For PBR Bull Riders, It's 'Hammer Time'

Professional bull riders are used to putting the "hammer down" when the chute opens.  Today some of them were swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity.  

Austin Meier and Ryan Dirteater are professional bull riders from Oklahoma competing in the Winstar World Casinos Invitational at Chesapeake Energy Arena this week.

They took time out on Friday to help frame a house at Habitat for Humanity's Hope Crossing.

"Hey man, we're just good ol' country boys that are glad to be able to give back," said Meier, who's from Kinta, Oklahoma. 

Dirteater hails from Hulbert, Oklahoma.

"Ridin' bulls y'know, that's  my profession, that's the career I chose," said Dirteater.  "That's my major, I guess."

On Friday the two were recruited into the construction business, at least for a little while. 

"Yeah, a country boy can swing a hammer," laughed Meier.  "I can remember when I was little, havin' my hammer and tools out tryin' to build whatever."

"I can build a thing or two," Dirteater said.  "My dad, he's a plumber, so I'm around it quite a bit."

Dirteater also revealed he even has his plumber apprentice license, though he probably won't need it.  He and Meier are both ranked in the PBR top ten. 

Friday was about Habitat for Humanity, something that Meier and Dirteater don't always get a chance to do with their busy schedules.

"This is the only place we really get to do it," said Meier.  "We definitely do other stuff wherever we're at, but this is definitely a unique deal for us here in Oklahoma."