Oklahoma Auctioneer Bidding For World Champion

COFFEYVILLE, Kansas -- An Oklahoma auctioneer hopes to turn his chant into a championship. He's qualified to compete for big time prizes against the best in the business.

Brian Little grew up around livestock and ranching and spent a lot of time with his dad at sale barns. So it's no surprise, he's turned a passion into an occupation.

For seven years now the Oklahoman from Wann, in Nowata County has co-owned the Coffeyville Livestock Market, just across the state line.

"I was always really intrigued by the auction profession and the auctioneer at the cattle market," Little said.

So in 1993 Little went to auction school, and still remembers the first time he chanted from the box like it was yesterday.

"Couldn't get no air. You're just trying to talk and couldn't draw in no air. Knees are knocking," Little said.

From those early knee knocking days, he was "sold" on the career choice. Little qualified for the Livestock Marketing Association World Livestock Auctioneering Championships.

"This is the big one. This is the big daddy of them all," Little said.

Little is one of 33 contestants who have qualified for the Super Bowl of auction competitions after placing third at the quarterfinals. He loves the camaraderie and the competition.

"I'm certainly blessed to be in those guys presence," he said.

Little is humble about the accomplishment, so we'll brag on him. It's the 13th time he's qualified for the championship. His best finish so far has been 3rd in 2005.

Little says it takes a lot of practice to be a part of the industry's elite.

"It's all about going down the road, and doing the chant while you're driving. A lot of guys say they use the telephone poles and every time we hit a telephone pole that's when we change our bid," he said.

Now he's bidding for a world championship this Summer in California.

Another Oklahoman has also made it to the world championships. Dustin Focht from Stillwater will also compete.

The winner gets prizes like$5,000, use of a pickup for a year and championship ring and buckle.