For most fans at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the calf scramble lasts only a few exciting moments. For Klein Oak High School junior Andrew Marks, it marked the beginning of a months-long journey.
After winning the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo calf scramble, Marks earned the opportunity to purchase and raise his first show heifer as part of his FFA project.
KPRC 2’s Brittany Jeffers will follow his journey over the coming months as he prepares to return to the rodeo.
Marks remembers the excitement of stepping onto the dirt inside NRG Stadium.
“Getting to walk out of the tunnel... neon lights flashing... when they drop the hat, you don’t hear anything anymore,” he said.
Although he walked away with the win, Marks said he didn’t have much of a strategy going into the event.
“I had no idea what I was doing,” he said.
His victory allowed him to purchase a heifer named Benelli from a breeder in Willis. The 6-month-old heifer weighs just over 700 pounds and has become part of Marks’ daily routine.
Every day starts before sunrise and ends after dark as Marks balances school, a part-time job and caring for his animal.
“Very early mornings, late nights, every day before school and after school just getting ready for the rodeo,” Marks said.
He admits juggling everything can be challenging, but says the barn is where he wants to be.
“It’s time-consuming, and I do my best to spread my time out evenly, but it’s hard when I just want to be here,” he said.
Marks says raising Benelli has taught him patience, discipline and responsibility, making the experience about much more than preparing for a livestock show.
“It’s really a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to do this,” Marks said.
KPRC 2 will continue following Marks’ journey as he works toward showing Benelli at the next Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and hard work that goes into raising a show animal.