Putting Athens on the Map
Veterans day weekend in Athens, TX has started gaining attention in the past few years with the growth of Pat Hooper Leatherwrks Annual Veterans Day Steer Wrestling Jackpot.
Pat is a guy who is always looking to provide the best quality possible, and contestants at his event are quick to comment on the tough competition, fabulous arena, and great prizes. This year’s big winners were Riley Duvall and Brandon Harrison.
Champion
Riley Duvall, a PRCA steer wrestler and 2-time NFR competitor from Checotah, Oklahoma, was the overall champion at the jackpot. His winnings consisted of $4,200 and a beautiful saddle made by Hooper himself. Black leather with white buck stitching, the saddle has a unique look, making it all the more coveted.
Riley’s win came while riding a horse named Gator, owned by Shane Fry. Gator is 17 years old and Riley has only ridden him twice. However, both rides were at jackpots and both rides led to wins, so Gator and Riley seem to make a good team. In addition to being a competitor, Riley had another special role that weekend. He was selecting steers for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) as the Event Director for the Steer Wrestling, a testament to the quality of steers Pat Hooper procured from Jeff Miller.
Reserve Champion
Brandon Harrison, a PRCA steer wrestler from Cheeks, Texas took home the reserve champion title in a moment that was particularly memorable to him as his whole family was there cheering him on in person. Sporting events for the kids often make it hard for them to attend his rodeos. Harrison entered twice, winning first and second in the short round and 2nd and 5th in the average. Two horses carried him to these wins, Dexter, owned by Jay Williams, and Pop Rocks, owned by Gary Gilbert. Dexter is a 19 year old diamond in the rough while Pop Rocks is a 7 year old quickly making a name for himself.
Photo credit to Hailee Wynne
As reserve champion, Brandon took home $2,800 as well as a horse blanket sponsored through partnership with Rodeo University. While he was grateful for the quality of the steers and the NFR level competition, he was most appreciative of the family friendly environment Hooper’s jackpot provides. Having a jackpot that pays well in a nice arena and being able to pair it with quality folks in attendance, bathrooms, and concessions makes for a great weekend for the whole family.
Family Traditions
Both men share a family history of steer wrestling. Brandon grew up with his father, Bobby Harrison, giving him a firm foundation in the sport. Riley’s family is filled with steer wrestlers who have seen many NFRs and world championships, from his great-uncle Roy Duvall to his father Sam, his uncle Spud, and his grandfather Bill.
Back on the Road
Both Riley and Brandon have great plans for the months ahead as they burn up the rodeo road, carrying the momentum of this win into the next one. In the meantime, Pat is planning next year’s jackpot and continuing the tradition of making every year better. From the words of Riley, Brandon, and other competitors like Sam Lewis, the bull dogging guys can’t wait for next November in Athens.
