ON MY SOAPBOX
BY JASON HENNINGTON
This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is not the opinion of the Taylor Press.
The Williamson County Fair and Rodeo recently came to town, and as part of the event, officials hosted the first — not first annual — celebrity calf scramble. The luminaries included reporters from print and television markets. Our very own Hunter Dworaczyk took the bull by the horns, so to speak, and accepted the challenge. A lot of hype and expectation went into the contest, and I recently sat down with him to get some insight on his experience. (Believe me, we’re not trying to milk this one just to fill space).
Soapbox: Hunter, glad to see you survived the calf scramble. The object was to snatch a ribbon from the tail of a running baby bovine. What was that experience like?
Hunter: The buildup to the event itself was unreal. My coworkers and friends had high expectations about my performance and encouraged me to the fullest. I was very eager and pumped to get going. When the actual event got started, it was like I pictured it. However, I just metaphorically dropped the ball. It was a blast though.
Soapbox: The buildup was intense. I was the cohost of the pre-game video that also featured you (still kind of hyped up). Did that cause you any extra pressure or nervousness?
Hunter: I like to think of myself as someone who can block out the noise, but I may have bitten off more than I could chew with the type of hype I brought on myself. I wouldn’t necessarily say that it affected my performance, though. That calf was an athlete and made a play — I can’t fault myself for that. I will say losing to a TV meteorologist did make it hard to show my face at work the next day.
Soapbox: I wasn’t going to bring up “the play” by the calf, but here we are. You’re an athletic guy, but would you say this calf may have had some “training?” Albeit physical, mental or medical?
Hunter: I think calling me an “athletic guy” is a bit generous, but yes, I do think this calf was well prepared. I had a great angle on the animal, but was bested regardless. I think it took like four people to ultimately corner that calf and grab the ribbon. You tell me that doesn’t scream of a trained calf.
Soapbox: Definitely sounds like he had a game plan going in. If you had an opportunity to do the calf scramble again, would you?
Hunter: I’d have to discuss it with those around me, but I would be open to it. I feel like I have a lot left to give to the sport of calf scrambling so the door is not entirely closed.
Soapbox: Would you prepare differently?
Hunter: I probably would need to look at the film and readjust accordingly. I think I would need to put in some hours practicing running while in boots. I would like to think that I could fly under the radar if I were to compete again, but something about the event just gets me fired up. Might be just a part of the game.
Soapbox: Very superstar “athlete-ish” answer (chuckles). However, I do have to ask if there is any beef with the calf? Would you like another draw against him?
Hunter: I have been advised not to comment on this matter, but I do hope some sort of competition committee schedules a one-on-one between us. I have nothing against the calf on a personal level, but I think his playing style is flat out dirty and bad for the game. So, fine me.
Soapbox: And with that … (“AND DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THAT CALF’S MAMA,” Hunter screams as crew members remove his mic), I’m going to get off my soapbox now.
(Editor who had to review this column slaps forehead and sighs, “This is ‘udderly’ ridiculous. I’m mooooving on to another story.”) “You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that.”
— Michael Jordan
