story by Kyle Eustice
According to her father, 12-year-old Quincy Sullivan was so nervous prior to her first interview, the Peralta, N.M. native asked if she “needed to dress up.” There was no indication, however, the NMJRHS “Rookie of the Year” was anxious at all.
After all, Quincy tackles everything with courage. Her parents, Russell and Shacey Sullivan, have watched their daughter blossom over the past year as she dove into her first year in the JRHS.
Naturally, rodeo has always been an integral part of Quincy’s life. Her 88-year-old grandfather Larry Cohorn still ropes, Russell team ropes and calf ropes while her mother Shacey breakaway ropes and barrel races. Quincy does a little bit of everything, including team roping, breakaway and poles. Quincy was riding with her parents before she could walk.
“I got my first horse, Cowboy, when I was 4,” said Quincy. “I won my first saddle two weeks later.”
In May 2016, Quincy won the all-around at the NMJRHS. Her parents, of course, were extremely proud of how far she’d come in such a short amount of time.
“It was the best feeling ever,” said Quincy.
“She did well for her first year at NMJRHS,” added Russell. “She made the short round in all six of her events and she gets to go the nationals in three out of the six events.”
The Sullivans are gearing up for the National Junior High Finals in Tennessee, where Quincy hopes to continue her winning streak. She looks forward to the camaraderie at each event.
“I love being able to compete with other kids,” said Quincy. “I meet a lot of friends there. I love it.”
As a student at Canyon Christian Academy in Belen, N.M., Quincy recently finished 6th grade and is on her way to junior high, although her favorite subject is “recess.” She also plays point guard in the Albuquerque Youth Basketball League. If she could eat anything, it would be steak and potatoes. She loves listening to country music and helping her little brother Dax, 7, hone his rodeo skills.
On the road, if she has a little time off, she usually goes swimming or heads to the movies. Her goals are already set in stone.
“I want to be the first girl to make it in the team roping event at the NFR Finals,” said Quincy. “I just have to practice, practice, practice.”
Fortunately, Russell is an independent contractor for several different banks and mortgage companies, so he can set his own schedule. He’s able to drive Quincy to her events whenever necessary.
The Sullivans live on a little farm in Peralta with an alfalfa crop, horses and an arena for Quincy to use for practice. Additionally, they own a ranch about 100 miles away in Monticello, N.M., which has been in the family for over 100 years.
Quincy’s family also owns four dogs—Bella, Harley, Cookie, and Chip. “I love dogs,” said Quincy. With school, rodeo events, practice, basketball, and swimming, she’s a busy young lady, but her focus is laser sharp.
“The whole family ropes together,” said Russell. “Quincy wants to make the NFR Finals in barrel racing and team roping. As her parents, we can keep good horses for her to ride, provide her with lots of practice and have everything ready to go so she can get better. I’m really proud of her. It’s been amazing to watch.”
