JEFF FIELDER Editor
BAYARD – Hallie Cochran, a senior at Bayard High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Cochran is in her second year as a starting outside hitter on Bayard’s varsity volleyball team (4-11). She’s also a starter on the Tigers’ varsity basketball team. In addition, she’s involved in FFA, National Honor Society, and 4-H. After she graduates from high school, she plans to attend either Eastern Wyoming College or the University of Wyoming. She wants to pursue a vet science degree. Her parents are Chet and Julie Cochran. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Cochran will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: Talk about how the volleyball season has been going for Bayard.
COCHRAN: “It’s definitely been a learning process. The sportsmanship is there and the talent is there, but we need to come together and make sure we play to the best of our ability every game.”
Q: What are Bayard’s goals for the rest of the season?
COCHRAN: “Our goal is to finish strong. We play in one of our conference tournaments this Thursday in Bridgeport. We’re aiming pretty high in that tournament, and, hopefully, we can achieve some good things in [the postseason]. We have high goals.”
Q: What will Bayard’s goals be for the basketball season?
COCHRAN: “I think we’re going to have a good team. I hope we can achieve some of the goals that we didn’t quite meet last year. We’ll have some freshmen who will help speed up our offense. They’re used to running, so they’ll want to get going at a faster pace.”
Q: How much do you like participating in FFA?
COCHRAN: “I really enjoy it because you can do different competitions, and you learn a lot in FFA.”
Q: How did the county fairs go for you in 4-H?
COCHRAN: “I got the grand overall showman and reserve overall market steer in Bridgeport.
In Scottsbluff I got reserve overall showman in beef and reserve lightweight division steer.”
Q: Was that the best you’ve ever performed in a county fair?
COCHRAN: “For showmanship, yes. I had been working really hard to achieve my personal goals.”
Q: How many years have you been involved in 4-H?
COCHRAN: “I started showing when I was 10.”
Q: How has 4-H helped shape you as a person?
COCHRAN: “It definitely teaches you about responsibility. You have to look after the animals before you look after yourself because they depend on you. It’s also taught me to have patience.”
Q: What got you interested in vet science?
COCHRAN: “Just living on the farm you get to be around a whole bunch of different things, and I’ve had opportunities to go to the vet. I’ve seen how they can treat the animals. It’s something that I’m really interested in.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed going to school in Bayard?
COCHRAN: “I’ve enjoyed it a lot. There’s a lot of people who have the same interests as me. It’s nice because when I talk about something that’s happened on the farm, they know what I’m talking about.”
Q: What is your favorite class this school year?
COCHRAN: “I would say pre-calc.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher has made the biggest influence on you?
COCHRAN: “I’ve had a lot of great teachers make sure I’m accomplishing my goals and doing the right stuff to make my future better.”
Q: What type of music do you like listening to?
COCHRAN: “I like a variety of music.”
Q: Do you have a favorite TV show?
COCHRAN: “Not really. I don’t watch much TV.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
COCHRAN: “Hang out with friends or go to the gym and work on basketball. I also like hanging out with my family.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Bayard High School?
COCHRAN: “I would say Ella Maser. This year we’ve grown closer and have become pretty good friends. She’s a senior. She’s always there to help people. If someone is having a bad day, she can always cheer them up. She’s a kind-hearted person.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
COCHRAN: “Get involved in agriculture.”
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
COCHRAN: “Rosita’s [in Scottsbluff]”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
COCHRAN: “Yes, I have a younger brother, Connor Cochran. He’s in eighth grade at Gering Junior High.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC – American Family Insurance, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
