When Dan Crownover graduated from Italy High School in 2010, unlike some graduates that were undecided, he knew what path he wanted to travel. He did not, however, realize that path would take him “down under”. Crownover, a student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, will leave for Australia in June with other Tech students to install Teys systems across six beef plants. The goal is to optimize the way they grade and sort beef to deliver a more consistent consumer product.

”I am on the Meat Judging Team at Tech,” Crownover said. “They asked for volunteers that were willing to apply for the opportunity to go to Australia to help this summer. I applied and was accepted.”

As a freshman, Dan was a member of the Wool Judging team that placed first at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. As a Sophomore, he was a member of the Meat Judging Team that received 1st Place honors at the National Western Stock show in Denver, Colorado and 1st Place at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas.

Dan is no stranger to success. In high school, his Angus Heifer won back to back Grand Champion honors at the Ft. Worth Stock Show.

“I love working with cattle and enjoyed showing them,” he said. “I would love to own my own ranch someday and raise Angus cattle. I love the path I am on and cannot wait to see where life takes me. ”

One of Crownover’s favorite memories at Italy High School was playing on the Gladiator basketball team that advanced to Regionals two years in a row.

“Coach Holley and Coach Mayberry are two of my role models and the people I look up to the most,” he explained. “They positively impacted my life and taught me that ability will not get you where you want to be without hard work. I hope I will remember what they taught me and use it to succeed in life.”

“A lot of people have the wrong idea about what makes someone successful,” he explained. “I know making my parents and grandparents proud of me is true success. When I look at the smiles on my parents faces as I walk across the stage and receive my college degree, I will know what true success is.”

Crownover’s major is in Interdisciplinary Agriculture with a minor in Animal Science. His goal is to attain a master’s degree with a job focus on sales and marketing. He would hope to be a part of a corporate team in any career field, not just agriculture.

Dan is very serious about his studies, but he also loves to have fun. Playing golf is one of his favorite hobbies.

“Even though I am not very good at it, I love playing golf. My dad told me to play to have fun. He said that when I realized I was not the next Tiger Woods, I would have fun with it. I know I will never be the next Tiger Woods or play pro golf so I am really enjoying the game.”

When Dan graduates, it will be bittersweet for him because several people he looked up to the most will not be there. His grandparents, Roy and Bernyce Crownover and Martha Green have passed away.

“I love all my family. But, I was closer to my grandmother, Bernyce, because I spent more time with her, especially after my grandfather passed away,” he explained. “I hope I can be like her. She always did the right things for the right reasons. Even after she moved from Italy to Waxahachie, she drove back down here every week to deliver meals on wheels. She was the most amazing, giving person I have ever known. I hope to follow in her footsteps. I also hope to have a positive impact on our community just like she did. I love Italy and am very thankful for the people that have supported me in whatever I was doing. I hope they will always have a reason to be proud of me.”

Dan is the son of Dale and Julie Crownover of Italy.