We caught up with Ava Massucci to talk about her crossbred barrow, Vector, and a busy week balancing college and the show ring.

Tell us a little bit about your champion:
I showed my crossbred barrow, Vector, at Winter National. We also won our youth expo, PAYLE. He is bred by Will Hilty, sired by Mainline, and backed on an Absolute × Cruel Intentions sow.

Who is somebody that helped you achieve this win?
Will Hilty and my parents helped me achieve my win. They’re always in my corner, and Will always made sure we were feeding the barrow right so he could look his very best.

What was the most challenging homework you had to make up?
I started my spring semester of college the week of Perry, so I had quite a bit to make up — definitely my philosophy class!

What was a challenge you had to overcome with your champion or at the show?
Vector’s favorite thing to do was somehow get out of his pen and destroy the barn… and cords! So that was a never-ending challenge. We had to redesign his pen to make it “Vector-proof” and more secure.

What’s your go-to snack in the snack tub?
Goldfish — the snack that smiles back!