Ray Bullard

Co-Owner & Defensive Coordinator

Ray Bullard is a Co-Owner and Defensive Coordinator of the Abilene Bighorns, and a leader built for moments when pressure is high and standards matter.

Ray doesn’t chase attention. He builds systems, fixes problems, and holds the line. His approach is rooted in discipline, accountability, and doing things the right way even when it is not easy.

Off the field, Ray is the founder and operator of Ray’s Reptile Rescue, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating and caring for animals most people overlook. He also works as a professional plumber, a trade where results matter and excuses don’t. If something leaks, you fix it. If it breaks, you own it. That mindset carries directly into his coaching philosophy.

As Defensive Coordinator, Ray prioritizes effort over ego, discipline over noise, and accountability over shortcuts. He leads by example, listens before he speaks, and expects every player and coach to handle their responsibilities because the standard of the Abilene Bighorns matters.

Ray Bullard represents what this organization stands for: hard work, integrity, and leadership that shows up when it counts.

Hunter Burkhalter

Co-Owner | Director of Marketing & Media

Hunter Burkhalter is a Co-Owner and the Director of Marketing and Media for the Abilene Bighorns.

By day, Hunter works for Wylie Independent School District. Outside of that role, his time is dedicated to helping build the Abilene Bighorns from the ground up. Nights, weekends, and more than a few late-night ideas are spent developing the team’s brand, managing content, communicating with the community, and ensuring the story of the organization is told clearly and consistently.

The Abilene Bighorns did not begin as a business concept. They began with the belief that Abilene deserves a team rooted in effort, accountability, and genuine community connection. Hunter’s role focuses on translating that belief into action through thoughtful branding, transparent communication, and meaningful engagement with fans, partners, and supporters.

His approach to marketing and media is simple: be authentic, be consistent, and represent the organization in a way that reflects the values it stands for. Every post, message, and piece of content is built with the goal of strengthening trust and building something that lasts.

Patrick Kellaher

Co-Owner | Offensive Coordinator

Patrick Kellaher is a Co-Owner and the Offensive Coordinator of the Abilene Bighorns, bringing structure, discipline, and real football experience to the foundation of the organization.

Stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Patrick balances military service with his passion for the game. That balance shows up on the field. His approach is methodical, prepared, and built around accountability. He understands systems, timing, and trust, and those principles shape the Bighorns’ offensive identity.

Before joining the Bighorns, Patrick gained hands-on coaching experience with the Cherokee County Bruins, where he was also one of the founding contributors to the program. Being part of a startup team gave him firsthand knowledge of what it takes to build something from the ground up, not just schemes on paper, but culture, buy-in, and execution.

As Offensive Coordinator, Patrick focuses on putting players in positions to succeed. His offenses are designed to be smart, efficient, and adaptable, emphasizing preparation over flash and consistency over shortcuts. As a co-owner, he helps ensure that the Bighorns stay aligned with their core values on and off the field.

Patrick Kellaher represents what this organization is about: service, leadership, and building something meaningful through hard work and commitment.

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