10/11/2026
So often we see and hear comments and frustration about sports and coaches and the conflict between sports and showing livestock. While we have run into it at times we have always used as a point of conversation and life lessons with our kids. Choices have consequences both ways and life isn’t always going to be fair.
That being said this past weekend our middle son had a football game and a livestock sale at the exact same time. A conflict we knew was going to exist before we ever bought the pig. He decided to still get the pig and likely have to miss the game. He knew that there could be consequences for missing a practice for the show and then the game for the sale.
On game day he asked us if he could try to do both. We said sure - you might not get to play since you have to leave early. But he started, played right up until he had to leave for the sale. His younger sister had his Reserve Champion Hog ready for him to walk in the ring. After the sale he hopped back in the truck and hustled back to the game. Surprised to see him, the coaches put him back in.
Will it always work out that way? Probably not. We see sports and showing livestock as a tool for raising kids, there are highs, lows and consequences for choices. We don’t take for granted the support our kids get in the ring and on the field.
Shout out to our coaches for being supportive and to all the coaches who get it and do the most to support their athletes and showmen! And to Dr. Byers of Byland Animal Hospital for buying his hog!
