REGION VIII

BEN ELLIS

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

CASS RINGELSTEIN

4308 FM 1784 • Pleasanton, Texas 78064 210.885.0902 • cass.oasis@yahoo.com

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

1627 CR 101 • Uvalde, Texas 78801 830.591.8036 • jspeer04@hotmail.com

SECRETARY - CELINA FETTY

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

STATE DIRECTORS / REGION OFFICERS JUSTIN SPEER

1627 CR 101 • Uvalde, Texas 78801 830.591.8036 • jspeer04@hotmail.com

PERFORMANCE REPORT Region VIII DOES it once again!

By SAMANTHA CORTINAS – Performance Reporter

Each year, thousands of Texas high school students battle it out over the course of 10 rodeos in their respective regions for a spot in the state finals. With Region VIII being one of the largest member participants in the state this season, competition was steep, and the best of the best got to take that drive to Abilene for the state finals. Despite the tragic school shooting that took place just a week prior to the State Finals in Region VIII’s home arena of Uvalde, Texas, Region VIII still showed up at THSRA State Finals with their best game faces on.

Seniors Clay Tom Hurt and Tres Colvin were tough to beat in Steer Wrestling, earning the Champion and Reserve Champion titles. Champion, Hurt went into the State Finals confident with all the hard work and practice he’s put into it, proving hard work pays off in big ways. Little Montana, the Paint horse Hurt won with loves to have belly scratches and he makes sure she gets them all the time. Reserve Steer Wrestling Champion, Colvin started youth rodeos when he was only six years old and “has been hooked ever since.” Colvin gave this advice to aspiring state bound members, “Focus, perfect practice, and have resilience if things do

not go your way.” Both champions talked about how they’re excited to have a shot at being the next National Steer Wrestling Champion.

The girls brought their A game as well. Bringing home the Champion and Reserve Champion titles for Light Rifle, were Maddie Aasbo and Kirby McNeill. Aasbo went into the State Finals with the mindset, “Let the chips fall where they may.” Obviously, her strategy worked in her favor as she is the THSRA State Champion. Aasbo is most excited to be competing against the best of the best at Nationals. She credited her success to her parents and leant a piece of advice her dad has always given to her, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Aasbo believes this to be true if you want it bad enough. McNeill was busy at a roping camp but took a moment to give some insight on her Reserve Champion title. McNeill struggled with having some rough practices before she went to state; once there, her sister helped her mentally prepare and got her through. “After the shoot I was satisfied with the way I shot.” McNeill said reflecting on her time at state. Having her ACL torn twice prevented McNeill from being able to qualify for state in the years prior. On the mend, this was her year to shine and indeed she did.

This talented rider hasn’t been able to practice much with her trainer, so she competes every weekend as a way to practice. Brinley Lippincott has waited three years to make it to Nationals and this year at State Finals, she landed herself in 4th place for Girls Cutting. You often hear rodeo people talk about trusting your horse, and Lippincott makes it a staple in her riding. When talking about her horse Rolex, who gets spoiled with chiropractic and cryotherapy treatments, she said, “He has taught me to trust him even when I’ve made a mistake. He is going to take good care of me.”

Rodeo is known as being a family inclusive sport and without a doubt, the rodeo world proves this time and time again. Each member interviewed took a second to thank their families for the important role they play in creating the successful path they are individually on. Member and State qualifier, Layla Weaks remarked on her family, “My biggest supporter has not been just one person. It has been my family. My mom, stepdad, stepmom, dad and little sister have sacrificed workdays, important outings, and days off just to help me succeed. They have done absolutely everything and anything they could to help me do my best and watch me grow as a rodeo athlete.” Weaks travelled to state with her entire family behind her, representing Region VIII in the Girls Breakaway Roping. She drew a tough calf her first go, but she bounced back and finished strong, roping a 3.3. Although she fell short of getting her ticket to Nationals, she felt a sense of accomplishment for crushing her goals and competing against the top high school rodeo athletes in Texas.

Best of luck to the Nationals Bound Texas team, especially Region VIII who will undoubtedly have everyone at home rooting for them. #UvaldeStrong