By Dixie Parks | Published Thursday, November 5, 2009
Just a few things about the Decatur horse judging team. These girls, along with Mr. Allsup have worked together for two years. He has spent endless hours with them.
He has made countless trips with them to gain the experience to be able to win the state title and then go to nationals. Hat's off to you, Mr. Allsup. You have been a tremendous inspiration to your students, as well as the parents, grandparents, and all the people who have had the pleasure of knowing you.
Haley took the time from working three jobs to go for 10 days to Indiana and Oklahoma with the girls to help coach. Thank you, Haley.
The tractor team from Decatur has won the national title for three years in a row, and way to go for winning. I would never take anything away from them. Their picture, along with a very nice write-up was on the front page before they arrived home, and rightfully so, but don't forget about the other people who were in competition there as well. We got a write-up in the paper, along with a picture, only because one of the parents brought it in. If not, there would have been nothing. These girls won state before any of them were seniors. It is my understanding that this is the first time anyone from Decatur has been to nationals.
The girls were 16th in nationals; however, that does not tell the whole story. Yes, the team was named a silver emblem, and two girls received a gold emblem. This is huge for the girls who went this year and will go in the future. The two girls who were named in the gold emblem received gold medals. One of the girls is Tyler Lisby, and the other is my granddaughter, Jordan Johnson. They received these for being in the top 25 percent in the nation. Jordan Johnson was fifth in performance class in the nation. This is huge.
I just feel that credit should be given where credit is due. It was definitely due here. Come on, Messenger. Follow through with the things that are important. I know the girls were disappointed not to have had more about them, as well as the rest of us who have been following their progress through the years. All four of the girls should be commended for a job well done. Come on, guys. Don't drop the ball and disappoint these girls any more. You wrote a great article before the girls went to nationals. I just wish they didn't have to be disappointed when they returned.
Dixie Parks Decatur
Editor's note: Tractor teams from Decatur have won the natitonal title three times in seven years - 2003, 2007 and 2009.
