Championdrive.com is pleased to present the first of our new series, “Beyond the Winners Circle”. We will be spotlighting past showman who put the skills they learned showing to use in their present careers. We hope this gives our young viewers a glimpse of the many options they have beyond showing. Our first “Beyond the Winners Circle” features Dr. Kent Williams, from Ocala, Florida. We invite you to read our interview with Dr. Kent Williams below. Please continue to check back weekly for our next edition of “Beyond the Winners Circle”.
Where do you live?
I grew up in Liberal, Kansas. After graduating from Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, I now live in Ocala, Florida.
Are you married?
I’m married to Megan Williams.
Where did you attend college and what was your major?
I graduated from Kansas State University with an animal science/pre-vet bachelor’s degree. I then went on to Veterinary School at Kansas State University and graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinarian Medicine.
What is your career?
I am currently a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine at Banfield, The Pet Hospital in Lady Lake, Florida. I work primarily with small animals, but I still enjoy working with lambs and other show animals as a hobby.
How has showing impacted your career?
Through showing lambs, I learned responsibility and the drive to succeed. These two attributes helped me get through vet school and become the person I am today.
What do you feel your biggest accomplishment is thus far?
My biggest accomplishment has been graduating vet school. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hmmm…that is a tough question. I see myself practicing veterinary medicine in the Midwest.
What was your favorite show? Why?
I had two favorite shows: Phoenix and Louisville. I enjoyed going to Phoenix because it was more of a relaxing show, and I got a nice dose of warm weather over the Christmas holiday.
I enjoyed going to Louisville because it was the largest show that I went to, I got to catch up with people I didn’t get to see very often, and I had Grand at that show in 2002.
 What was your favorite lamb you showed?
My favorite lamb was Brockle. He was the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2002 NAILE.
What did you enjoy the most about showing?
I enjoyed meeting new people and connecting with old friends.
What do you miss most about showing?
I miss traveling to the shows and expressing my competitive spirit.
If you could go back and do one thing over while showing, what would it be?
I would enjoy it more….showing does not last forever!
If you had two lambs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one?
I would have my sister, Kaylonni, show the other sheep. Thanks to my training, she was an outstanding showman.
Who helped you along the way the most?
My dad, Steve, helped me out the most. He was always pushing me to do my best and helped me in every way he could.
What is one piece of advice for those looking to go into your career?
I would tell everyone to go and job shadow. No matter if you’re in high school or college, get to know your local veterinarian and job shadow under him or her. This will help you decide if you are truly interested in the career and helps prepare you for vet school.
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