Jackson, Mississippi (March 18, 2000)- Fourteen-year-old Andrew Hestad took home the championship title in the Junior Youth division of the 1999 Chevy Trucks Eastern National Championships in Jackson, Mississippi held at the Mississippi State Fair Grounds Equine Center, presented by the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA).

Riding Aprils March, a 10-year-old mare he calls his favorite, Hestad scored a 221 for the win which came with his first ever visit to the competition in his four years of cutting. Hestad, of Jackson, Georgia, said before winning the finals, his proudest moment in the cutting pen was winning the reserve championship at the 1999 Augusta Futurity Scholarship cutting. He is also the 1999 Georgia Cutting Horse Association Youth Champion. Aprils March is owned by Joann Simms of.

When asked about his winning ways Hestad commented, "I just try to have confidence in myself and to not get nervous.

"I've just got to go in there saying whatever I do is good and my dad's going to take me to the Waffle House for dinner!"

In addition to the championship title, Smith received a $500 scholarship sponsored by J Bar A Ranch owned by Adyn and Jana Schuyler, official NCHA trophy, NCHA Trophy Gist buckle, Chevy Jacket, Sooner Trailer back-pack, Cowboy Tack saddle blanket, Professional's Choice Products and Stetson hat.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida resident Jamie Sokol took home the Junior Youth Reserve Championship of the 1999 Chevy Trucks Eastern Nationals riding Peppy Sandalena for a score of 218.5. In addition to being a star athlete in the cutting pen, Sokol also enjoys barrel racing and science class.

Sokol was awarded a $500 scholarship sponsored by J Bar A Ranches, Gist buckle, Chevy jacket, Cowboy Tack breast Collar, Professional's Choice Products and a Sooner Trailer back-pack.

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