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Showmanship competition reveals best handler [The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Ind. :: ](Herald Bulletin (Anderson, IN) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 24--ALEXANDRIA -- At a time when our interpersonal communication is ruled by devices such as smartphones and iPad's, it's comforting to know there's still room room for a necessarily low-tech alternative between a beast and its handler. With a tug here, a push there, and gentle directional tapping with a small aluminum stick, Savannah Martin of Summitville won Wednesday's Supreme Showman trophy after four rounds directing swine, sheep, goats and steers through various handling exercises. Waiting for the competition to begin, the the 14-year-old high school freshman said she wasn't really nervous, but "I've had a lot of people calming me down." "You have to stay relaxed and study constantly," she told the audience that included her parents and grandparents, as well as friends. Arlene Bryant, Savannah's grandmother, let out a whoop of joy and rushed out of the bleachers when she was pronounced the winner.. Asked if she thought Savannah would win, Bryant said "grandparents always do. She's awfully young. She hasn't even started high school yet." Savannah, who represented goats, wasn't the youngest competitor, however. That honor went to 12-year-old Miller Smith of Pendleton, who was representing beef. The other contestants were Drew Johnson, 18, of Alexandria, representing swine; and Faith Kitts, 18, of Elwood, representing sheep. The object of the competition is to demonstrate one's ability to handle animals in the show ring even though competitors may not be familiar with them. This year's judge of the event was Jason Shuck, who teaches agricultural education for South Adams Schools in Berne. He gave each contestant an opportunity to talk about how participating in 4-H programs has influenced their lives. Faith Kitts said one of the things she's always enjoyed about 4-H is the friends she's made that overshadows competitive events like the Supreme Showmanship competition. "Something I enjoy about 4-H is the joy of taking care of someone other than yourself," she said. "I'm friends with all three of the competitors, and we wouldn't be friends if it wasn't for 4-H." The county fair continues through Saturday in Alexandria. Like Stu Hirsch on Facebook and follow him @stuhirsch on Twitter, or call 640-4861. ___ (c)2014 The Herald Bulletin (Anderson, Ind.) Visit The Herald Bulletin (Anderson, Ind.) at www.theheraldbulletin.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |