Whataburger's Whatakid: Sawyer Bell

Region IV Sawyer Bell

Congratulations to Region IV Whatakid, Sawyer Bell, an 18-year-old senior from Stamps, Arkansas. Sawyer competes in steer wrestling and has found great success in the sport, including winning the 2023 NLBRA World Title and Average. While he’s fully committed to rodeo, Sawyer also balances a busy school and work life, serving as student council treasurer and graduating as valedictorian of South Arkansas Christian School.

“Going to the Lazy E has always been one of my favorite places,” Sawyer says. “It’s where I won the World Title and the average at the NLBRA in 2023.” He’s also had memorable experiences competing in the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA), another series he holds close to his heart.

Sawyer’s success isn’t a one-man effort, it's a team effort that starts with his horses. Gus, a 21-year-old grey gelding whose registered name is Haney’s Big Boss, has an impressive resume of his own, including wins at the Iron Man, Jr. Ironman, Jr. NFR Average, and the WCRA DY Cowtown Rodeo. “After every run, Gus insists on taking a couple of victory laps,” Sawyer laughs. “It’s kind of become his thing.” Gus joined the Bell family during Sawyer’s freshman year, purchased from well-known cowboy Clay Clayman.

Right alongside Gus is Bartender, a reliable 11-year-old roan haze horse “Bart” for short also acquired from Clayman. “He’s the best haze horse you could ask for,” Sawyer says. “He’s always right where he needs to be.” Bart’s consistency has helped lead Sawyer to major wins, including the 2023 NLBRA World Title and Average, and the 2024 Jr. NFR Average.

A normal day in Sawyer’s world starts early. “I wake up around 6:00 and read my daily devotion, then go feed horses and get ready for the day,” he explains. After school lets out at 1:30, it’s time to saddle up and exercise horses, followed by practice at the family farm and checking cows before heading home for the night.

In school, Sawyer serves as student council treasurer and perhaps only half-jokingly says his favorite subject is lunch. Though he won’t name a favorite teacher, he holds deep respect for his classmates and school community. He’s also quick to credit his faith for his success: “All the honor and glory goes to the Lord,” he says. “And I’d like to thank Region IV for a great high school rodeo experience.”

Outside the arena, Sawyer is a man of many interests. He enjoys picking on the guitar and working on his semi-truck project in his spare time. He also knows what it means to sacrifice for his goals; he once dropped 30 pounds to improve his performance, a decision that taught him discipline and perseverance. “You are only as good as you think you are,” he says. “So you have to think it to be it.”

Looking ahead, Sawyer will attend Southern Arkansas University this fall, majoring in Agricultural Business and competing on the SAU Rodeo Team. After college, his goal is clear: run for Rookie of the Year in the PRCA.

Through it all, one person stands out as his biggest influence: his dad and hazer, Brian Bell. “No matter how hard the task at hand is, he always pushes me to do better,” Sawyer says. That relentless drive, combined with his deep faith and quiet confidence, is shaping Sawyer Bell into one of rodeo’s most promising young athletes.

Sawyer is extremely honored to be representing Region IV as the Whatakid. He’s grateful for the opportunities rodeo has given him, the support of his family and community, and is proud to carry the values of hard work, faith, and determination into his future both inside and outside the arena.