LEXINGTON, Ky. – Other than the fact that one cowhide can produce enough leather to make 20 footballs, 18 soccer balls or 12 basketballs, life on the farm and sports seldom have much in common. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, however, sees a connection.

For the fourth year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have honored student-athletes involved in agriculture. Athletes chosen are eligible for one of six scholarships and recognized as a 2022 Kentucky Ag Athlete of the Year.

“Students who participate in athletics and work in agriculture must juggle work, sports and studies to achieve their goals,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “This program is a way we can recognize their hard work and sacrifice while helping them continue their education.”

To qualify for this honor, student-athletes must be Kentucky farmers or involved in agriculture, must be graduating seniors in high school and be accepted to a college, university or trade school following graduation.

An agriculture major is not required, and preference is given to Kentucky colleges. However, out-of-state schools are considered if the applicant is seeking a specialized degree in an agricultural field.

“Both athletics and agriculture can teach effort, discipline, teamwork, leadership, patience, accountability and respect,” Quarles said. “These skills not only help you through life, but can also translate to a successful academic career.”

Will Hunt, a student-athlete and FFA member at Marion County High in Lebanon, Ky., and Brynn Cooper, a student-athlete and FFA member at Spencer County High School in Taylorsville, Ky., were named Outstanding Ag Athlete of the Year and recipients of a $2,000 scholarship.

At his school, Hunt competed in swimming, baseball and soccer. In FFA, he is a student advisor.

“Will’s family operated a bird game farm, where there are 20,000 game birds on their farm at any given time,” said Makenzie Thomas, Marion County High FFA advisor. “Will is a very self-driven individual and works each day at a local veterinarian’s office. Before school he heads to the vet’s office to assist with surgeries and other care for the animals and oftentimes makes farm calls. He then returns to school for two hours, then he heads back to the vet’s office to complete his day.”

Hunt will attend Morehead State University for pre-vet studies, then will enroll at another university for concentration in his veterinarian major.

Cooper is a captain of the varsity soccer team and track team at her school. She was chosen an all-district soccer player last fall and her team advanced to the regional tournament twice during her high school career. In track, Cooper qualified for state twice.

Cooper is president of the Spencer County FFA chapter. She is currently starting a program with the local Veterans Village where she will use garden therapy to help veterans overcome depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cooper plans to attend the University of Kentucky in the fall, where she will study in the College of Agriculture.

Receiving $1,000 scholarships were Chelsey Logan (Whitley County High, Williamsburg), Robert Bowman III (Lincoln County High School, Stanford), Grace Gough (Union County High School, Morganfield) and Luke Nesler (Graves County High School, Mayfield).

The six athletes were honored during the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen State Tournament at Rupp Arena in Lexington on March 17.

“At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we realize the importance of a solid educational foundation to create great success in life,” Quarles said. “We’re proud of these young athletes and agriculturists and hope these scholarships help cover the ever-rising cost of higher education for those striving for excellence in athletics and agriculture.”

Ninety-five student-athletes (59 female, 36 male) applied for the 2022 Ag Athlete Awards, and a committee selected the winners. 

The scholarships are supported by the “Ag Tag” Fund, financed by voluntary donations from Kentucky motorists when they buy or renew their farm vehicle license plates. Last year, Kentucky farmers donated a record-breaking $731,627 to the Ag Tag Program. The scholarships are just one way the funds are used to support Kentucky’s agriculture youth.