLIPS VICE PRESIDENT - MAGGIE MCCARTHY SECRETARY - SYDNEY WILLIAMS

7121 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 979.229.5963 • stanmcdranch@aol.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

PERFORMANCE REPORT

By TYLIE MCDONALD – Performance Reporter

Another 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 surprised 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!

REGION IX SUCCESS

RILEY FARRIS photo by Jennings

of the Year

Seaver Senter

Congratulations to the Whatakid of the Year, Seaver Senter! Seaver is a rodeo-loving, 16-year-old from Ropesville, Texas. He has two older siblings who are twins. His sister, Sayer, started goat tying when she was in elementary school. Seaver and his brother Sutton followed soon after, sparking their passion for roping. All siblings were members of the High Plains Rodeo Association, then joined Region 2 for TJHRA and THSRA.

Fast forward, Seaver is now a senior at Ropes High School. After high school, he plans to attend and be on the rodeo team for a junior college, and then go to Texas Tech University and rodeo for them!

As a THSRA contestant, Seaver has taken the time and necessary precautions to prepare for his events. That means having everything he needs at the arena when the performance starts. He ensures that his horse has been fed, its splints and bell boots are on, and its cinch has been tightened before roping. He attempts to keep his eyes on the steer to ensure good reaction and resistance. This mental preparation allows him to be comfortable and confident, zoning everything else out when he backs into the box, while focusing on victory.

Seaver has great insight into the logistics of roping. He is the student team roping director, which has taught him to pay attention to details and be comfortable speaking with his directors and mentors. With Seaver’s impressive local engagement as roping director, he also works at local events in his region, filling in as student director. He enjoys being able to help in the arena while enjoying precious time with his friends.

Whataburger has been a special part of Seaver’s competition memories. One occasion, after a rough day in the arena, his horse judging team’s scores were not as high as expected. The team’s spirits were lifted by dining at their local Whataburger. “We had a good time cheering each other up and eating juicy burgers, fries and shakes,” said Seaver.

His advice to all kids would be to take the initiative to help others without being asked. Whether it be at rodeos, at home, or at a community event, Seaver encourages his peers to look for an opportunity to lend a hand when needed.

Upon reflection of how far he’s come, Seaver would tell his younger self to work harder and not give up. He believes that hard work always pays off. Being a Whatakid truly changed his experience and proved to him that there are in fact positive results for hard work.