Seal wins national bull-riding title

Seal with Ag sponsor Jay Northcutt and his wife.

Senior William Seal represented Whitehouse High School and the local FFA in the National FFA convention and annual rodeo held in Corpus Christi and Kingsville.

There were more than 10,000 students and teachers in attendance at the annual event. Seal went with one thing in his mind and that was to win the bull riding championship and bring recognition to his school.

Seal was among the 35 bull riders from across the state and made the top 10 that could go on to the short go.

In the short go only one score was posted, 78. Seal was the last rider and had the arena sitting on the edge of their seats.

At the end of the successful ride the crowd stood to their feet and cheered as the announcer called out Seal's winning score of 86. He had won the FFA National rodeo championship.

Seal had quite a cheering section already. Along with his parents were people he rides with from the 4 States Rodeo Association, his FFA sponsor Jay Northcutt and his wife, and a host of friends from Whitehouse and Troup.

Photo courtesy Dudley Barker

Seal says he owes a big thank you to his Ag teachers Jay Northcutt and Craig Dornak for asking him to ride and represent the school, WHS Principal Tony Black for allowing him to go and WHS counselor Amanda Black for paving the way.

Seal continues his pro career as he rides throughout the summer.