Canadian High School seniors Cooper and Carsen Norris recently signed with the rodeo team in Vernon College to compete in breakaway roping. The twin sisters signed with the school’s head rodeo coach, Marty Eakin, here in Canadian and look forward to an “official” signing when the the coronavirus crisis ends. The two young women have been rodeoing since they were 8 years old, and have worked towards pursuing their rodeo career at the college level. Both compete in the Texas High School Rodeo Association Region 1, where Carson was ranked No. 1 in breakaway roping when the 2019-20 season was abruptly postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “I am really excited for the opportunities to come, and ready to get to work,” said Cooper. “I am grateful for the opportunity Coach Eakin has given me,” Carsen commented. Cooper and Carsen are the daughters of Jered and Lindsay Norris. The Vernon College women’s rodeo team was ranked eighth in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Southwest Region standings at the end of February 2020, when the season was ended.

Higgins senior Cora Watson signed her letter of intent to play basketball with Clarendon College on Wednesday, April 15. In her final season as a Lady Coyote, she proved that she is more than up to the task, averaging 21.4 points, 3.7 assists, and 4.4 steals per game. Watson was selected as District 1-1A MVP for the 2019-20 school year, and named to the Texas Six-Man Coaches All-Star game. She also received 1A All-Region and second-team girls All-Star honors. Although Watson signed in front of just a small gathering, she emerged from the building to meet a chorus of car horns celebrating her success. Watson is the daughter of Jason and Carla Watson of Higgins. PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY

Former Canadian Wildcat Cameron Copley was among 21 student-athletes named last week to the inaugural Lone Star Conference Athletic Performance All-Conference team. Cameron is one of the leaders of the Lubbock Christian University Chaps basketball team, despite the fact that he is only a sophomore.

In an update to city council members Monday evening, Canadian/Hemphill County Economic Development Council President Heath Mitchell reported that $35,000 in emergency grant funding has already been sent to local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown.