The 2018 Texas Cowboy Reunion Rodeo Hostess, Jennifer Caddell, was formally introduced at a Reveal Luncheon on Saturday, June 2nd, 2018. The TCR has been a special part of Jennifer’s life for many years. She was married to Casey Mathis who was involved in many aspects of the rodeo up until the time of his passing in 1999.
Jennifer Caddell. Photo courtesy of Bearden Photo.
Selecting an official hostess for the TCR is a longstanding tradition in Stamford dating back to the 3rd year of the TCR in 1932. Over the years, some of the duties have changed, as the times have changed, but the hostess is always a local woman selected to welcome visitors to the TCR. Leading up to the TCR, members of the community will host various parties to honor the Hostess. Jennifer will ride in the parade on July 4th, help serve breakfast to the cowgirls competing in slack barrel race on Wednesday and then each night of the Rodeo she will welcome guests to the TCR. Jennifer’s bubbly spirit and love for the community of Stamford makes her a perfect fit to be the official greeter of Stamford during the 88th Texas Cowboy Reunion.
“I love the TCR, it’s like a big family reunion. We get to see friends, that we only get to keep up with through social media, for a week. We laugh and catch up on what’s going on in our lives and we also shed a few tears for the ones who are no longer with us,” said Jennifer.
“I am so proud of the improvements that have been made in the last few years. The hard work and time put in to making the TCR better year after year makes me proud to be from Stamford. I appreciate all their hard work and dedication, and I appreciate Capital Farm Credit’s sponsorship, which has made it possible to add so many improvements to the TCR,” added Jennifer.
Jennifer is the daughter of R. A. and Jinx Shaver. She was born and raised 29 miles north of Stamford in Rochester, TX and has been attending the TCR for more than 30 years. Jennifer graduated from Rochester High School and went on to graduate from Texas Tech University with her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and continued her education at Abilene Christian University, earning a Master’s in Education.
She is married to Dale Caddell and is the proud mother and stepmother to five children: Chandler, Brooklyn Gillit and her husband Caston, McKenzie Sheppard and her husband Colby, Allie, and Cutter. She is also proud to add the title of J-Ma to the latest phase in her life to grandchildren Magnolia and Kiptyn.
Jennifer has been an educator for 22 years and is currently the Director of Special Education for Haskell-Knox Shared Service Arrangement. During her time in education, she has worked in some aspect of educating children with special needs. She is the current President of the School Board for Stamford ISD. Jennifer and Dale, a former Ag Science teacher at Stamford ISD, own 5 Star Show Goats. Dale currently works as a surface land representative for Chevron. They are members of St. John’s United Methodist Church.
When it comes to talking about her accomplishments, Jennifer would rather tell you about her children and how proud she is of each one of them. Chandler lives in Midland and owns RCCB, an oilfield service company. Brooklyn is a R.N. and lives in Abilene with her husband Caston and their 3-month-old son Kiptyn. McKenzie works in real estate in Lubbock. She and her husband Colby are proud parents of 9-month-old Magnolia. Allie will be a 6th grader at Stamford Middle School this fall and is involved in showing goats and pigs, dance, sports, and UIL. Cutter will be a 4th grader at Oliver Elementary and is involved in showing goats and pigs, sports, and UIL events.
Jennifer and Dale’s first date was to the Saturday night performance in 2003. Dale works in the judge’s stand every year and it’s one of the favorite times of the year for the whole family. Jennifer’s favorite event is the Double Mugging, but the Matched Horse Races are a close second. She is looking forward to another great Texas Cowboy Reunion and is thrilled to be the 86th hostess for the 88th Texas Cowboy Reunion.
