The Story Behind the HK Memorial Trophy

The HK Memorial Trophy is presented each year in memory of Mr. Henry Clay Koontz, a longtime breeder and promoter of Brahman cattle. This award was first presented in 1986, following the tragic death of Mr. Koontz in 1985. The trophy itself is a bronze casting of the National Champion Bull, HK Mr. America 61/9, better known as “Millionaire,” who revolutionized the Red Brahman cattle breed and had one of the greatest impacts on the Brahman breed of any bull in history.

Henry Clay Koontz’s legacy runs deep in Brahman history. His ranch, the original HK Ranch, was part of a family tradition that began with his great-grandfather, Captain John Keeran, who imported some of the first Brahman cattle to Texas in 1878.

Beyond ranching, Henry Clay Koontz was a respected leader in the cattle industry, serving as past president of the Texas Brahman Association and as a director of the American Brahman Breeders Association, the South Texas Brahman Association, and the San Antonio Livestock Exposition.

How the HK Trophy is Won

Each year, this award is presented to the ranch or individual who accumulates the most points at the previous year’s International Brahman Show. 

HK Trophy points are tabulated as follows: 

• Seven points to Champion bull and cow
• Five points to Reserve Champion bull and cow
• Five points to each Division Champion (calf, junior, intermediate and senior)
• Three points to each Division Reserve Champion
• Two points to each Class winner
• Five points to the exhibitor of the first-place winners of the Produce-of-Dam, Embryo-Produce-of-Dam, and Get-of-Sire classes

The International Brahman Show was created in 1982 as a special show, typically held in conjunction with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. While the show is only open to USA cattle, it is called the “International” because it attracts a huge and diverse crowd of Brahman enthusiasts from around the world who flock to this show to see the finest in American Brahman cattle.

V8 Ranch’s Unprecedented Success

Our HK Memorial Trophy wins span nearly four decades, demonstrating the consistency and quality of our breeding program:

1999
1993
1991
1986

This award is exceptionally important to us as Sloan and Henry Clay were dear friends, and Jim Williams considers Henry Clay one of his mentors. The trophy is housed permanently at the ABBA office.

The Foundation of Our Success

What sets V8 Ranch apart isn’t just our individual champions, but our approach to breeding comprehensive excellence. 

Since 1976, we have exhibited 28 National or International Grand Champion Brahman bulls and 39 National or International Grand Champion Brahman females for a total of 67 National or International Grand Championships. This is the highest number from any one ranch in Brahman history.

These championships, combined with our unmatched success in group classes, have made us the most successful exhibitor in International Show history. These wins demonstrate the depth and consistency of our breeding program, showing that we don’t just produce individual champions, but entire families of outstanding cattle.

Legendary Sires Behind Our Success

Several of our most influential bulls have contributed significantly to our HK Trophy wins:

A Testament to Consistent Excellence

Winning the HK Memorial Trophy 14 times isn’t just about having great cattle – it’s about having great cattle year after year, show after show. It requires:

• Depth of quality across our entire herd
• Strategic breeding decisions that produce consistent results
• Expert show preparation and presentation
• A commitment to excellence that spans generations

Each HK Trophy represents hundreds of hours of careful breeding selection, meticulous animal care, and the combined efforts of our entire V8 Ranch family. From our ranch managers, Jim and Luann Williams, to our youngest generation, Knox Harrison Neumayr, everyone plays a role in maintaining the standard of excellence that Henry Clay Koontz himself would have admired.

Honoring the Legacy

As we look at how many nameplates display “V8 Ranch” on them, we’re reminded not only of our own achievements but of the larger Brahman community that Henry Clay Koontz helped build. His vision of promoting excellence in Brahman cattle continues to drive our efforts today.

Looking to the Future

While we’re incredibly proud of all of our HK Memorial Trophy wins, we’re not resting on our achievements. With bulls like +Mr. V8 146/8 “Sloan” continuing to dominate the show ring and sire exceptional offspring, and with our next generation of champions coming up through our program, we remain committed to the standard of excellence that has defined V8 Ranch for over 80 years.

The HK Memorial Trophy represents more than just points earned at a show – it represents a commitment to the Brahman breed, to continuous improvement, and to the legacy that breeders like Henry Clay Koontz established. At V8 Ranch, we’re honored to carry that legacy forward, one championship at a time.

Interested in learning more about our championship cattle and breeding program? Contact us to discuss how V8 genetics can enhance your own herd, or schedule a ranch tour to see our champions in person.