It’s taken the Tulsa-born cowboy 26 years to make it to the grandest stage in his event, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, but Williams has finally earned a spot in this weekend’s field.

If you don’t think this is a special trip from Skiatook, Okla., to the fabulous Lazy E Arena, then you don’t know Williams. You don’t realize the work he’s put in, the number of steers roped in his lifetime. You see, Williams was 27 years old when he joined the PRCA; that was in 1986. Now 53, he is recognized as one of the best in the business.

A year and a half ago, Williams won the inaugural National Circuit Finals Steer Roping. Last fall, he finished second in the average at the All American ProRodeo Steer Roping. It’s quite a stride for the cowboy who was crowned the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association calf roping champion in 1975.

Now he’s made the 133-mile drive from his home to this grand palace of steer roping. He’s plenty excited to be here.