story by Laramie Dearing
Big dreams and aspirations? This cowboy’s got them. Son of Rodney and Venita Dearing, Kreece Dearing is a 15 year-old all-around cowboy from small town, Paradise, Texas. Working to meet his goals, Kreece competes in calf roping, team roping, ribbon roping, chute dogging, and steer wrestling. “I love each and every event I work at, but if I had to choose one to be my favorite it would be calf roping. I absolutely love calf-roping because it is an adrenaline filled event. It is just the horse and you as a team and it is cool to see the work you put in and the result in the end.” An eighth grader from Abeka Christian Academy, Kreece excels in not only the arena but in school as well where he is an A-Honor roll student. He enjoys learning and discovering new things. “Science is the most interesting subject in my opinion. I love the math involved and being able to see all of what God created and study how everything has evolved over time is awesome.” In the future, Kreece wants to further his studies at Texas A&M University and pursue a career in equine dentistry. “Personally, I want to focus on my school but I would also like to rodeo in college and build from there. After college I would like to start pro-rodeoing and compete in calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and steer roping. I also hope to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.”
Kreece competes in the American Junior Rodeo Associations well as the Texas High School Rodeo Association. His many meticulous hours spent in the arena practicing are displayed proudly through his accomplishments. His achievements consist of; Texas Junior High State Reserve Champion Ribbon Roper, National Qualifier, Texas Circuit Finals Junior All-Around Cowboy, Top 5 in the 13-15 Tie-Down at AJRA Finals 2019, Region III All-Around Junior High Cowboy, Region III Rookie Cowboy, 2 Time Junior National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, and 2017 Las vegas Resistol Top 3 Tie-Down.
When he is not diligently working in the arena Kreece loves devoting his time to helping enlighten others to the goodness of our western heritage. He spends time training ponies to sell to families with kids who hope to start on their rodeo journey. Still a kid at heart, Kreece has a passion for spending time around what he calls his “littles”. He’s passionate about helping and hanging around younger cowboys and cowgirls who he gives riding and roping lessons to. “I love being around my littles. I teach them things but what is so cool is that they teach me things too. We’ll spend hours in the arena practicing but also having fun and I’m super blessed to have that opportunity.”
He is an active member in Paradise 4-H where he participates in the horse project and leadership building programs. Henceforth, Kreece has gained the opportunity to be an instructor at STEMania where he educates over 300 kids the math behind the simple swing of a rope. “I love working with others and working to be a good influence on others. My parents have taught me to love others as I do myself. God is the ultimate leader and I do my best to be an example of Him.” A firm believer in the potential to always be better, Kreece loves watching and studying cowboys with more experience. “If I had to choose just one cowboy I would have to say my role model is Tyson Durfey. He’s very inspirational and I always loved watching him perform. He is so good at his job and is very humble and faithful.” Kreece knows greatness is not what you have but what you give back. Serving comes naturally as he is always volunteering around his community to help. He attends Grace Fellowship where he helps serve around the church family and facility where he is needed. “I do my best to keep God in the center of my life. He is my foundation and without him I wouldn’t be able to live out his goodness and enjoy his blessings. One of my favorite Bible verses is Micah 7:8, ‘For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”
**Author’s Note: As his sister, it is mind-blowing to see your sibling grow into a determined and driven person who is after God’s heart. There’s a sense of pride seeing the effort Kreece puts forth on a daily basis and the outcome he deserves.
