First Off, this is not a sappy emotional blog from me. I held it together surprisingly well since this was really the last time I will ever be showing junior market hogs at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. It was definitely a week to put down in the records as amazing. I owe that to my family and friends. I am truly blessed to have a father that knows exactly what to say to keep my tears away and a smile on my face. The week started of rolling with getting to catch up with all of my "show" friends I don't get to see nearly enough and a fourth place overall in senior showmanship. The pigs finished out third and sixth in class. Even though I did not make the Premium Sale and get a second chance at Premier Exhibitor, I have nothing to complain about. (A little history on my P.E. experience.... I was second in 2008 by .85 points, missing out on the trailer lease and scholarship. That is a story that will for sure be passed long to my kids. ) My favorite part on show day is sitting in the stands and watching a judge with years of experience in the industry I love so much just "talk hogs". I commend Jim McCoy for working with great set of kids in showmanship and coming back to evaluate a good, solid set of market hogs. I hope that one day that will be me standing in the ring judging. Aside from the hustle and bustle of showing I got to meet some pretty amazing people through my new opportunity with the Junior DRIVE Team. I am looking forward to the year ahead working with Shawn Zeringue and Marissa Tankersley and the rest of the Junior Team at DRIVE. I wish everyone on the team could have came or been in Denver at the same time to meet each other, but hopefully down the road that soon will get to happen. This team has brought youth together from all across the country that share a strong love for the show rings and their respective industry. I had no reason to cry that it was my last year because I know that there are youngsters out there who have the same desire and passion to show pigs like I do, and that puts a smile on my face. My last day in Denver was spent eating lunch at one of my old favorite's-- The Stockyards Bar and Grill and eating supper at one of my new favorite places-- Texas de Brazil...my mouth is watering now over the amazing meat these places serve. If your ever in Denver, these are a must on the list of places to eat. 
NWSS, I will never get step across that show ring with a hog again, but thats okay...it's been a good run. But I know I will be seeing you in the future-- judging livestock during my college career, taking my kids to show, and hopefully one day to be the judge.
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