We caught up with Mr. Cooper Maxwell, the Champion Overall Market Showman at the 2025 Oklahoma Youth Expo. Learn a little more about Cooper below!
What does it mean to you to selected as one of the best showman at OYE this year?
I feel very blessed. I am thankful to have a family and team that push me to be better everyday, and Mamba, the lamb I earned this title with.
What has been the hardest thing for you to learn as a showman?
Learning to balance intensity and calmess in the ring. There is a fine-line between being intense enough to stand out and being calm enough to move around the ring smoothly.
How have you overcome the obstacles you have faced as a showman?
To combat my height, I have learned to lean back a bit and hold the lamb’s head away from my body to keep the lamb right and my posture correct.
What is one thing you do that sets yourself apart?
I start showing before I enter the ring. I think it is important to have front feet set and making eye contact with the judge before you enter the ring to set yourself apart from everyone else entering.
If you had to pick a favorite judge, who would it be and why?
Andrew Anderson, he has a really positive energy in the ring and describes livestock very correctly.
What is a habit that you really want to break?
I would to slow down a little bit on the walk and match the speed of my lamb better.
What is your favorite part of OYE?
The Grand Drive and Night of Champions
