Our Hearts

Johnny Ackel Memorial Rodeo

This was the third year for the annual Johnny Ackel Memorial Rodeo, and it gets better each year. The "dream child" of Blue and Jen Jeanes with Robert "Blue" Jeanes Productions has provided the community with its own hometown rodeo. The East Chambers FFA provided a variety of delicious food and several vendors provided funnel cakes and lemonades for the crowd.

Blue and Jen Jeanes use the proceeds from the rodeo to award scholarships to FFA students at East Chambers and Hamshire-Fannett. The last two years, they have handed out $18,000 in scholarship money. "This is why we do it", said Blue. "After we pay the bills, every cent goes straight to the kids."

Tristin "T" Parker

The Rookie of the Year bullrider is a rising star in the world of professional bull riding. With a fearless spirit and unwavering determination, he's burst onto the scene, capturing the hearts of fans and earning the respect of fellow riders. Hailing from the small town of Winnie, his journey to the top of the rodeo circuit is a testament to hard work and dedication.

This talented bullrider possess a unique style and an innate connection with the powerful animals they ride. His impressive performances in the arena have earned him accolades and recognition, making him a promising contender for future championships. Going in the National Finals Rodeo as 8th in the world standings, he has earned the title as Resistol Rookie of the Year. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, there's no doubt that this Rookie of the Year bullrider is destined for greatness in the world of professional bull riding.

Hunter Ruiz

Hailing from the Lone Star State is Hunter Ruiz from Jasper, TX. Hunter’s accomplishments start in his earlier years as he was a Texas Junior High State Qualifier and a Junior High National Qualifier. With that under his belt, Hunter was also able to be a 3x State Qualifier in high school, but wait, it does not stop there. Throughout his high school career Hunter won 2022 Johnny Ackel bull riding, 2022 Guns a Blazing Bull riding, 2023 Pitchin’ N the Pines bull riding, 2023 West Fest bull riding, and the 2023 Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo Qualifier and was a short round contender. Moving into the 2024 season Hunter is now a permit holder for the PRCA and rodeos for Weatherford Junior college, where he was given a well-deserved full ride for bull riding. As we follow Hunter’s journey through college, there is no doubt that he will continue to impress and excel in and out of the rodeo arena. Make sure to keep your eye out for this future phenom.

Blake Blanchard

Making a grand leap into the world of professional rodeo is the 19-year-old all-around cowboy Blake Blanchard. Blake grew up in Pearland, TX and has been involved in the rodeo world since an early age. Blake first busted out on the scene in the Bronc riding, and later put down his saddle and picked up a bull rope. Blake, however, is still a two-event cowboy who made major accomplishments at the Jr. High level as a 4x Junior World Finalist and a 1x Jr. Saddle Bronc World Champion. However, Blake’s trophies did not stop there, Blake is also a 4x Texas High School State Qualifier as well as a finalist in CPRA and UPRA rodeos across the state. Blake continues his education at Weatherford College and is now a Bull/Bronc rider for the Weatherford Rodeo Team and a permit holder for the 2024 PRCA season. Blake’s efforts and talents are just being unveiled, and we know with hard work and grit, Blake is going make an unforgettable impact in the world of professional rodeo.

Lija Gore

Reigning from the great state of Florida, let me introduce you to Lija Gore. Lija is a small-town bull rider from Moore Haven, FL who has already made a name for himself in the world of professional rodeo. Lija is currently in the top 30 for the PRCA as of the 2024 season and this is just the beginning. Lija has obtained accomplishments such as 2022 Rookie of the year for the Premier Bull tour and winning the Premier Bull tour finals. Lija was also Reserve Champ in the Elite Bull rider's Association, and then came back vigorously the following year where he tied for Champion for the Southeastern Circuit finals for the PRCA. In his free time, Lija enjoys hanging out with friends and attending every practice pen available. That way, he keeps his mind and skills sharpened for his upcoming rodeos. This is just the beginning of Lija’s story, make sure to keep your eye out for this future sensation.

Jax Mills

Hailing from the lone star state is the 19-year-old phenom, Jax Mills. Jax is from Montgomery, Tx and has been involved in the rodeo world since an early age. Jax was first a 2x region champion and from there took home a state title and qualified for the national finals 2x. Since stepping out into the world of professional rodeo Mills has won PRCA’s such as Bay City, Tx as well as winning the Decatur, Tx permit challenge, and it did not stop there. Mills went on to qualify for the finals at Rodeo Houston. Since then, Jax has been hitting the rodeo trail and preparing to critique and work on his craft to dominate at upcoming rodeos. Jax is driven by determination and grit and is no doubt an asset to the world of professional rodeo.