Stories From The Arena, Thanks To Dad

What Father's Day means to our athletes

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June 21, 2026 11:30am EDT

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THANK YOU, DAD

In rodeo, success isn't built alone. It comes from the people who support us, teach us, and encourage us every step of the way. For many of our Justin rodeo athletes, that person was Dad. This Father's Day, we're sharing their stories and celebrating the fathers who taught us the game of life.

A man holding a baby while sitting on a horse.

JESS POPE - 2022 WORLD CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDER

For Jess Pope, being a dad is the most important thing in his career. As Jess puts it: “My gold buckle doesn’t hold a candle to what it means to be a dad. It’s the coolest job I’ve got now”.

TIM O’CONNELL - 3X WORLD CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDER

Tim O’Connell attributes his rodeo successes, and learning how to be an inspiration and a role model to his father, Ray. Tim has looked up to his father his whole life, and hopes to pass those same teachings down to his sons Hazen and Stratten.