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Competitors from more than five states face off at the third annual Rodeo on the Hocking

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NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — Hundreds of people pack into a crowded arena for loud music, good food and cowboys.  

This is the scene of the third annual Rodeo on the Hocking. 

The event last Saturday – put on by Diamond J Rodeo Company – was the final competition of its 25-leg series called “Truck Around and Find Out.” 

“We put all our eggs into this basket at the end of the year,” said Levi Matthews, this year’s rodeo announcer. “There’s a lot that goes into this one.”

A bull waiting in a pen before the start of the bull riding event at the annual Rodeo on the Hocking.
A bull waiting in a pen before the start of the bull riding event at the annual Rodeo on the Hocking. [Alex Imwalle | WOUB]
 

Diamond J started the annual Rodeo on the Hocking in 2022, shortly after Hocking College opened its new equestrian arena. 

“We found out that (Hocking College) sponsors had some money they wanted to put towards Western sports,” Matthews said. “We’re from Jackson County. This this is 45 minutes from home. We’re like, ‘We can’t let it go to anybody else.’” 

Once the arena was unveiled, Diamond J jumped on the opportunity. 

“They cut the ribbon on Thursday night, and on Saturday night we put a rodeo on,” Matthews said. “We were the first event in here.” 

Though Matthews was the announcer for this year’s rodeo, he also handles the behind-the-scenes work for Diamond J. He said he started laying the groundwork for the rodeo back in February. 

Around 70 participants from more than five states competed across various events: bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie down, breakaway, team roping, barrels, and for the grand finale, bull riding. 

Even though it’s a crowd favorite, bull riders like Ellessar Petros don’t do it for the glory. 

“At the end of the day, I’d be getting on bulls if it was just me and a couple friends at the house,” Petros said. 

The rodeo brings in a large crowd and Robert Weiler, Hocking College’s dean of natural resources and public safety, said they prioritize the audience experience. 

“The idea of us serving our local community, that’s what it’s all about,” Weiler said. “If we’re able to bring family community members all together in one space to have a fun evening together and celebrate an event like this, it’s a win for everybody.”