Mini-Feature
Xavier High School
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Saints Outside Xavier Saints are constantly recognized for their tremendous accomplishments related to Xavier. However, there are many students who participate in activities on their own time. Here are just a few examples of the Saints at work outside of Xavier.
WHO: Grace Busse ‘14 What: Eventing WHere: Kindred Spirits Stables
WHO: Chase Stevenson ‘13 What: Motocross WHere: Hawkeye Downs
HOw Long: 10 years
HOw Long: 10 years
How Did you get involved? My aunt does cutting, my neighbor knew a trainer and introduced us. I had always wanted to learn.
How often do you practice? I practice 2-3 hours a day, 4-5 days a week.
Accomplishments:
I am currently the only Iowan trying to compete internationally, I was named the Area IV Champ at 12, and I’m going to the Junior Olympics this summer.
WHO:
Alyssa Larson ‘14
How Did you get involved?
I was 5 when my dad got me my first 3 wheeler. Then when I was eight, he gave me my first motorcycle and we went to Hawkeye Downs and started racing.
Biggest accomplishment:
Last year I was named Amateur National Arena Cross Champion in Las Vegas.
Unknown fact: Most people don’t know how physically demanding motocross is. It is very abusive on your body.
WHO: Lydia Brown ‘16
WHat: All-Star Cheerleading
WHat: Rodeoing
WHere: Iowa Elite
WHere: My backyard
HOw Long: 4 years
HOw Long: 3 years
How Did you get involved? My dad had a friend whose daughter cheered so I went to watch a practice and loved it.
Biggest accomplishments: 2011 Level 3 National Champ & 2012 Level 4 International Champ
Favorite memory: At Nationals in 2012, my coach gave us a pep talk before competing and said “I’m proud to be your coach, regardless of the outcome. Don’t worry about being perfect but remember the experience.”
How Did you get involved? My cousins introduced me. I went to a rodeo and I have always loved horses.
What is the Most Frustrating Part of Rodeoing? Knocking down a pole or barrel because you don’t get any time.
Biggest accomplishment: I did an 11 second goat tie at the Marion Rodeo where I start racing on a horse, dismount, and tie three legs of a flank goat together.
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