SAM HARDCASTLE
Sam & Julie Hardcastle
Member Spotlight: Sam Hardcastle
If you spend a few minutes talking with Sam Hardcastle, it's easy to understand why so many people think so highly of him. The Crane, Texas native has spent more than 20 years team roping after a 15-year career riding bulls. Although his rodeo career has been exciting and pumped with adrenaline, Sam’s humility and love for the Lord is what truly shines. Sam and his wife, Julie, have been married for 45 years, have raised a son and daughter, and are blessed with four beautiful granddaughters- one of which is making a name for herself in the rodeo arena.
The Hardcastle Family
Whether he's horseback on the ranch lease, competing at a 40 Plus Team Roping event, or going down memory lane telling stories about him and the boys’ rodeo travels, Sam carries the joy of the Lord and an abundance of gratitude for the life God has given him.
Sam Hardcastle and Levi Babb | 2025 40 Plus Team Roping Finals
When asked about his favorite roping memory, Sam recalled winning the 7.5 incentive at the 2025 40 Plus Finals alongside Levi Babb. During the awards presentation, Sam assumed the saddles in front of him were only there for photos. When he walked away to leave he was stopped and reminded to take his saddle. He said, “I’d gotten really close, but I had never actually won a saddle in any event, I was shocked!” Today, he enjoys riding in that Infinity Saddle and appreciates it more and more with every ride.
40 Plus Team Roping events are something Sam is very appreciative to have available. He notes that their timeliness, peaceful atmosphere, and great prizes are all things that make the sport that much more enjoyable. At almost 68 years young, Sam says his main goal in team roping is just to do his best with every run he makes. His outlook on team roping is refreshingly simple. Even though it's a team sport, he believes every run begins as an individual responsibility. "When I nod my head, that steer is mine," he said. Because of that mindset, he rarely walks out without a smile or gratitude. Sam expresses the importance of controlling what he can and leaving the arena knowing he gave his best. It's a perspective that has served him well both inside and outside the arena.
That outlook is rooted in something much deeper than roping. Sam credits everything he has to the Lord. He received salvation early on and has a deep appreciation for God’s hand in his life. In the good times and the not so good times, Sam has seen the power of The One who is always in control.
He gave a short but powerful testimony about a bull riding accident that nearly cost him his life but taught him the importance of community, the details God has already weaved together, and how quickly life can change.
Sam competing at the Jess Evans Memorial Bull Riding | Ft. Stockton, TX | 1981
On August 3, 1977 Sam found himself on the Odessa, Texas arena floor unsure of how severe his injuries were. “The doctor told me it looked like someone had just blown up my liver.” Sam had some pretty amazing people in his corner at the perfect time. His long time friend and 40 Plus member, Rusty O’Donnell was there in the arena with him that day and helped him through recovery. Another close friend and future college roommate, Steve Scott was also in the mix. Steve’s father was driving the ambulance and his mother was a nurse on board that ride to the hospital. Because of good pals, God’s mercy, and a little bit of strong will, Sam recovered and was back at it just a few months later hitting the rodeo trail again. He recalls feeling a sense of community and brotherhood in those recovery weeks and says it’s something he will never forget.
Sam and Rusty winning together in Andrews, TX after decades of friendship
"I don't really know how anybody makes it without Him," Sam said. It's a simple statement, but one that reflects the way he lives his life. Jesus first, family and community always, and giving it 110% with anything God has for you because all of it is a blessing.
Sam and brother in law, Cory McFadden and nephew Cort McFadden
