Parker County Today March 2018 | Page 35

soccer player .
“ Charley plays for Sting West Heinz 07 , the Sting JDL team , and the Sting pre-ECNL team ,” Charley ’ s principal , Cathy Bradshaw , said . “ At the beginning of the current school year , Charley participated in a threeday , nine-hour tryout to make the North Texas Olympic Development Training Pool , while continuing to play games with her current team on the same day . Charley was selected as one of the athletes with the opportunity to participate and represent North Texas in ODP .”
Charley ’ s tenacity and dedication to her sport are not only inspiring , but downright admirable .
“ Now that we ’ ve been doing this at this level for a little over a year … she spends five-six hours during the school week in the car just for practice . She spends more time in the car than she does at practice . She ’ s never complained ,” her father said .
Charley has a variety of interests , as well as many hopes for what the future may hold . When asked what Charley wanted to be when she grew up , her father chuckled .
“ Well , that depends on the day . Of course we ’ ve heard soccer player . We ’ ve heard firefighter , teacher ,” her father said .
Charley is also active at school , being an exemplary student as well as being involved in Girl Scouts . She enjoys watching sports with her father , and has a few hero athletes . Charley admires Hope Solo , goalkeeper and two-time Olympic gold medalist , as well as Canadian hockey player Carey Price . “ Because of my bias , she loves Carey Price , who plays for the Montreal Canadians , the goalie for them . She wears his number on her — that ’ s her number , Carey Price ’ s number ; she had to be 31 ,” Clark said .
Charley ’ s resilience and maturity beyond her years is an example to us all .
“ She always has a positive attitude , and wants to get better … loves her teammates , spending time with them . She loves school . Loves going to school . I don ’ t think she realizes the sacrifices she makes compared to other girls her age , and boys ,” Clark said .
Luke Williams
Championship Roper
Fifteen-year-old Brock High School sophomore Luke Williams is a pro team roper who became the number one header of the world in his class in Las Vegas last December . Starting his roping career at the young age of four , Luke began competing in rodeo events at the age of five . He was introduced to the world of team roping at 12 by his dad , Shane Williams , who is also a header . Luke was taught “ the ropes ,” and , with his natural ability , the rest was history .
“ He wanted to team rope when he was very young ,” Shane said . “ His talent is that of a seasoned roper .” Luke ’ s mother , Kit Williams , said he enjoyed any rodeo event , and competed in every category he could qualify in .
“ As he aged , he began branching out in break-away calves and team roping ,” she said . She admits that practicing now comes much easier for Luke with a few trophies , buckles and some purse winnings under his belt .
Luke made it to the state finals for three consecutive years in his junior high days , earning sixth place in the tie-down calf roping event during his 8th-grade year . Luke also earned a few buckles for his team roping abilities . Kit and Shane have never missed a single competition , which Luke says is the largest dose of encouragement anyone could have .
“ As his mother , honestly I couldn ’ t be more proud of him ,” Kit said . “ It ’ s his passion . He is driven and very focused .”
Luke is also kept grounded at home , earning the right to compete . He has chores around the house and barn , and is required to keep his grades up if he wants to spend time in the saddle .
“ If he doesn ’ t work hard at home and school , he doesn ’ t get to ride ,” Shane said .
Luke worked hard to win the 2016 World Champ Header title for ages 13 to 15 at the American Junior Rodeo Association . He barely missed qualifying for the national spot in 2016 , which put him in high-gear for earning his place in the 2017 competition . Luke earned the 2017 Junior NFR Header title alongside J . R . Gonzalez as his heeler , who he met at a qualifying roping event . Luke is now focused on a spot in the American Semi-finals to be held at the North Side Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards .
Luke thanks his sponsors , including Teskey ’ s , Durham Trailers , 2L Custom Trucks , and Fastback Ropes for putting their faith in him , but said he is most thankful to God and his parents .
“ I owe gratitude to God for granting me the ability and determination ,” Luke said . “ My parents have always been my biggest fans . I ’ m lucky to have parents who are so supportive . I consider myself very blessed , and I ’ m fortunate enough to have them backing me .”

Congratulations to all of Parker County Today ’ s Horizon Award Nominees

MARCH 2018 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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