The Liberty FFA team began its journey to the 77th Annual San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Breeding Heifer Show on Feb. 15, traveling to San Antonio to exhibit 12 head of American cattle. The show began promptly at 7 a.m. on Feb. 17.
Cameron Ripkowski was the first showman through the South Ring for Liberty FFA, exhibiting her Grey Brahman heifer. She won her class and earned Reserve Champion Senior Heifer in the division drive. Wyatt Parker exhibited his heifer, Ladybug, placing eighth in Class 14. Meanwhile, in the North Arena, Keyli Scroggins showed her Red Brangus female, placing fourth in class.
The day continued with the Red Brahman show in the South Ring. Madison Parker won her class and advanced to the Junior Heifer Drive, where she earned Grand Champion honors before concluding the Red Brahman show in the Overall Champion Drive. She was selected as the 2026 Grand Champion Red Brahman. Madison earned a $10,000 scholarship and the opportunity to exhibit her heifer in the Supreme Champion Drive.
The Beefmaster show took place in the South Ring while the Brangus show was underway in the North Ring. Showing Beefmaster heifers, Tyler Walton exhibited his heifer in a tough Class 1. Payton Hanson placed seventh in her class of more than 20 heifers. Nate Stoesser placed ninth in Class 3 with his calf. Kaden Stevens competed in Class 7. Rounding out the Beefmaster show, Wes Stoesser earned his first class win at a Texas Major, advancing to the division drive.
In the Brangus show, Cash Broom and his heifer, Reba, placed eighth in class. Emma Wiggins placed third in Class 14.
The Santa Gertrudis breed concluded the American breed shows, with Landon Williamson showing Gertrude and placing seventh in Class 2.
The team returned to San Antonio on Feb. 19 to exhibit six more head of English and Exotic cattle.
Ryland Evans kicked off the Feb. 20 show day in the South Ring with his Angus heifer, Clara, placing fifth in a competitive Class 1. Tristen Purswell followed with her Limousin heifer, Nova, placing fourth in class.
In the North Ring, Ryder Coker showed his Simmental heifer, Raven, placing sixth in Class 3. Bellamy Fregia placed sixth in Class 14 with Oakley. Jessie Riojas followed with her Polled Hereford heifer, placing eighth in class.
Brogan Worthy was the final showman for Liberty FFA, placing third in class with his Red Angus female.
The San Antonio Livestock Show recognizes a Supreme Overall Champion, breed champions, division winners, and each animal shown in its respective class. These FFA members dedicate countless hours to practicing in the arena and preparing, feeding, bathing, exercising, and caring for their show projects. They also maintain their classwork and support one another throughout the season.
“The Liberty FFA Advisors are proud of each and every one of our showmen. We appreciate the time and dedication from the parents and family members who are involved with their showmen. We love our Liberty FFAmily. Good luck in Houston next month,” said Brittany Purswell, Liberty High School Ag Science teacher.