Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 3 comments | Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Rodeo provides much for Wilsons
Published Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Rodeo has done a lot of things for Zachary and Giorgia Wilson.
Besides the opportunity to travel around the country and meet new friends while competing for cash prizes and scholarship money, the siblings’ participation in the sport gives their parents peace of mind.
Photo by Stephen Dawkins
Successful siblings: Zachary and Giorgia Wilson started training for rodeo when Zachary was 9 and Giorgia was 8. The two have been remarkably successful ever since.
“10:30 or 11 o’clock, I know where there at: they’re down there practicing,” said Keith Wilson, Zachary’s and Giorgia’s father. “And when they do get through, they’re too tired to do anything but go to bed.”
The siblings’ willingness to practice has produced remarkable success. Giorgia competes in the Alabama Junior Rodeo Association and Zachary competes in the state high school rodeo association, and both recently won all-around championships in their respective divisions.
“I like traveling, competing and winning,” Zachary said about his interest in rodeo, though it wasn’t clear if those were in order.
Zachary has also won seven championship saddles, 15 championship buckles, four all-around cowboy buckles and saddles, two Southeastern Roping Association High Point saddles and more than $2,000 in scholarship money.
“Both of these two want to go to college one day on a rodeo team,” Keith said. “Rodeo is one of those weird sports where you can win money and it doesn’t hurt your college career.”
Giorgia was the 2006 Wrangler Rodeo Queen, the 2007 state junior rodeo association’s all-around rookie and has won two championship saddles.
Giorgia competes in barrels, poles, gate tying, breakaway and ribbon roping. Zachary competes in calf roping, team roping and steer wrestling.
Keith attributes some of the success to the siblings’ horses, both of which were purchased after they were retired from the high school rodeo association.
Zachary’s mare, Belle, is 22 years old, and Giorgia rides Susie, a 20-year-old.
“We’ve been fortunate to find good horses that we could afford,” Keith Wilson said. “When they retire those old horses, it’s going to be a sad, sad day.”
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by chilcopch (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to say that I am so proud of these two kids. They are two of the most respectful and nicest childern I have ever encountered. I am sure that they will win again and again becuase they put their heart and soul into their sport. Congrats to the both of you and to the parents. You two are a breath if fresh air!!!! God Bless
Posted by bree (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love going to watch the rodeo and especially seeing the young kids, this a an amazing and wholesome sport. I love horses and for two kids of this age to be able to take a horse and trian it to do all the amazing things that they have to do in a rodeo competition is amazing...GOOD JOB GUYS. Home to see you on TV one day competing against the big boys.......for world championship titles.
Posted by pweezy (anonymous) on July 2, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is sad that they have only won $2000 in scholarship money. With the current tution increase at the State's flagship school, The University of Alabama, that money would not even cover one semester. It goes to prove that sometimes hard work in not rewarded in the society we live in.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)