1 hometown living at its best
2 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group
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4 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group Contents 8 CHANGING LIVES San Angelo teacher, Veronica Stapper, has been named teacher of the year… for the third time! 16 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Ice Cream Social 20 PAINTING COMMUNITY Artist, Alejandro Castañon, connects with San Angelo residents through memories, one stroke at a time. 28 HOMETOWN HAPPENING National Cowboy Day 32 RISE UP For Coach Kevin Kirkland, a former youth pastor and award-winning gymnast, Rise Gymnastics is a unique way to minister to youth while emboding Christ’s teachings. 40 4-H MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Jake Pfeuffer is honored this issue for his many accomplishments in soil judging, Leaders 4 Life, and shooting sports. Read more and get your youth involved in 4-H today! 46 ROPING HIS FUTURE San Angelo’s own Ty Harris is a recent American Rodeo winner, 4x WNFR qualifier and 2022 Canadian Tie Down Champion and is still going strong. 54 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Ode to the Summer Ladies Symposium On the Cover 20 32 46 40
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6 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group San Angelo Lifestyles Magazine© is published bi-annually by Hometown Media Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 N Main Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA PHOTOGRAPHER God’s Creation Photography ON THE COVER Mr. Jack Wilcox, III Matt & Heather Martin Executive Publishers Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations content@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design WRITERS Becca Nelson Sankey Sara Hook Tayler Bradley Camela Dietrich Accounts Recievable accounting@hometownmedia.group We LOVE FALL and all the fun and shenanigans this changing season brings. Email your fall and winter celebrations to content@hometownmedia.group for consideration in a future Hometown Happenings! OOur family is in the beginning stages of building a home. Where we are building is full of sandy soil. This circumstance reminded me of the timeless bible story (and song) about the wise man who built his house upon the rock. Sometimes all you see is sand around you and you have to go look for the rock. We know this parable {told by Jesus} was pointing to Him as the cornerstone for all of our lives. With Him as a firm foundation we can stand tall when storms come. This morning it also reminded me that when all we see is sandy situations, we are called to seek rock. That solid footing may be found in the form of your community and those you put yourselves around. So whether you are new to the area or you are a lifer, we hope you see hope within these pages. San Angelo is full of worthwhile events, community efforts and most importantly people who would love to know you and call you neighbor. When the storms come as they undeniably do in all of our lives, make sure you are building your life on a ROCK. Hello Pumpkin! Build Your House on the Rock 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house onthe rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” - Matthew 7:24 Happy Fall to you and yours, Mat & Heather Martin A Note from the Publishers
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8 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group WRITTEN BY SARA HOOK | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VERONICA STAPPER SAN ANGELO TEACHER VERONICA STAPPER HAS BEEN NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR ... FOR THE THIRD TIME. PHOTO BY: Mr. Jack Wilcox, III
9 hometown living at its best T TEACHERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF A COMMUNITY, AND SAN ANGELO IS NO DIFFERENT. With 17 elementary schools, three middle schools, one freshman campus, two high schools, and two alternative campuses, San Angelo ISD thrives because of its teachers. This year, the district nominated one particularly exceptional teacher as Teacher of the Year, Glenmore Elementary School’s Veronica Stapper. Stapper was awarded district Teacher of the Year and went on to win Region 15 Elementary Teacher of the Year, proving how successful she has been at San Angelo ISD. CHANGING Lives
10 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group TOP: Veronica receiving Gregory-Portland ISD District Teacher of the Year and T.M. Clark Campus Teacher of the Year award. LEFT: Veronica’s first time winning T.M. Clark Teacher of the Year – 2007. ABOVE: Veronica’s Region 2 Teacher of the Year school wide ice cream party and ice cream gift from Blue Bell.
While this is certainly impressive, her accolades don't stop there. Stapper, as two time regional Teacher of the Year and three time school teacher of the year, may well be one of the backbones of teaching. While she has spent nearly 30 years teaching, Stapper did not always know that the classroom was the place for her. Stapper grew up on a small farm, spending ten years active in 4-H at the county, district, and even state level. It was that experience that led her to work in the county extension office after she graduated from Sam Houston State, and Stapper spent two years as an extension agent in Colorado County. She said the work she did there drew her toward teaching, but all of her experiences as a child and a leader in school shaped her into the teacher she is today. “I always dedicate everything to my parents,” Stapper said. “My parents were very devoted to our family, they taught us to work hard, they gave us that love for our country and showed us the strength of helping others.” TOP: Veronica receiving 2011 Region 2 Teacher of the Year award at the Texas Teacher of the Year Luncheon. Pictured with Bobby Rister, T.M. Clark principal & Dr. Paul Clore, G-P ISD superintendent. TOP RIGHT: Veronica’s parents: Albina Hundl, Wilbert Hundl, & Jeffrey Stapper CENTER RIGHT: SAISD Principals Veronica has worked with. SAISD District Teacher of the Year Awards day. Cheri Braden, Veronica Stapper, Terisa Gould, & Blanca Casillas. BOTTOM RIGHT: Veronica & Jeffrey Stapper. Veronica’s biggest supporter!
12 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group Stapper spent her first year as a teacher at Marlin ISD, before moving to Needville for three years. Her first Campus Teacher of the Year was awarded at T.M. Clark Elementary in 2007-2008, and then again in 2010-2011. That year she also went on to be District and Region 2 Teacher of the Year. All she did, Stapper said, was do her job and do her best. San Angelo was different because of how big it is in comparison. Gregory Portland only had four elementary schools, Stapper said, and it was a huge jump to move from one to the other. Despite the learning curve, she continued to excel. “It doesn’t matter where I am, I love what I do, because that’s just how I was brought up, it's just who I am – but I do love San Angelo,” Stapper said. “This is an amazing district. They do so much for their teachers, you get all this community support here, so it's just a really engaging place to work.” Stapper said she is always excited for the new school year, and the challenge that comes with a new set of people to get to know. This year she is also participating in a new teacher preparation program, and an ASU student is joining her in the classroom. “I’m excited,” Stapper said. “She’ll get to see the beginning of the year, middle of the year, and the end of the year so it will be really amazing how much she will grow – not only through the school year, but she’ll be ready to have her own classroom next year.” Her student teacher will spend the year learning from an incredible mentor, as Stapper has 30 years of advice to give. First and foremost, Stapper said, a teacher has to be a good communicator. One way she does this is by always meeting her parents
13 hometown living at its best at the beginning of the year to learn what their hopes are for their children. That way everyone is working as a team. “It’s a positive way to greet people, and for them to know that you really do care about their child,” Stapper said. “Then they’re more willing to work with you throughout the school year.” In fact, building those relationships is the best part of teaching. Stapper said she knows she’s doing the right thing and meeting needs when her students are excited about coming to school and learning. Not every day is like that, however, as each student comes with their own unique struggles and challenges. “You are changing their lives, but you’re working with each one,” Stapper said. “I do want every child to be a straight-A student all the time, but it doesn’t always happen like that – so those kinds of struggles are challenging. You have to work really hard with all of those kids, because you’re responsible for everyone in your room.” Stapper plans to continue teaching, even though she knows she will have to retire soon. When the day comes, she hopes to volunteer at schools, work at the library, or work at her church – alongside spending time with her family and grandchildren. In the meantime, San Angelo is blessed to have such an exceptional and dedicated teacher on their staff. † LEFT: Veronica’s class published the book: Amazing Animals: An ABC Book, in 2023 and are published authors. TOP lEFT: Veronica was awarded the 2022 Market Street Elementary Teacher Award. TOP RIGHT: Veronica teaching an interactive read aloud. Glenmore Elementary. ABOVE: Veronica’s Glenmore Teacher of the Year announcement.
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HOMETOWN Happenings
17 hometown living at its best Social Photos provided by SAN ANGELO SYMPHONY GUILD The Symphony Guild recently held an ice cream social at Bentwood Country Club for all incoming members and their sponsors to “get the scoop” on important information for the upcoming season. Among the attendees were the 2023-24 Novice, Junior and Senior Symphony Belles and Beaux. Members learned concert etiquette, heard from Guild President Karla Oquin, and had breakout sessions with their respective groups. Ice Cream
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21 hometown living at its best S Written by SARA HOOK | Photos provided by ALEJANDRO CASTAÑON Artist Alejandro Castañon connects with San Angelo residents through memories, one painting at a time. San Angelo is a city full of beautiful architecture and equally beautiful stories. Families, neighbors, and even strangers can connect with each other just by reminiscing on places like the Cactus Hotel or Shakey's Pizza – and prompting those memories is one of the main goals of Alejandro Castañon’s The San Angelo Series. Castañon’s vibrant style depicts places like Celebration Bridge, Santa Fe Junction, and Old Central Firehouse among others, and many of his paintings are now hung in San Angelo’s City Hall. The artwork isn’t the only thing that is impressive, however: Castañon’s path to becoming an artist is just as unique. COMMUNITY Painting
22 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group Castañon grew up in Europe in a military family, and while he loved reading comic books and drawing from them, his talent as an artist went largely unrecognized. It was only in his late 20s that he learned to paint, after retiring from the military himself and moving to San Angelo to help raise his daughter. He gravitated towards entrepreneurship and ended up renting a building and hiring artists for paint-and-sit classes. As he managed the business and assisted in classes, Castañon said, he started to learn about art and painting. “I really got ingrained into the art community kind of organically,” Castañon said. “After a while, I picked up a paintbrush and I started getting help and learning how to paint, and then it kind of evolved really quickly. I didn’t realize I had a talent for painting until I picked up the paintbrush and started actually working.” As he is primarily self-taught, Castañon didn’t learn a way of doing things in school or in a classroom. His art style, known for its vibrant and bold colors, came from the art and artists that he liked. “I would do what I think most young people do when they’re first starting out in art,” Castañon said. “They imitate, and that’s a great way to kind of discover your style – especially if you find that your taste is being drawn towards a specific kind of artwork.” While he may have followed the path of many young artists, the age you start, Castañon said, is irrelevant. Any aspiring artist first has to trudge through all the reasons they give themselves not to do it, whether they think they don’t have the talent, their art won’t make money, or people won’t find it important. Once they’ve figured that out, all they have to do is jump in. “There are artists I know personally that have started late in life and have gone on to make incredible art works,” Castañon said. “That’s only a testament to their ability to recognize they have something they want to make, and they don’t care what other people think.” Being a self-employed artist is not always easy, however. It is easy to confuse art as a business and art as a passion, and that can often lead to burnout. Castañon said one of the hardest things to figure out is how to toe the line between creating things that sell and creating things that the artist can find meaning in. For him, that meaning can be from personal experiences, through symbolism, or even subjects he finds important like mental health. As
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25 hometown living at its best someone raised in Europe with Hispanic heritage, he said one of the themes that resonates with him is that of being an outsider. He painted The San Angelo Series through that lens, trying to capture the secondhand view that newcomers have when they look at the long heritage of the city. At the same time, Castañon said, he chooses subjects that are unique to those who have lived in the area for a long time. Shakey’s Pizza is a prime example of that secondhand experience, having shut down long before Castañon moved to San Angelo. “It seems to be part of the lore of the town so I really wanted to get to know it,” Castañon said. “I had to paint it because I can see the meaning for the folks that are here, and they passed that meaning onto me.” Castañon started the series as an opportunity to get to know parts of the city he doesn’t interact with daily, as well as to preserve San Angelo’s history so both natives and newcomers like him can appreciate the town in all its different facets. That shared experience with his art, he said, is the thread that connects everyone in the city. “We all have varying degrees of memories and experiences with these different places or people,” Castañon said. “In a time where we’re very divisive, those things that help us connect with others in a way that’s very personal and vocal [are] really important right now.” While The San Angelo Series had its launch celebration in August, Castañon does not intend to stop adding to it. Along with more pieces of the town, he wants to paint more of another integral part of San Angelo: the people. †
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HOMETOWN Happenings
29 hometown living at its best National Photos provided by FORT CONCHO As part of the National Cowboy Day celebration on July 22, Fort Concho hosted 60 guests at the site’s Barracks 6. Guest enjoyed Laura Huckaby, curator and Assistant Director at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, speak about the art on display. The Western art show is comprised of 50 paintings from five artists chosen by last year’s show attendees. Awardwinning Concho Cowboy Company followed with a lively performance in the Courtyard. A continental breakfast of coffee, juice, fruits, and breakfast pastries was also provided. Cowboy Day
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WEST TEXAS BOYS RANCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS West Texas Boys Ranch is a non-profit organization offering guidance, structure, and opportunities through a family-based program and a Christian environment so young men may realize their greatest potential. Since its inception more than 75 years ago, West Texas Boys Ranch has served thousands of boys from Texas and its boarding states. West Texas Boys Ranch would like to thank these members of our Board of Directors for their heartfelt dedication in assuring that boys in need can begin their journey toward success by walking though our gate. Michael Brinlee Board Member Wes Giesecke Board Member Ann Hays Board Member Raliegh Little Board Member Sterling Marschall Board Member Wade Perks Board Member Jeremy Vincent CEO Will Slaughter Chairman Casey Puckitt Vice Chairman Javier Flores Secretary / Treasurer Charles Bonds Board Member Jon Peterson Board Member John Phillips Board Member Gayla Thornton Board Member David Vann Board Member Mark Williams Board Member
32 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY | Photos provided by RISE GYMNASTICS RISE UP
33 hometown living at its best F For Coach Kevin Kirkland, a former youth pastor and award-winning gymnast, Rise Gymnastics is a unique way to minister to youth and their families and to embody Christ. For Rise Gymnastics, a power tumbling trampoline gym in San Angelo that trains hundreds of young athletes each week and has racked up a staggering six national championships in just three years, there is a win bigger than the one involving medals. Kevin Kirkland, a former gymnast and pastor who traveled the nation speaking to sold-out, packed arenas, believes Rise’s real victory is in its ministry. Kirkland knows gymnastics is not a conventional means to minister – and that’s exactly the point. “I’ve always done things outside the box,” he said. “Even when I was a church youth minister, we didn’t meet on the church campus.” He sees ministry opportunities with young people and families through the time spent in the gym. “I’ve coached volleyball, basketball, soccer, club everything, select everything, and the difference (with gymnastics) is the trust connection. It’s so much more because the kids have to trust you to do a skill in the air and let you catch them. It allows for an awesome ministry. It allows you to love people really well and pour into kids and their families. It’s not what we do, it’s who we are.”
34 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group Kirkland credits God, not himself or his eight coaches, nearly all of whom he trained himself when they were youth, for the medals Rise has accumulated since opening in 2020. (Kirkland also trained Head Coach Micheal Opincar, a former Open Elite power tumbling state champ and Rise’s most-tenured coach). In 2023 alone, Rise’s competitive team clinched 15 state championships, eight regional ones, and, in the summer, three national championship titles. Kirkland’s son, Kreed, won the national championship in double mini at the Elite National Competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma, while two other Rise athletes, Addie Holbert and Haevyn Trevino, came home national champs from Nationals in West Palm Beach, Florida. Grace Odom, 8, was with the Rise group competing in Florida; she placed third in trampoline and third in double mini. (Double mini involves a long spring rod floor similar to a narrow trampoline that’s angled). The Florida competition was Grace’s first time at Nationals. Athletes competing at Nationals must be Level 5 or above; they also must compete in regional, and state meets and earn a certain number of points based on their scores at those meets. “All the talent there was so good,” said Elizabeth Odom, Grace’s mother. “Grace competed with over 30 girls at each event, so it was a lot of stiff competition. It felt like any of them could have won on any given day; it just depended on who got a little higher on the trampoline or who did their kick out a little cleaner.” Grace started at Rise before she was even in kindergarten. She tried dance and enjoyed soccer, but quickly excelled at power tumbling trampoline, which is the only sport of its kind in San Angelo. “Kevin genuinely loves the kids, and it shows in the ways he treats, teaches, and pushes them,” Odom said. “He wants to win, but above that, he wants to raise young men and women who love the Lord. Maybe Grace has a terrible day tumbling, but she knows she’s loved.”
35 hometown living at its best Kirkland added, “When young people come onto my team, I tell parents I want to be a part of their lives, someone they see value and direction in, so when they’re 15, 20, 30 years old when stuff hits the fan - because it will - I want to be on the list of people they call. The rest of it is gymnastics, and that’s just body angles, lines, tightness, and physics, and it’s subjective.” While gymnastics is the conduit to Kirkland’s ministry, it’s a perfect one. “They’ve never been pushed like this, loved like this, disciplined like this - all the things God is,” Kirkland said. “We demand excellence. When God created you, me, Earth, he did it excellently. All those things you can teach through this sport are so foundational to what it means to know the Lord.” Rise’s reach is not limited to its own athletes and their families but extends to other programs and competitors. “We want to bless every city, every team, and every group,” Kirkland said. “We want people to look at our program and say, ‘That’s different,’ even if they don’t know why. We want to be a light.”
36 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group Kirkland said he and his coaches have had the opportunity to pray over injured competitors at various meets they attend; those athletes’ coaches have come to them crying in gratitude. “People need it, and sometimes don’t even know they do,” he said. Loving others, regardless of where they are from or whose team they are on, is something that Rise already has helped instill in Grace. “One of my favorite memories from this year was when she was in line to go to the trampoline and the girl before she started her pass out then crashed landed on her head,” Odom said. “Everyone in the stands was just holding our breath, praying. She gets up bawling, and the first thing Grace does is give that girl a hug. She did her pass beautifully, got off the trampoline hugged her again, and visited with her. “This is what this is about - not a medal or an award but being filled with compassion and love. It was a testimony of her heart. She wanted to win, but she genuinely cared about this girl. She sees the same girls every time. One of Kevin’s rules is that you have to meet someone new and bless someone else. He wants them to do more than just be there and compete.” Kirkland has extensive experience in ministering, but even more in gymnastics and coaching. He grew up in Lamesa, training competitively in gymnastics with his sisters. He racked up an impressive competition resumé and too many awards to count, along with sponsorships and even a TV commercial for a trampoline. Fast-forward a couple of decades, and Kirkland and his wife, Kimberly, have four children, two of whom are grown. He’s managed to marry his passions of ministering, coaching, and gymnastics for a successful career at the helm of Rise. And while Kirkland has big plans for both Rise’s growth and the sport of power tumbling trampoline in San Angelo, he doesn’t have a numbers goal in terms of athletes he trains and the awards they accumulate. “I did that before, and it didn’t feel right,” he admitted. “If we don’t keep the ministry number one, even if we went to 1,000 kids a week, that wouldn’t be a success. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re going to leave? ‘We had 1,000 kids a week,’ well who cares? God doesn’t." “We don’t show up to lose. We push hard, we compete hard, we discipline hard, but we love harder,” he said. “We’re trying to blow people away with the way we treat them.” †
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JAKE PFEUFFER photos provided by the pfeuffer family 4-H SPOTLIGHT PARENTS: Ray and Sandra Pfeuffer 4-H CLUB: Christoval 4-H Club HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PART OF THE PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY 4-H? 10 years WHAT ARE YOU INVOLVED IN AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF 4-H? I compete in Shooting Sports, Wildlife and Fisheries, Soil Judging, and Leaders 4 Life. My favorite part about each event is that it offers me life and career skills that I can apply in my everyday life to help me achieve my goals.
41 hometown living at its best WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? I am blessed enough to compete at the state level at The Texas 4-H Roundup in many of my activities. I have earned several top ten individual and team finishes in Soil Judging, Wildlife, and Leaders 4 Life. Along with judging and skilled events, I also compete in shooting sports through 4-H. I have competed in clay shooting competitions, from San Antonio to Fort Worth to San Angelo just to name a few. I have been lucky enough to earn a High Overall and Top Youth Shooter at some of my competitions. HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE? 4-H has undeniably given me an edge in my life. It has given me a set-in-stone work ethic, and a desire to never quit learning. Being part of 4-H programs has prepared me for my future goals by instilling valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and responsibility I can apply in all areas of my life. WHAT OTHER 4-H PROJECTS HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN? Growing up I was still learning what I wanted to do in 4-H and so naturally I tried showing. I chose to show sheep, but after many disagreements in the practice and showpen, I soon found I did not have the knack to persuade a sheep to do what I wanted.
42 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H TO PERSUADE THEM TO JOIN? Joining 4-H is a life-changing decision that offers countless benefits. You’ll acquire valuable life skills while pursuing your passions, whether it’s in agriculture, science, technology, or arts. The sense of community and camaraderie within 4-H is unparalleled, providing lifelong friendships and a supportive network. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience and learn how to make a meaningful impact through community service. 4-H also opens doors to scholarships and awards, helping you reach your educational and career goals. Ultimately, 4-H is a journey of personal growth, skill development, and positive contributions to your community, making it a truly rewarding experience. WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? I cannot single out just one person. I have had many people who have had huge impacts on my life and I am grateful to each and every one. I would like to say my mom and my siblings have encouraged me to be outgoing, and my County Extension Agent, Hayley Meyer, has guided my energy into becoming a successful 4-H’er WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND WHAT WILL YOU STUDY? I plan to attend Texas Tech University next fall. I will study Agribusiness. As a career, I would like to pursue Ranch Management, at a thriving horse and cattle ranch. TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED DURING A COMPETITION. This was not during a competition, but one time my soil judging team was practicing in the practice pits for the State Roundup. While we were in our five-foot-deep hole determining the value of our soil, a snake crawled from the surface into the pit. At the time we didn’t know what kind of snake it was, all my team knew was that we weren’t going to stay to find out. I don’t think we had ever moved that fast, scrambling to save our lives from this vicious predator. We made it out of the pit dirty from slipping and sliding to escape danger. Come to find out, it was only an innocent and harmless little rat snake.
43 hometown living at its best OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU’RE INVOLVED IN? FFA WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? I enjoy spending time with my family. Whether it is working, playing sports, hunting, or fishing, I love being outdoors. I have been living and working on a ranch my whole life and I find that I enjoy every aspect it holds. WORDS OF WISDOM OR ADVICE: Have the confidence of a 4-year-old kid in a Batman Costume. I have learned that we often feel discouraged, scared, and maybe unmotivated. The truth is that life is large, and it is easy to take advantage of opportunities that could change your life. Give your all every day and engage with life. Do what makes you happy and stand for what you believe in. Most importantly, be confident in yourself.
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46 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group Written by TAYLER BRADLEY | Photos provided by TY HARRIS FUTURE Roping His
47 hometown living at its best T SAN ANGELO’S OWN TY HARRIS IS A RECENT AMERICAN RODEO WINNER, 4X WNFR QUALIFIER AND 2022 CANADIAN TIE DOWN CHAMPION AND IS STILL GOING STRONG. The sport of rodeo was not something Ty was supposed to fall in love with. However, after spending a day in the stands watching the tie-down roping there was no changing his mind. He wanted to rope calves—nothing else. His parents saw that passion and helped to fuel the fire. Ty put in hours of practice and proved he could be great. When Ty was little his family lived in town, and rodeo was not a priority. A trip with his grandparents at the age of 3 to watch the San Angelo rodeo slack changed everything as it sparked his roping obsession. Ty sat in the stands and fawned over the guys competing. His grandpa saw the passion, gave Ty a piggin string, and became a dummy for him. Ty
48 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group said, “I would put it over my grandpa's boot, tighten it up and throw my hands in the air.” It was not long before Ty was wearing horses out left and right, riding them around and chasing cows. He learned to rope and caught his first calf at the age of five. He said he knew that was just the start. Ty’s parents saw the desire to rope and fully supported him. The family purchased land and built an arena so Ty could rope at home. Even better, it was only two miles from their grandparents’ home. With every practice session and rodeo, he improved—pushing himself to learn and perfect each skill needed to be the best. In the summer of 2018, his dedication resulted in a College National Championship, rodeoing for Cisco College. Hot off a win as the year continued, the rodeo road proved to be tough. It was his first year competing professionally and he was learning the ins-and-outs. How to drive all night, rope on no sleep, and win. His horses were hurt, and he felt defeated. He wanted to quit for the season. Go home, regroup, and come back the following year. Thankfully, his parents’ support came through again. Ty’s dad said no, gave him a pep talk, they found him a great horse, and sent him back down the road. Turns out his dad was right. Ty finished the year just outside the top 15 and brought home the Wrangler Rookie of the Year.
49 hometown living at its best With a new rodeo year beginning, Ty was more experienced. He set himself up great from the previous year and was ready to hit the road in 2019. He competed at rodeo after rodeo winning more and more and by the end of it, he would make his first National Finals Rodeo. Ty’s whole family was excited and ready to cheer him on through all ten rounds, including his grandma. This was huge for Ty; she was his best friend and someone that helped spark his whole career. That year he finished 9th in the world. His dreams had come true, and Ty wasn’t slowing down. He would make the finals again in 2020 and 2021, though that third year looked a little different. He was hitting the road hard getting to as many rodeos as he could but, back home his grandma was fighting cancer. “I was on my way to Woodward Oklahoma, telling her about my schedule for the next couple of months. She could barely speak but her last words to me were, ‘go win.’” She would pass that June before Ty could get home. Though heartbroken he knew he had an angel looking over him and by the end of the rodeo season, Ty would finish 11th in the world. Moving into the 2022 rodeo season Ty had another great year qualifying for his fourth consecutive NFR. Then during a practice session, nine days before he had to leave, he would tear two ligaments in his ankle. A little piece to a big puzzle that would prove to be an obstacle. Ty spent a lot of time with doctors and physical therapists so he could compete. He was determined to finish out the year hurt or not. The NFR is just not a rodeo you miss. “The journey is like a road. It is not ever going to be smooth, and everyone has their speed bumps. They are like detours you must find your way around, no matter what.” Which is exactly what he did. Last year Ty won over $70,000 at the NFR and finished 11th in the world.
50 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedi.group It takes a lot to be competitive at a professional level. Ty knows just how hard it can be and when he coaches young ropers it is something he tries to instill in their minds. Things aren't going to be easy, but you must keep pushing if you want it bad enough. “I want them to understand what it takes to be a champion and be successful. It’s not easy, you must put your head down and get after it.” This is also something he models for his siblings. Ty is the oldest of four, who all rope. Just recently his brother, Joel, started going down the road with him and they are making waves. The sport of rodeo for the Harris’ has become a family affair. Each of them supports and helps one another every chance they get. The city of San Angelo is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to calf roping, Ty has soaked it all up and become one of the major players in the game. With all the influences from the San Angelo Rodeo and Roping Fiesta, along with his grandparents, friends, and family, Ty has become a role model, professional roper, and great big brother. He is someone that they are all proud of. Ty is still young with many dreams and goals to chase after. Only time will tell what he will do next. †
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S yLmapdois eisu m HOMETOWN Happenings Photos provided by SAN ANGELO SYMPHONY GUILD Fort Concho hosted the Frontier Women’s Living History Association’s “Ode to Summer” Aug. 2-5, 2023. The program was hosted by Sharon Baird and Tereasa Cotter. From handkerchief dolls to sewing smoking caps and ending with a lavish three-hour dinner, the symposium served as a valuable experience for both new and seasoned living historians to deepen their understanding of the past through hands-on training. Learning to interpret the skills and social customs of a late 19th-century lady is no easy task. “Ode to Summer” underscored the dedication of living historians and the significance of preserving historical traditions.
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