13 to compete in 25th Annual Morgan County Fair Wrangler Competition

2023 celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Wrangler Contest!  For the past 25 years, 2023 Morgan County Fair Grand Marshal Jessie Franich, has directed the Wrangler contest.  When she started it in 1998, everyone told her that it would never work.  “That flew in my face!” she said, and she has more than made it work.  Each year a number of young men flock to the contest to compete for Head Wrangler (13-18 years), 1st Wrangler (10-12 years) and Second Wrangler (7-9 years).  These young men represent the Morgan County Fair during the entirety of the fair.

The contest will take place Tuesday, August 1 starting at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds.  Events include Personal Introduction, Impromptu Questions, Written Test, Personal Interview, and  Horsemanship.

Head Wrangler Candidates 

Justin Henderson is the son of Lynsey and Tyler Henderson.  He has wanted to be a cowboy ever since he was little.  He would love to be an example “for little kids to look up to.”  “Becoming Head Wrangler would give me the opportunity to represent Morgan County.”  Henderson is a member of the Morgan High Rodeo Club and rides bareback horses.  He likes to snowmobile in the winter.  After he graduates, he would like to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a lineman.

Nate Petty is the son of Tim and Rebecca Petty.  He would like to win the title of Head Wrangle so he can improve his riding, win a nice saddle and represent the fair.  Petty loves to raise livestock, hunt and fish.

Lane Thomas is the son of Lacey and Luke Thomas.  He thinks it is “very fun” to do the Wrangler competition.  He would like to be Head Wrangler because he “loves horses and being a cowboy.”  He enjoys riding horses, playing basketball, skiing, camping and hunting.

JP Wilkinson is the son of Megan and Johnny Wilkinson.  He has worked hard with his horse and wants to win.  “I think I have what it takes to be the next Head Wrangler.”  Wilkinson is a great leader, especially to kids who aren’t into typical sports.  He has been a team roper for “a while” and owns a herd of cattle.  He works for his dad in construction.

1st Wrangler Candidates 

Jayson Davis is the son of Karen and Dustin Davis.  He wants to be a Morgan County Wrangler because “it shows me how hard working I have to be to achieve my goals and succeed in life.  It also helps me grow closer with my horse.”  Davis likes to ride horses and dirt bikes.  He plays football, too.  He has goals to win the Wrangler contest and to win in dirt bike races.

CJ Sanders is the son of Kristy and Cory Sanders.  He is participating in the contest because “both of my brothers have been Wranglers, and they said it was fun and a great experience. I love the Morgan County Fair, and I would love to represent it.”  Sanders loves to be outdoors fishing, riding horses, playing soccer, camping with his family and hanging out with friends.  He loves cars and mechanical things and would one day like to have a career in this field.

Taysom Savage is the son of Ven and Mindy Savage.  He is excited to participate in the Wrangler contest because he likes riding and thinks it’s fun.  “I would like to experience doing a contest.”  Savage likes hanging out with friends and playing football, basketball and baseball.  He wants to be a missionary after high school and then tryout for the NBA.

Levi Woodward  is the son of Ali and Dallas Woodward.  He  would like “to be 1st Wrangler because I feel like it would be a cool opportunity to learn more about my new horse Honey.  I like the idea of pushing myself to learn and do new things.  I want to challenge myself to win a buckle one year.”  Woodward loves to be outdoors, hunt, fish and spend time with his family.  He also likes to rodeo and other Western activities. He would like to own his own landscaping business one day.

2nd Wrangler Candidates

Kestle Merrell is the son of Jen and Lance Merrell.  He participated in the Wrangler Contest last year and enjoyed the competition, but he wants to “come back and do better this year than last year.”  Hunting, fishing and riding horses are three activities that Merrell values.  He wants to be an electrician like his dad when he grows up.

Ben Rowser is the son of Cole and Jenny Rowser.  He is participating in the Wrangler contest because “Jessie said we had to, and we’re too scared to tell her ‘No’!”  He likes horses, hunting and golf.  When he grows up, he wants to be on the PGA Tour.

Lawson Thomas is the son of Luke and Lacey Thomas. He likes living in Morgan and riding his horse.  “I want to be a Wrangler because I love horses.  Cowboys make good wranglers!”  Thomas enjoys playing football and basketball in addition to riding horses. He likes to camp and hunt.  He also likes dirt bikes and big trucks.

Kobyn Waldron is the son of Conner and Nichole Waldron.  He would like to follow in his Uncle Trevor’s footsteps and represent his hometown.  He’d also like to win his very own belt buckle.  He loves to play baseball, soccer and football.  He likes to hunt, camp and fish with his three little brothers.  He wants to become braver at riding his horse, Rhodd.

Ridge Wilkinson is the son of Megan and Johnny Wilkinson.  He said he chose to compete because “I like riding horses.  I think I would be good at it, and I love the fair. I am up to it every day.”  He also enjoys football.  “I love making stuff out of wood and love cows and farm equipment.”  Wilkinson plays the guitar, and he wants to be great at riding a horse, so he can learn how to rope. λ