with him. The days I didn’t wanna get up and didn't want to put my 100% effort in, I asked myself, “What would grandpa want me to do?” Knowing that he was with me every step, whether he was here with us on Earth or as my guardian angel, made each day worth it. As the year came to an end I knew this was my chance to work harder than ever. As we packed up to leave for the 2022 Ohio State Fair I knew this was it, everything my family and I worked for was leading up to this moment and that no matter what, we did everything we could to get this calf looking the absolute best he could. This was my last time loading him on the trailer to go to a show. From the start of the season, “Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson was told to us by Wade Rodgers that this was gonna be the song to describe this show's season and as we pulled into the fairgrounds in Columbus, this song meant more to me than anytime before. The nerves kept creeping up till show day and I only used them as motivation knowing that the bond Cruiser and I had was something special. He was my teammate, partner but most importantly the best friend that knew me better than I probably knew myself. I stepped in that ring for the final drive, I did the only thing I knew how to do at that moment, show Cruiser to the best of my ability and at the end of the day the people behind me would be proud of Cruiser and I no matter the result. Every time inside and outside of the ring, it all lead up to this moment, this final moment. The moment I got the slap and handshake I felt relieved,excited, joyful, and mostly
grateful that we finally did it, as a family and to be honored to receive it a person I look up to and strive to follow his teachings inside and outside of the ring, Mr. Brandon Callis, only made that moment so much more special. As I watched my best friend, Delaney Jones, get picked to stand beside me, I knew this year was one no one would forget. Cheering on your best friend as they do the same for you is truly what this industry is about and is something that a classroom or lecture will never be able to teach you. Getting to do something with your family is one thing, but getting to experience this with my best friend is even more exciting and will be a core memory that we will talk about for years to come. And to top it all off, getting to experience a once in a lifetime sale with a once in a lifetime calf that I am still trying to process as it left is all of us speechless with tears ,happiness and nothing other then pure joy. Getting to experience that moment with those closest next to me is only the cherry on top to a picture- perfect weekend I will cherish for several years to come. I would never be able to do this without the support of my family. Mom, Dad, Brooke and Kyle Schmerge, thank you for everything you have done for me as I will never be able to repay for all the time and sacrifices that you have made to help me accomplish this dream we all had when Cruiser came home. I want to thank all of those who have helped me throughout this show season (Grauer Show cattle and Crew, Kyle Garrienger, Nick Hulsmeyer
and Family, Caleb Streitmatter, Dustin Rhodes, Dalton Kennedy, Fulton Kennedy, Dustin Smith and Austin Wooster, The Shanks family, and) for helping me at every show and supporting Cruiser and I all the way to the end. To all my friends inside and outside of the show ring, as I can not name every single person, your kind words, gratitude, and support will always be remembered by us as it will mean more than you will ever know. To the entire BEST program crew, thank you for all your help this winter season putting on shows that have become key memories for my family and I. I also wanna thank Wade and Kaylene Rodgers and family for the constant support and everything you have done for me. None of this would have been possible without you guys.I owe a huge thank you to Todd Schaub and S&S volvo. Without your support the amazing memories of the 2022 Ohio State Fair sale wouldn’t be possible. To end my thank you's, I want to thank Rob Vanhove and family at Vanhove Cattle Company for raising a “Once in a Lifetime” calf for my family and I as he will always be a special part of us. Lastly, to Cruiser, thank you for being my best friend, forever a family member and a saving grace when we needed it the most. •
185
beyond the backdrop
Powered by FlippingBook