Hawaii Island rider’s Makawao Stampede debut honors late father

News admin July 9, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaii Island rider’s Makawao Stampede debut honors late father

MAKAWAO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Justin Saragosa Jr., 20, known as JJ, entered the Makawao Stampede’s bull bash last weekend for the first time. It’s an event his father, Justin Saragosa Sr., considered one of his favorite rodeos.

Saragosa Sr. was 30 years old and working at Pearl Harbor when a 10-ton buoy fell and killed him in 2014.

JJ was 9 years old at the time.

A family tradition

JJ’s uncle, Gerald Saragosa, was the first in the family to ride bulls. Saragosa Sr. quickly followed in his footsteps.

“Damn good bull rider. He won some rodeos. He won some buckles,” Gerald said.

Riding to honor his father

About a year ago, JJ decided he wanted to ride bulls, just like his uncle and father.

On the drive to Makawao for the bull bash, Gerald said a rainbow appeared over the arena.

“I told Justin and I told my son, Diego, I said, ‘Hey guys, I’m not here alone helping you guys. I get your dad with me. I know he’s here, helping me pull your rope, give him that slap on the back, and the encouragement,’” said Gerald.

The crowd’s energy left an impression on JJ.

“You cannot beat the crowd. There are a lot of people. The energy and the crowd made us feel like superstars, and you can’t ask for more than that as a bull rider,” Justin Saragosa Jr. said.

Gerald said qualifying made the moment even more meaningful.

“What made it even more special is that he qualified,” Gerald said.

JJ qualified on Friday night and drew a top-ranked bull named Watermelon Moonshine for his next ride.

“That was my dad testing me,” JJ said. “I gave him my all. I mean, he’s still a strong bull, but I gave him my all. I was having fun. That was exciting. I’ll remember that bull ride for the rest of my life.”

JJ’s message to others is it doesn’t matter how many times life knocks you down. What matters is how many times you get back up.