As we head into our state fair week, this photo of our middle son, who is a freshman, leading the varsity football team onto the field in their first game of the season has me feeling all the feelings. It also has me thinking of a recent chat with a dear friend.

We not only raise cattle but also show them. The level of competition here in South Dakota especially is impressive. While everyone dreams of or works toward a banner or buckle, the reality is only one each year actually gets it.

If that buckle or banner alone was our “why” for showing cattle as a family, we would fail in more ways than one.

Which comes back to this photo.

Our son practices and competes to win, but his “why” runs much deeper. He plays to be part of a team. He plays to grow as a leader. He plays to support his teammates and help them stay excited for the game even when the game isn’t going well.

He didn’t play on the field Friday night, but he did shine in the Friday Night Lights while living up to his “why.” In that, there was no loss or failure. There was a helluva lot of growth and purpose though.

So, when the dust settles this week at our final event of the year, I hope we all remember there is room for everyone at the table.

When one of us wins, we all win because, truly, the real championship spirit lies not in the material award but in the heart of our “why” and the passion we have for it all.

#WeAreRanchers #dirtfair2023 #SouthDakota