story by Michele Toberer
With just one season of competition in the Louisiana Junior High School Rodeo Association under his belt, CJ Covalt was able to win one of the most coveted top-10 world champion buckles to adorn it at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo this June. CJ joined the LJHRA as an 8th grader and began competing in tie-down roping and ribbon roping with his partner Lexi Lege, roping his way to not only the LJHSRA state finals, but also to becoming a national finals qualifier in both events his rookie year. While at nationals, he had a strong start to the tie-down competition and was excited to make it back to the short go in 6th place. After roping his calf in the short go, CJ proudly left South Dakota with a shiny new buckle representing his 5th place in the world tie-down success. CJ is grateful to Lexi’s family, especially her dad, Carl Lege for much of the help and support that has put him where he is. CJ had been riding horses for several years but was a beginning roper when Carl offered to help the young cowboy with his skills. CJ even rode one of the Lege family’s horses to compete; a 20-year-old bay gelding that they call Starbucks. “I really like competing in the LJHSRA, there are lots of people willing to help and you meet so many people that you otherwise would never have the chance to meet if you just went to local rodeos.”
CJ, short for Calvin John, is 15 years old and calls Youngsville, Louisiana home. He lives there with his parents, Danielle and Clyde Covalt, his sister Cyla, 16, and brother Coby, 18. Coby competed in LHSRA mainly as a team roper, but sometimes also competed in the tie-down roping, and Cyla who had mostly competed at local barrel races, has just joined the LHSRA this year. Clyde works as a fiberglass fabricator for Defi Fiberglass.
When CJ has free time, he always enjoys hanging out with his friends, but he is typically too busy keeping up with a schedule filled with classes at Erath High, football practice and roping practice. CJ just began his freshman year of high school, and especially enjoys his Algebra-1 class. This is CJ’s second year playing football, and you can find him on the Bobcats’ field as an outside linebacker or running back. “Whatever CJ does, he gives it 100%, he always gives it is all whether it is in football or rodeo, he is very dedicated,” Danielle explained about her son. CJ has been involved in 4-H since he was in third grade, and each year he raises, shows and sells market hogs. “We usually buy our pig in July or August and raise them until we have our 4-H show and auction in January.” At home CJ also helps to care for the family’s horses and dogs. Although calf roping is what CJ is most passionate about, he has also begun team roping and heels on a sorrel mare named Honeybee that his cousin Brock Simon owns and lets him ride whenever he needs.
After high school, CJ aspires to go to college, considering Louisiana State University or McNeese State University, and he would like to continue playing football and competing in rodeo through college. CJ ultimately hopes to one day become a professional diesel mechanic.
“I try to tell myself before I compete, ‘go make a run, and have fun’ because that’s what it’s really all about.” CJ is very appreciative of the families that allow him to enjoy what he loves, “I would like to thank the Lege family and my mom, dad, brother and sister. I appreciate all they do to support me.”
