Joel Braden is a real-life cowboy. In July, he topped off his second full season of rodeo competition by winning the American Junior Rodeo Association’s all-around world championship in the eight-and-under age group. Then in November, just after turning seven, he competed in a 12-and-under tie-down calf roping competition and won a saddle.
Christopher quarterbacked the Putnam City Optimist Steelers (eight-and-under team) to back-to-back undefeated seasons. He has helped his team to a 34–2 record over the last three years. This season, Christopher took the Steelers to the semifinals of the All-City Oklahoma Championship.
Triathlons are a family affair for Alexandra. Her parents and brother all compete in the sport. In October, Alexandra won the IronKids National Championship in the intermediate age group. She finished the 150-yard swim, four-mile bike ride, and one-mile run in 24 minutes and 35 seconds.
In July, Jenna won the softball throw event in her age group at the Hershey Track and Field state championship. In November, she led her basketball team to an undefeated season. And then over the course of one week in December, Jenna was named MVP of a National Softball Association regional competition, participated in a Punt, Pass, and Kick contest during halftime of an NFL game, and won her school’s student of the month award.