Growing up on a farm, love of production agriculture is only surpassed by her lifelong affection for horses.
It’s a combination for which Lucy England of Stilwell received the Doc Brower Scholarship at Fort Hays State University (FHSU).”
A sophomore in agriculture education at Fort Hays State, Lucy is an honor student heavily involved with everything rodeo.
Daughter of Johnson County farmers Bob and Jeannette England, Lucy has been a horse lover since she was just three-years-old.
“Our neighbors had horses and Lucy started riding with them and grew up with horses,” Mom Jeannette said. ”She’s our only child and the only one interested in horses, but we support her in every way.”
The 20-year-old cowgirl’s first horse is still her main horse today. “Ted, a brown gelding was five-years-old, the same age as Lucy when they became partners,” Mom said. “Ted took care of Lucy in the beginning. Then as she grew up Lucy took over and made Ted into the horse he is today.
On the Fort Hays State Rodeo Team, Lucy rides in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) competitions throughout the Central Plains Region.
Blue Valley High School didn’t have a rodeo team or any type of agriculture programs. So, Lucy became active competing in jackpot barrel races throughout the area.
Taking riding lessons from neighbors and receiving coaching from a barrel racer, Lucy has been mostly self-taught. “Lucy learned as she grew and has continually been improving all of the time. It is truly awesome to me and her dad,” Mom said. “Now Ted is getting older and Lucy has a five-year-old which she is training as his replacement.”
Recipient of academic scholarships to attend Fort Hays, Lucy is especially active in rodeo club leadership. Presently serving as the club secretary, she has sights set on the club presidency.
“The Fort Hays Rodeo Team has a long reputation as one of the premier longtime NIRA teams,” Lucy said. “I am privileged to be a team member. I love being involved and want to continue serving the club in every way I can.”
At the annual Fort Hays State Rodeo, Lucy said, “This year was one to remember and so special to me. While Ted and I haven’t had the best of runs this season, we ran and kept all the barrels up.”
Of course, Saturday’s rodeo performance was “the most special of nights,” Lucy admitted. “That’s when I was honored to receive the Doc Brower Scholarship.
“Thank you so much to my coaches and my family. They’ve continually pushed me and supported me to be the person I am,” Lucy appreciated.
Mrs. Ruby Brower selected Lucy for the scholarship honoring Doc Brower. “I am proud to be a representative of this amazing scholarship,” Lucy said. “While I never got to meet Doc Brower, I’ve heard so many amazing stories about him. I’m honored to have this opportunity.”
Dr. Garry R. “Doc” Brower, retired in 2012 as a FHSU associate agriculture professor as well as rodeo club and team advisor.
Bronc Rumford, a 1974 FHSU graduate, former rodeo team champion and FHSU Rodeo Coach, perhaps best summed up the sentiments.
“I loved and respected Doc so much and will miss him, but will never forget him. He was a character,” Rumford said. “There are so many great stories about Doc. Until we ride together where the green grass is stirrup high, clear water runs deep, happy trails, we love you.”
Brower began his career at Fort Hays State in 1976 as an assistant professor in the department of agriculture. He served more than 25 years as the rodeo team and club as coach and advisor. Brower also coached the horse judging team, advised Block and Bridle, and served in Faculty Senate .
In 1989, Brower was named a Teacher Fellow by the National Association of College Teachers of Agriculture.
All aspects of agriculture are close to this year’s scholarship recipient too. “Horses are my love but they do cost quite a bit to keep,” Lucy England admitted. “I’ve been raising sweet corn for many years to sell each summer which helps me take care of my horses.”
Additional assistance is provided on the family crop farm. “I enjoy helping with every aspect of our cropping operation,” Lucy said. “I love college and rodeo competition, but it’s great to come home to help dad and mom on the farm.”
That affection for agriculture led Lucy to select agriculture education as her college major. “I’m looking forward to teaching vocational agriculture,” she said. “I want to help others especially young people learn about this important profession helping feed the world.”
However, horses will continue to be an important part of her life. “I so enjoy working with horses and will continue to rodeo and train horses,” Lucy said. “I would like to give riding lessons so others can enjoy horses as much as I do.”
Cutlines
Lucy England, Stilwell, received Doc Brower Scholarship during the annual Fort Hays State University Rodeo for her service to the rodeo club and as a member of the rodeo team.
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A member of the Fort Hays State Rodeo Team, Lucy England, Stilwell, competes rain, snow or sunshine in collegiate rodeos and jackpot barrel races on her veteran horse Ted.
