Championdrive.com is pleased to present this week's “Beyond the Winners Circle” featuring Sarina (Hopkins) Rincker from St. Johns, Michigan. Sarina has been married 7 1/2 years to Jamie Rincker. We invite you to read our interview with Sarina below. Please continue to check back weekly for our next edition of “Beyond the Winners Circle”. 
College/Major?
Lake Land College, Agriculture, 2000
Oklahoma State University, Ag Economics, 2002
Illinois State University, Ag Business, 2004
What is your job/career?
My first job out of grad school was a Statistician for USDA, NASS in Springfield, Illinois. Currently, I am Senior Business Analyst at GreenStone Farm Credit Services in East Lansing, Michigan. I gather credit related information to develop monitoring and strategic portfolio management reports. I also edit our database, as well as analyze loan portfolio sensitivity and risk exposure.
How has showing impacted your career?
The poise, confidence, work ethic, and decision-making skills developed from showing are valuable to business professionals. Additionally, showing livestock creates numerous connections with people from all across the country. When we’re young we don’t realize that the people we know and the places we go all contribute to building a networking system. This network stays with you for the rest of your life and will provide significant opportunities.
What do you feel your biggest accomplishment is thus far?
My biggest accomplishment has been supporting youth in agriculture. Within the last few years I was part of the founding committee and the first lamb superintendent of the newly formed Michigan Livestock Expo, board member of the Michigan Junior Livestock Society, chairperson for the Michigan Sheep Spectacular, and recently accepted a position on the E-Communications committee of the American Southdown Breeders’ Association.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
One thing that is always certain in life is change. You might not end-up where you thought you would be, but you always end-up where you’re meant to be. I am open to all that the future has to bring. Currently I enjoy raising Southdowns and plan to stick with that. Livestock and agriculture in-general will always be a part of my life. I hope to have children someday and raise them with the good people and sound values of the ag community.
 What was your favorite show? Why?
The Premier Stockman Lamb & Steer Classic in Columbia City, Indiana. This show was always a prestigious show in the Midwest. I won it in 2000 with “Buddy” from Wayne Snider. Besides that, my favorite weekend of the whole year is Louisville. It’s the only place to see the best sheep and friends from all over the country in one place. Love it there!
What was your favorite lamb you showed? Why?
Lester. He won a couple shows, but it was his personality that made him a favorite. He would eat orange Flav-O-Pop popsicles right out of the plastic!
What did you enjoy the most about showing?
Just that – showing. I love to be in the ring!
What do you miss most about showing?
The intensity of the final drive.
If you could go back and do one thing over (showing wise), what would it be?
Show in Denver. I never made it there as a junior exhibitor because it was such a long trip.
Who helped you along the way the most?
Mom & Dad. They were there for everything. Aside from them, there were several: Arden Schrader, Lisa  Schrader, Dr. Fred Shiery, brothers Randy & Jerry Hensler, Vince & Jackie McGolden, and Jerry McPeak gave a memorable piece of advice for all things in life: “Do the common things uncommonly well to Be A Champ”.
What is one piece of advice for those looking to go into your career?
Go to a respected college, pay attention in class, and get your degree.
If you had two lambs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one?
Christy Wildman or Erika Devitt. These girls could get it done!
Thank you and best wishes Sarina!
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