NJHSRA member, Brieann Schipporeit – JJJ Photo
story by Ruth Nicolaus
Brieann Schipporeit has a good handle on her future career.
The 14-year-old cowgirl who lives in Ainsworth, Neb., loves to debate and does a fine job at it. In fact, she’s so good, her dad tells her she needs to go to school to be an attorney.
Brieann, who is a member of the Nebraska Junior High School Rodeo Association, competes in the barrel racing and pole bending. For her events, she rides a 12-year-old horse named Gunner who is a registered dun paint. The family acquired Gunner a few months ago, and he’s a good one, Brieann says. “He’s really sweet and loves attention.” He can get nervous, and plastic bags spook him.
The cowgirl is an eighth grade student at Ainsworth Public School, where she loves sports. She plays basketball and volleyball and was part of last year’s junior high team that won state in the 4×800 relay. She also participates in the 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, the 100 hurdles, 200 hurdles, and 300 intermediate hurdles. She plays in club volleyball and traveling basketball as well.
Brieann and her family moved from Omaha to Ainsworth three years ago, and it was an adjustment. She misses the malls, friends, and the big schools. But she enjoys living in Ainsworth, because she can ride horses every day and she has more friends.
Brieann also enjoys her pet cats and the family purebred boxer named Zeus.
She has an older sister, Alexandria, who is a senior in college, and an older brother, Blake, who is a sophomore in high school.
