Competitors gear up for sportsman contest
Larry Ansell of Scottdale knows from past experience how difficult Friday’s 4-H Supreme Showmanship Contest can be. “I’ve been in it before,’ said Ansell, who won the prestigious title last year as his brother Jeffery took the reserve Supreme Showman honors. “If it’s anything like in the past, it’s very tough. Everybody’s in it to win.’
Ansell, the 17-year-old son of Larry and Susan Ansell, is one of seven youths competing in the Supreme Showmanship competition, which begins today at 10 a.m. He was selected Thursday after winning the dairy cattle showmanship contest.
Youths are selected from seven breeds during individual contests held throughout the fair. In addition to Ansell, the youths include Daniel May, lamb; Clinton Payton Jr., swine; Alexis Tabaj, beef, Kalie Minick, market goat; Chelsey Krienbrook dairy goat; and Deanna Liptak, horse.
“I’m excited about it,’ said Liptak of Grindstone, the 17-year-old daughter of Cheryl and Bernie Liptak. “I think it’s fun to show all different types of animals, especially if it’s not something you show all the time.’
Liptak, who is a graduate of Frazier High School and will study pre-law at the University of Pittsburgh in Greensburg, said of the horse contest, “There were a lot of good people in the competition and they were all good showmen. It was hard.’
Ansell, who is a senior at Southmoreland High School and plans to study engineering at Penn State University, said of the dairy cattle contest, “It was very good. There was a lot of good talent throughout. Everyone works hard to do it.’
Supreme Showman contestants must show all seven breeds of animals with different judges judging each breed.
Since Liptak only shows horses, she is working with the other animals each night of the fair to become familiar with showing them. Most of the contestants do the same.
Asked what will be the most difficult animal for her to handle, Liptak commented, “I’m probably going to say the steer. They’re bigger than me and I’m afraid of getting dragged by them.’
After horses, she believes the easiest animal for her to show will be the dairy cow: “You walk them around and set them up like you would horses.’
Ansell noted he has dairy cows and market goats so he has shown both these animals. He feels comfortable with lambs because they are similar to goats. He believes the most difficult animal for him to show would be the horse or swine. Ansell noted that when he was in the supreme showmanship contest two years ago, a pig tripped him.
Winning the title of Supreme Showman is very prestigious.
Ansell noted, “Basically it shows you can show everything in a sense – all species.’
“I think it’d be great. I don’t know that it would happen, but it’ll be fun anyway,’ said Liptak. “Even if it didn’t happen, it’ll still be great.’
The winner of Supreme Showman is announced Friday night during the 4-HAuction, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Indoor Arena.
County agent Bill Gallagher reported there will be about 265 animals in the show and that 70 to 80 animals will be donated back to the auction for resale with the proceeds going to the 4-H and FFA Livestock Club Educational Assistance Fund.
“Last year, the fund received a little over $10,000,’ said Gallagher.
As of May 2003, 209 members have been awarded the scholarship. Gallagher said this year 18 youths are eligible to receive it.
The auction begins at 6 p.m. with the goats, then lambs, steer and swine. All are market animals, which have been shown in competition at the fair by 4-H youths. Registration for buyers begins at 4:30 p.m. Anyone who was a buyer last year is already registered and can pick up his or her number. New buyers must register and anyone can be a buyer.
“We welcome all buyers,’ said Gallagher.
Buyers are also treated to a dinner, which features beef, pork, lamb and goat dishes. Buyers must pay for their purchases at the time of the sale. Animals are released Saturday, beginning at 7 a.m.
For more information, visit the auction at the Indoor Arena.