Two trucks & $90K – not bad for a weekend of roping
By Judith Pannebaker 
What’s better than spending Labor Day with family and friends and doing what you love best in the world – roping? Doing all that and driving home in a brand new pickup with lots of money burning a hole in your pocket.
Brian Henderson and Jaret Hawkins, grandson of Martin and Peggy Jeffers of Bandera, have known each other since grade school. Now in their 20s, the two graduated from Tom Moore High School in Ingram.
During the recent Labor Day weekend, the talented rodeo competitors took on the challenge of a Tulley Productions Team Roping at the San Antonio Rose Palace in Leon Springs. For those not in the rodeo “timed event know,” the Rose Palace is the home of the “George Strait Team Roping Classic” and owned by Texas’ favorite country western singer himself.
For days, Henderson and Hawkins roped with each other and with other partners, but always backed one another in the arena. However, when the dust finally settled after the four-day event, the best buds each drove away in a new 2009 Dodge truck – and just a little under $90,000 of cash and prizes in their collective pockets.
However, perhaps the most excited person in the Rose Palace was Henderson’s wife, Alicia. The night he won the pickup, he handed her the keys to thank her for “her help and loving support.”
Through the years, the talented team ropers have vied at every level of rodeo competitions – both with each other and with other partners. Now, after their big win at the Rose Palace, Henderson and Hawkins plan to continue their winning collaboration. Their current sponsors include Calloway Ropes, Rocking “G” Cattle Co., Outlaw, Legend Tack & Silver and Dynasty Equine.
Timed events enthusiasts may have a chance to see Henderson and Hawkins in action during other team roping events at the San Antonio Rose Palace. Or, better yet, mark your calendars now to take in these red hot up-and-coming ropers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas in the not-too-distant National Finals Rodeo.
