Hazen Sparks is more than just an Oklahoma State Champion in steer wrestling — he is living proof of a proud cowboy legacy. A fierce competitor and a humble ambassador for his community and heritage, Hazen was raised in the dust and determination of the rodeo circuit. His journey to the winner’s circle was forged in family tradition, personal resilience, and an unwavering sense of friendship.
Hazen grew up in Talihina, Oklahoma, surrounded by the rodeo culture. His roots run deep in the sport, with his grandfather’s career as a seasoned steer wrestler, followed by his father and uncle, who also made names for themselves in the arena.
“I just grew up going to practice with them,” Hazen recalls. “It was something I always wanted to do.”
By the age of sixteen, he wasn’t just watching — he was stepping into the chute himself. While steer wrestling can be rough and relentless, Hazen found something deeper in the rodeo world: family and friendship. In the high-stakes world of rodeo, where a missed second can cost a title and prize money, the bonds among competitors are surprisingly strong. That spirit of unity has shaped Hazen’s values, both in and out of the arena.
“Cowboys and ranchers, they want to help each other. They want to see each other win,” said Hazen. “That’s just the way I was raised: treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Swipe →My parents and grandparents raised me to always treat others the way I want to be treated.
-Hazen
It’s a lesson he learned from his grandparents and parents, and one he lives out daily — whether helping friends in need, feeding hospital staff who once helped him, or simply showing up to push a steer for a buddy.
Hazen’s rodeo journey hasn’t been without setbacks. From breaking his collarbone while bull riding to shattering his arm in two places after a fall from a horse, he’s felt the full force of the sport’s dangers. In another incident, a steer struck him in the mouth during a competition in Texas, snapping a tooth and splitting his lip. Still, Hazen never let the pain overshadow his passion and grit.
His love for competition drives him. But even in his fiercest moments, he isn’t just racing the other cowboys — he’s racing the clock. And when he’s not in the spotlight, he’s helping others shine.
"If my buddy's out there, whatever he needs — push a steer, get his head — I'll be there. I want him to win just as bad as I do," said Hazen.
For Hazen, steer wrestling is more than sport — it’s a lifelong commitment and a future he hopes to pass down.
“It’s something I love, and something I want to carry on to even my kids one day,” he shared.
His vision extends beyond trophies; it’s about legacy, culture, and community. In many ways, Hazen Sparks represents something larger than himself. He echoes the pride and perseverance of his Choctaw heritage, reminding those around him of their shared strength and history.
Driven by tradition, fueled by competition, and grounded in service, Hazen Sparks continues to inspire others both in and out of the arena. He’s not just a champion steer wrestler; he’s a living testament to the values that built the sport — and the community — that he proudly calls home.
