Ashland Experiences Freizing Conditions
Deidra Bowling-Meade
The Ashland Beacon
We are experiencing a local Freize early this year as Ashland Paul Blazer Senior, Nate Freize is chilling his competition on all fronts whether it be on the basketball court, football field or inside the show ring at the Boyd County Fair. His dedication and determination to succeed are unmatched. This past weekend, Freize participated in his first time showing at the fair and took home victories as Grand Champion Market Steer and Reserve Grand Champion Showmanship.
Freize grew up around cattle since he was a young boy. He is the third generation of his family to breed and show cattle. Freize shared, “I knew about showing from my older brother, but I never did try it myself. I’d grown up around the farm my entire life playing in the shavings and saw dust. My dad and grandfather bred and showed cattle for years. I always thought it was cool and interesting. My dad is crazy into feed, so we know what the cattle need to eat to look a certain way. I’ve been around it so much, I know what a good one looks like.” It wasn’t until this year, Freize decided to give showing a shot with his steer, Buster. Freize continued, “My father mentioned I could show if I wanted. I said, ‘I’ll do it and give it a shot.’”
Preparing for and showing livestock can be an extremely rewarding and educational experience. You build responsibility, patience, good sportsmanship, good organization, confidence, and respect for animals and people alike. Freize dedicated working with the steer three to four times a week for at least two to three hours a day. This meant putting in longer days after football practice. Freize stated, “Football practice lasted sometimes to six or seven, and I just wanted to nap. I just had to push through it. Papaw was fortunately always there to pick up the slack.” In order to prepare for the livestock showing, Freize had to work with the steer to halter break, lead and prepare for the show ring. Freize described it as “training a 1000-pound dog. The training starts when the animal is younger because you have to get it used to wearing a halter and mind you when leading. I use a show stick that has a pointy end with a hook that goes behind the hooves and gives a little tug to move the animal’s feet to get it positioned and moving around.”
Nate’s mother, Tricia Freize, described the hesitancy she and Nate’s father had at first when Nate decided to participate at the fair, but their minds quickly changed, “Nate puts his all into everything he does. We both thought this would be way too much for him juggling basketball, football and school. But, he said he could, and that’s all we needed to hear. We couldn’t be prouder of how he handled himself in the ring and the whole time he’s been working with it.”
Freize’s steer weighed 1375 pounds, which was one of the biggest shown in Boyd County. It was purchased for a steal price of $3,918.75. Freize plans on saving the money for college. He enjoyed having the opportunity to participate in the Boyd County Fair this year. Freize remarked, “I like showing. It’s fun. I enjoy learning about something different. It’s crazy how there is a whole world of cattle. I’ve met great people through this experience.” Freize’s goal is to show again in the future and even go to the Kentucky State Fair.
Ryan Bonner, head coach for the Ashland Boys Basketball Team, praised Freize, “I am excited to see where the future takes him when he goes out into the real world because he has a way of finding success in no matter what he takes on. I’m incredibly proud of Nate for his accomplishments on and off the court/field, but more importantly, I’m proud of him for the outstanding young man he is.”
Tricia Freize shared that same sentiment about her son, “He’s such a great human and a blessing to everyone who knows him. Sky is the limit for this one.” She laughed, “I told him he was going to be famous one day.”
Congratulations Nate Freize on all your accomplishments thus far and setting an example for others to follow.