A different prep passion

Editor's note: Part of our high school journalism program is encouraging students to write. This is one of more than 30 stories written by students in the Cedar Rapids Xavier beginning journalism program. If you know a student who is interested in writing, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com

By Nadia Karl, Xavier sophomore

CEDAR RAPIDS - Ninety-four percent of students at Cedar Rapids Xavier participate in at least one co-curricular activity.

But junior Lydia Brown participates in a sport most Xavier students know little about.

Brown competes in rodeos.

'I started being involved with rodeo when I received my first horse, Ziggy, at the age of 12,” Brown said. 'My cousins participated in rodeos since they were really young and they helped me along the way.”

Brown participates in the Iowa High School Rodeo Association and competes in several events, including goat tying, breakaway roping, pole bending and barrel racing.

In the IHSRA, points are earned in each event for the top 10 competitors. The points for all of the events for each competitor are added up each day of competition and, when the year is over, points are tallied and an overall winner is awarded.

Brown placed 20th in goat tying and 24th in barrel racing in 2014.

Brown spends many weekends participating in rodeos, which are a two-day event. She usually arrives at the site of the rodeo on Friday evening, meeting up with her cousins. The rodeo starts on Saturday around noon with the grand entry, which is a procession of all of the riders on their horses.

'I love the animals and people I get to work with,” Brown said. 'They are truly amazing. The rodeo family is supportive and wants the best for everyone at every turn.

'My horses are truly my best friends and I love to teach them new things, although they have probably taught me more than I could ever hope to teach them.”

Rodeo isn't Brown's only game, however. She also is involved in cross country, track, show choir, Voce, drama productions and is a member of several clubs.

'I prioritize and try to keep focused on what is important during that certain season,” she said. 'I have wonderful friends and family who help me out all the time and I truly love everything I do.”