Calgary, Alta (Rural Roots Canada) — Before they lace up their hockey skates or step onto the lacrosse floor, they have another job waiting in the barn. For two young competitors at the Calgary Stampede’s Junior Steer Classic, raising cattle isn’t separate from their athletic careers; it’s part of what helps them succeed.
For Evan Cuthbertson, time spent with the cattle on his family’s farms in Rock Creek and Kamloops, British Columbia, is a welcome escape from the demands of school, work and hockey. Recently drafted into the Western Hockey League (WHL) by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Cuthbertson balances his athletic career with school, work and responsibilities on the family farm.
Growing up surrounded by cattle and calf operations, Cuthbertson developed a passion for the industry from an early age. He says the work ethic and discipline required in the barn have carried over to the hockey rink. When it comes to sports and cattle, Cuthbertson says they are more similar than most would believe.
“You have to be able to compete and have a great work ethic in hockey, and the same goes for the steer show as well,” says Cuthbertson.
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He also believes that the physical work involved in caring for cattle and everyday farm tasks helps build the strength he relies on as an athlete.
Like Cuthbertson, fellow Junior Steer Classic competitor Wyatt Elias has learned to balance athletics, school, work and life on the farm. Elias grew up raising cattle while playing lacrosse and now competes in junior box lacrosse.
Although he had previously shown cattle at provincial competitions in B.C., this year marked his first appearance at the Calgary Stampede. Inspired by his friend Amy, who competed in last year’s Junior Steer Classic, Elias decided to take the leap and compete alongside her.
“Taking care of the cattle gets me up in the morning; it keeps me busy, it gives me a routine to get into and helps start and end my day,” says Elias.
Both competitors say that routine, responsibility and work ethic are important practical skills that they have learned from raising cattle and competing in sports.
Looking ahead, Cuthbertson hopes to be drafted into the NHL, while one day owning a cattle ranch in Alberta. He also plans to continue exhibiting cattle at events like the Calgary Stampede. This year, he showed his steer, Michael Jackson, in the Junior Steer Classic.
Elias envisions a different path within agriculture. He hopes to pursue post-secondary education to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in cattle, helping address a shortage of veterinarians in rural British Columbia.
He also hopes that competing at events like the Junior Steer Classic and pursuing a career in agriculture will encourage more young people to stay involved in the livestock industry.
