Name: Clay Williams

Age: 17

Home State: Georgia

Species and Breeds Shown: Angus Heifers

Favorite Breed: Angus
Why? My dad grew up only showing Angus, but I have come to love the breed and it's association. I have many life-lasting friends that I have gained from this association.

Favorite Stock Show: National Junior Angus Show and Natioanl Western
Why? I enjoy NJAS for the reason that it is just a real relaxed and junior based show. I enjoy the National Western for the reason that it is so different from the shows in Georgia as well as a different crowd of people.

Favorite Judge: Levi Douglas of Oklahoma and Frank Jackson of Minnesota
Why? Every time I have shown under Levi, he has made everyone in the ring comfortable; he knows how to just keep those nerves out of the ring. Of course you have to include the judge that you have done really well under and that is Frank Jackson for me.

How old were you when you first started showing? 12 years old

What is your biggest accomplishment in the show ring? This past summer at NJAS, when the judge went to talk my heifer, instead he complimented me by saying I was one of the best showman to go through the ring that week. It definately blind sighted me when he said that.

Who is your hero? My granddad. He has looked death straight in the eye and was never scared. He has taught me so much about life in general and how to enjoy every moment that you have. If it wasn't for him, I would not have the chance to exercise my passion of working and showing cattle.

If you could go to lunch with anyone at a stock show, who would it be and why? Matt Shirley; he is one of the funniest but hardest working persons that has ever worked for my dad and I. Plus, I have never seen anyone eat like him and it is just amazing to see how much he can handle.

Who is the person who has helped you the most with your projects? My dad and Adam Verner. My dad taught me all the basics and Adam teaches me something more advanced each time I see him.

On a typical school day, what time do you have to get up in the morning? 7:30am, I am one of the few that does not work the heifers before school!

What is your daily routine you use when working with your project? School, snack when I get home, then to the barn, work calves for about 3 hours, feed them, eat supper and do my school work.

Favorite tip about showing: Show your calf in showmanship, not yourself.

What's your typical show ring attire? Light blue button down collared shirt, starched cinch jeans, and my cowboy boots (showmanship day), comfortable boots ( heifer show day).

Do you do anything differently when you're in showmanship versus when you're just showing in the ring? I try not to do anything different.

If you have a choice, would you rather wash the animals or get them dry? Get them dry.

Besides showing, what are your hobbies? I gave up all of my sports to focus on the cattle, so I guess I would have to say watching any UGA athletics GOOOOOO DAWGS!

About how many shows to you get to go to each year? 10

What's the one show supply you just couldn't live without on show day? Kleen Sheen

Do you have any "good luck charms" about showing? No

Favorite Magazine: Angus Journal

Favorite Web Site: UGAsports.com

If you have two animals that win classes, who would be your #1 choice to help you show your other animal in the champion drive (adult or junior)? Whoever is free and can stick one good!

You just won Grand Champion at the biggest show ever. You and your family get a free dinner at any restaurant of your choice. Where would you pick? Leta's on the Square, Perry, Georgia.