story by Ruth Nicolaus
Gavin Novotny is in his final year as a member of the Nebraska Junior High School Rodeo Association.The Denton, Nebraska cowboy competes in the team roping (heeling for his brother Garrett), ribbon roping (roping for Bradie Crouse), breakaway roping and goat tying.
For the breakaway, he rides a ten-year-old gray gelding named Nitro. For the goat tying, he rides a ten-year-old sorrel mare named Pepper, who “has quite a motor,” he said. He heels on both horses, depending on the arena setup. Nitro is for the shorter setups, “where things happen quicker,” he said. “If we have to run and get one, I ride Pepper because she’s faster.”
He just finished his eighth grade year at Norris Public School, where he loves being with his friends and American History class. He loves studying about the nation but he is not crazy about algebra class. “Most stuff in school comes naturally to me but I have to work at (algebra) to understand it. It frustrates me sometimes.”
Gavin plays football, basketball, and is on the honor roll. He was confirmed in church this past spring.
His favorite teacher was his third grade teacher, Mr. Shanahan. “He was a great teacher,” Gavin said. “He taught me a lot. I liked him. It was like you could talk to him like a friend. You weren’t nervous to talk to him.”
For fun, Gavin loves to hang out with friends and shoot hoops, either at someone’s house or at the new community center in Hickman.
He loves to watch movies, especially to pass the time while traveling. His favorite movie is Saving Private Ryan.
If he was given $1 million, he’d “put up a nice indoor arena and buy lots of ropes.” He knows where he’d like the arena. “My mom would never approve of the idea but I’d put it right off the deck.” His mom wouldn’t be crazy about the location because it would block the scenic view from the house.
The most fun he’s ever had on a trip was when he and his grandpa visited England, Scotland and Ireland for two weeks. They toured 900-year-old castles, which were stunning because of the architecture. Gavin’s favorite place to see on the trip was Westminster Abbey: “it was amazing.”
His favorite meal his grandma makes is meatloaf and homemade macaroni and cheese. His favorite dessert is ice cream cake, and his favorite drink is the Arnold Palmer. He likes M&Ms (nearly any kind), and loves to snack on chocolate chip cookies.
When he grows up, he’d like to be a veterinary pharmaceutical representative.
Gavin competed at the 2018 state junior high finals and also competes in Little Britches Rodeo. He has qualified for and competed at the Little Britches Association Finals the past two years.
He has a younger brother, Garrett, who is twelve. He is the son of Brent and Kelly Novotny.
