This week's "Who's Who?" features Justin Willoughby of Sheridan, IN. We invite you to read our candid interview with the young man below and please continue to check back for our next edition of “Who's Who?".

JUSTIN WILLOUGHBY
School - Westfield High School

Goals after Graduation - Attend college - Currently I plan to study marketing with a minor in psychology. I haven’t decided which university yet. Attending a college with Hockey is a plus but I am liking the idea of staying in Indiana.

Activities – Showing livestock, Hockey, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, Westfield Young Life

Showing Sheep Since – 4-years old

Favorite Show – Any big or National level show - I enjoy the atmosphere and level of competition!

Most Memorable Showing Experience - Winning the Indiana State Fair followed closely by winning the National Western Stock Show.

Most Embarrassing Show Experience – At age 13 I let go of my dorset lamb at an Indiana point show but held onto his neck and got drug completely across the show ring...Smooth!

Best piece of advice ever received – Do what you love, love what you do!

What advice do you have for younger showmen? - Hard work pays off. Have fun. Learn from those who are doing the same.

Do you have any superstitions/good luck charms at shows? Lucky belt

Describe your daily sheep exercising/feeding program. – Exercise every other day via treadmill frontwards and backwards. Feed twice daily with personal feed ration. Walk in the yard once a week to help with showring behavior.

Going into Denver, what were your thoughts about your lamb?
I was excited and thought he was pretty darn good and that I had a good chance of making to the drive. Thrilled to have done so.

After the handshake, what was going through your head?
I did it! What an amazing feeling! Nothing like having the judge walk your direction and you can’t contain the smile even if you want to.

What was your favorite part about being in the sale of champions? My favorite part was it was on TV! It was very cool to be interviewed live and know folks back in Indiana were tuning in (even though they said I was from Iowa – still better than the Indiana station after the state fair who renamed me Jason Wa-log-by J ) Also getting to meet people who were supportive of the livestock industry and really wanted to support the youth scholarship program was a neat part of the sale as well! I am truly grateful for their support of my future.

What is one piece of advice for someone who is going to complete in the Premier Exhibitor contest at Denver in the future?
Be prepared to take a test! Make sure you know a little bit about everything in the sheep industry. The speech isn’t bad - it is actually kind of fun! The whole experience start to finish was great!

Who is the person who has helped you the most with your show projects?
My dad and mom, they have both been very supportive of all my activities. I am thankful for their support and guidance.


What is your favorite tip about showing?
Relax and take it easy. There is always another shot, another day. Always remember this is about something you love doing so show that in the ring. Be present, intense but not rigid! Smooth is always better than fast…practice, practice, practice!

What’s next in your life?
I have been gearing up for the 2011 show season. So far we have hit one open show and I am really looking forward to the Indiana State Fair. Sporting wise, I was recently selected to Team Indiana Hockey. I had the honor of spending the week in Pittsburg, PA with some of the best high school hockey players in the country. It was an awesome experience! Also, Westfield High School Lacrosse (my high school team) was in the top 12 in the state, so we are going into the State Tournament. Beyond that I am welcoming summer and my senior year of high school.

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