story by Lily Weinacht
Weekends were made for rodeoing, and 15-year-old Justin Bryant from Cleveland, Ala., makes the most of his, grabbing his gear bag on the way to SPRA and PCA rodeos, and SEBRA’s bull ridings. Such is his dedication to rodeo’s most dangerous event that he switched to homeschooling last year to have more flexibility in his school and rodeo schedules.
“When I was little, my uncle, Josh Moorer, started rodeoing, and he got me into it,” says Justin. “Ever since, we’ve been rodeoing together, and I’ve loved it as long as I can remember. This is my second year rodeoing with the SPRA, and I enjoy the people there, plus there’s not too many rodeos more than four hours from my place. I heard about them when I was growing up and figured I needed to start there!” Cullman, Ala., was the first SPRA rodeo he competed – and placed in – while winning the bull riding at Rainsville, Ala., this year was a boost to his career. “I also like their crowd – they’re loud – and I enjoy the setup and the bulls,” Justin explains. “Bull riding really lets me have fun, and I like the adrenaline. Anywhere I go, there’s always guys talking about the Lord, and that draws me closer to Him. Some of the guys I look up to are focused on the Lord as much as bull riding, and that’s made it clear to me how the Lord is our Savior.”
Among his role models are Justin’s uncle, Josh Moorer, grandmother, Sue Wells, and his mom, Holly Moorer. “Uncle Josh has made a big impression on me, and my grandmother passed away two years ago, but she was for sure one of my biggest influences. My mom competed in rodeo in her early 20s, and anytime she can get off work, she’s at my rodeos.” He often travels with Josh, but also jumps in with his friend and fellow bull rider, Cooper Parks.
Justin’s nine-year-old sister, Jayden Morton, is practicing barrel racing, and hopes to start entering in the near future. He and his mom and sister make their home near Cleveland, 45 minutes from the interstate or the city. “I’ve been here since I was born – I know there’s always going to be work for me to do, and I like the atmosphere and the people.” During summer break, Justin is building steel fences – residential or cattle fencing. “I work through the week and go to bull ridings on the weekends. It’s pretty hard work, but the people I work with make it go by fast, and once you get the hang of it, it’s second nature,” says Justin. While attending public school, he learned to weld in Ag. class and still goes over to weld in the shop with his Ag. teacher. “Whenever I have a little free time, my mom and I hang out – we go fishing or work around the house. We have bass, catfish, and brim. If they’re big enough, we cook them, otherwise we throw them back – and make sure to get a picture of them.”
Justin’s goal is to finish high school and go on to college for his agricultural license for poultry at Auburn University in Alabama. “I’d also like to be licensed to work on solar panels,” he adds. “Everyone is getting into solar panels, and I want to know how to service and build them. I also like learning about poultry, and I want to own several chicken houses and distribute to Tyson Foods.” As for rodeo, once he turns 18, Justin plans to qualify for the PBR finals, and buy his card with the PRCA. “I want to keep going like I am,” he finishes, “and make it to the SPRA, PCA, and SEBRA finals this year.”
