Oakwood’s Eli Ronk places first at All-American Quarter Horse Congress, chosen for ILMEA

BY DANI TIETZ
dani@sjodaily.com

What do music and horses have in common?

They are two passions of Oakwood High School’s Eli Ronk.

In both endeavors, Ronk has experienced the fruits of his hard work for many years. Another set of accolades came in October of 2019.

Ronk was recently selected to represent Oakwood High School in the Illinois Music Education Association’s concert band in November.

This isn’t the first time the junior baritone player has been selected for one of the state’s most prestigious bands. As a sophomore, Ronk was able to experience the day-long rehearsal, which leads to a concert in the late afternoon.

“It is amazing to hear so many students playing music in such a large setting,” Ronk said. “It surprises me that it can all come together in just one day, with students coming from all over the district.”

Ronk, who picked up the guitar at the age of 8, has been inspired to continue to hone his passion under the direction of Oakwood Junior High’s Tim Knilands and Oakwood High School’s Carson Grove.

While he gets to learn more about his low-brass instrument in the school setting, Ronk has taken the initiative to learn outside of school: attending the Illinois Summer Youth Music program where he played guitar in the rock band at the University of Illinois for the last three summers.

Taking private lessons from Todd Reynolds at B&J Music has also given him the confidence to attend First Gig in Danville during the last two summers.

Listening to instruction is something Ronk is used to.

For as long as he can remember, he has been working with horses under the direction of his dad, Doug Ronk.

“My Dad also shows horses, so he helps teach me about the horse business and showing,” he said.

While his mom and sister are always there to cheer him on and to make sure that he has what he needs, Ronk also relies on his trainer, John Boxell, to help him understand how to get the best out of his horses.

In October, Ronk competed in the American Quarterhorse Congress in Columbus, taking first place out of 50 competitors.

“The horse show is one of the largest horse shows in the nation,” he said.

“I show Halter Class, which is where you lead the horse into the pen and set up for inspection by the judges. The judges are looking at the horse for confirmation – which is how closely it meets the breed standard.  As the exhibitor, I have to set up the horse the best way to show it in its best form.”

Competiting year-round since he was 8-years-old, Ronk is no stranger to the show ring.

Various 4-H competitions filled his time until he reached junior high age, then Ronk began showing halter horses at American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) competitions in 2014.

He took second place in his first competition, but then captured first place and Grand Champion in both 2017 and 2018.

His success at AQHA has afforded Ronk a space at The World Show every August for the last four years in Oklahoma City. Ronk took Reserve World Champion twice.

Training is challenging, though.

Ronk’s show horses are housed at his trainer’s barn in Springfield. While the teenager helps to take care of the horses on his family’s property, he only gets to work with LU Johnny, a 6-year-old gelding, every once in a while.

“He is very quiet and mindful,” Ronk said.

Growing fond of the horses’ personalities is what keeps Ronk coming back to them.

Previously, Ronk worked with Simply Sirprizin (Parker) and Ima Cool Catch (Yadi).

“I enjoy the experience of showcasing my horse’s talents and being able to work with such amazing animals,” he said.