Tom B. Saunders IV Cattleman of the Year
Award — Luke Williams
At the age of 15, Luke Williams
already has big shoes for the next
generation to fill. The pro team
roper became the number one
header in the world in his class last
December, after being awarded the
Junior National Finals Rodeo World
Champion Header title. Starting
his roping career at the young age
of four, Luke began competing in
rodeo events at the age of five. He
was introduced to the world of
team roping at 12 by his dad, Shane
Williams.
Luke’s mother, Kit Williams, said
he enjoyed any rodeo event, and
competed in every category he could
qualify in.
“As he aged, he began branching
out in breakaway calves and team
roping,” she said.
Luke made it to the state finals for
three consecutive years in his junior
high days, earning sixth place in the
tie-down calf roping event during his
8th-grade year. Luke also earned a
few buckles for his team roping abili-
ties.
“As his mother, honestly I couldn’t
be more proud of him,” Kit said. “It’s
his passion. He is driven and very
focused.”
Luke is also kept grounded at
home, earning the right to compete.
He has chores around the house and
barn, and is required to keep his
grades up if he wants to spend time
in the saddle.
Luke worked hard to win the
2016 World Champ Header title for
ages 13 to 15 at the American Junior
Rodeo Association. Luke earned the
2017 Junior NFR Header title along-
side J.R. Gonzalez, his heeler, who
he met at a qualifying roping event.
On being the junior team roping
champs, Luke said he was a bit
nervous as he entered the arena, but
he had all the assurance in the world
knowing Gonzalez was his partner.
“It feels pretty good. I’m not going
to lie,” Luke said, unsure if the reality
has set in yet.
The one thing he was certain of
was his ability and that of his partner.
Luke is thankful to his sponsors
who have supported him, but is most
thankful to God and his parents.
“I owe gratitude to God for grant-
ing me the ability and determina-
tion,” Luke said. “My parents have
always been my biggest fans. I’m
lucky to have parents who are so
supportive. I consider myself very
blessed, and I’m fortunate enough to
have them backing me.”
Congratulations
Amanda Howard
Jim Duncan Regal Realtor Award
Amanda Howard
Team Realty
Beth Dickens
Broker/Owner
GRI,SRES
Weichert REALTORS, Team Realty
817-598-0988
[email protected]
www.wrteamrealty.com
406 S Main St, Weatherford, TX 76086
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