So what does a record-setting quarterback do during the off season besides lift weights and attend summer workouts to get ready for the upcoming season, when his team will defend their first ever Class A state championship?
For Escalante senior Reynaldo Atencio, it’s raising prize-winning livestock with his younger brothers Estevan and Tomas on the ranch of parents Felipe and Ruby Atencio in Tierra Amarilla.
At the Rio Arriba County Fair Saturday at the County Fairgrounds south of Abiquiú, Estevan was the proud winner of the grand champion goat buckle, while Reynaldo took home the reserve champion award. Both were showing Boer goats from their flock of five does and a buck they’ve started.
“Our cousin (Abigail Martinez) did it and we started to do it,” Reynaldo said. “It was pretty fun. I’ve always liked animals. Just being outdoors is fun for me.”
Reynaldo set state records last season leading the Lobos to a state championship, scoring 49 touchdowns and 322 points. Raising animals taught him a lesson that served him well in football.
“Commitment,” he said. “You have to be out there every morning taking care of them.”
The work continues later in the day.
“You run and work with them in the afternoon,” Estevan said.
Growing up on a farm has helped him cope with the stress of being a teenager.
“It’s quiet and peaceful,” he said. “Whenever something is wrong you can go there and unwind.”
The brothers also raised pigs, a steer and a heifer this year.
Football practice started Monday and the Lobos will be looking to rebuild their line, graduating four of their five starting linemen.
“He might be my center this year,” Reynaldo said, pointing at Estevan, who will be a sophomore at Escalante.
For father Felipe, raising livestock has helped his sons grow and mature.
“It has taught them responsibility,” he said. “With all they have on their plates, it takes a toll on them. I’ve watched them grow as individuals. It’s really built their character, instilled them with a good work ethic and taught them respect. They’re really hard-working boys.”
Hen winner
The lessons that the Atencios have learned are also being taught at a young age to Jordan Trujillo III, who at the tender age of four raised a Dutch Brown hen chicken that ended up taking third place at the County Fair.
It was his first time showing at the Fair.
“You have to teach them,” he said “Feed them, walk with them. Give them worms.”
Jordan is the son of Jordan Jr. and Michelle Trujillo from Española. They are part of a family that did well at the County Fair.
Cousin Isaiah, 7, showed a Frizzle rooster that took first place.
“I had to give it water,” Isaiah Trujillo said. “Catch grasshoppers to feed them. Give them weeds and green alfalfa.”
That’s not all he does, although he’s shy about saying it.
“Tell them everything else you do,” grandfather Virgil Trujillo said. “He also raises pheasants, gathers the eggs and he can catch any chicken in the pen. Next year, he wants to raise a calf and a rabbit.”
Virgil and Isabel Trujillo are Isaiah’s grandparents. He’s the son of Ventura Trujillo and Josanna Gonzales of Abiquiú.
Virgil and Isabel’s daughter Chavela, 15, took home awards for Western Pleasure, showmanship, halter, barrel racing and pole bending. She received a buckle for her all around senior horsemanship at the Fair.
Chavela also showed her rabbits and chickens at the County Fair.
Poultry and rabbit competitions are open to any County resident of any age.