“… with God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
COLDSPRING — For the Cooglers, participation in the annual county fair is more than just a family affair: one of the chief ingredients for success is prayer.
That turned out to be a recipe for success, as Jaylen Coogler showed the Grand Champion market steer, and her brother, Collin Coogler, showed the Grand Champion replacement heifer.
And as the first two animals auctioned off at Saturday’s Youth Auction, the two animals brought in a combined $18,000.
The mother of the two champions, Jhonna Coogler, said everyone has a role with the show animals.
“I do my part, my husband does his part, the kids do their part, but we talk to them nicely, we pray over them,” she said. “It's untraditional, but they really stand out because of how we treat them. They're normally pretty calm with kids, so I feel that's set apart from how a lot of people do it around here. I literally put my hands on them and pray for them.”
Collin called the dual championships nice, while Jaylen felt it was pretty cool.
Collin said that in order to raise champions, you have to work with the animals every day, or they wouldn’t show well. Daily washing, brushing, show work all go into it.
According to Jaylen, it also helps to enjoy working with animals.
In the end, the work that goes into this will translate into their work in the future: Collin said he wants to own his own business, and Jaylen said she would like to be dentist.
The passion began with dad Todd Coogler, who grew up showing animals and helps train the animals and the children; Jhonna said she married into it and didn’t know much, but she does anything she can to support her children.
“Everybody has their own individual part,” Jhonna said. “If one is missing, then it kind of falls apart.”
Jhonna said she is very surprised that both her children did so well, but also is humbled, excited and very proud of them.
“We did it through hard work, we didn't ask for help; it was all on us,” Jhonna said. “However, God was in control, and the kids followed that lead.
“We are Jesus-centered show animal people,” she said. “That's how I would describe us. We're untraditional, but it works.”
•Fair Board President Tommy Hues said that despite starting out with very hot weather, the last few days were better, and the fair overall was a real good show.
Entries were about the same overall, Hues said, with more than 200 just in the show, and the new rodeo contractor — Saguaro Rodeo Co. — has put on a great show.
Hues also praised the volunteers, calling them “super,” as well as the board members, and thanked the numerous sponsors for their support throughout the years.
He also praised the Special Hearts show, which has become a beloved feature of the fair.
