Super Bowl Sunday Ring Discovery Changes Lives
While Patriots fans celebrated another championship ring on Super Bowl Sunday 2019, former Army First Lieutenant Howie "Triple H" Rosser was uncovering a different kind of ring story in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Armed with his Garrett AT Pro metal detector, Howie discovered a 10K gold class ring from Sapulpa High School's Class of 1961 — a find that would heal hearts decades later.
The cleared lot between W Thompson Ave and W Lincoln Ave on S. Main Street seemed like prime hunting territory. What Howie didn't expect was to uncover a piece of local history that would connect him to a family's grief and healing.
From Childhood Dream to Detecting Reality
"Back when I was 10 years old," Howie recalls, "the kid across the street would find all kinds of cool relics in his own backyard with a metal detector. I never could afford the machine I wanted so I put the idea away for years until I met a metal detector distributor at the Fair one day."
Howie started metal detecting in April 2014, fulfilling that childhood dream. His only regret? "Not getting started earlier." The Garrett AT series detectors proved perfect for his Oklahoma hunting grounds, handling everything from Civil War sites to modern parks.
Why the Garrett AT Pro Works for Oklahoma Conditions
Oklahoma's varied terrain and mineralized soil can challenge many detectors. The AT Pro's ground balance and iron discrimination made it ideal for Howie's diverse hunting locations — from old homesteads with heavy iron contamination to cleaner park areas.
The Detective Work Behind the Ring
Finding the ring was just the beginning. The initials "DJH" inside led Howie on a mission that exemplifies the metal detecting code of ethics. Through obituary research, he identified David Joe Hughes, known as "Hot Rod" for his love of cars, who had passed away in June 2018 at age 75.
The trail led to David's daughter Sonni Jo in Louisiana through Facebook. She'd never seen her father's senior picture or knew the ring existed — her parents divorced when she was five, and she'd grown up with her mother.
A Message from Beyond
The timing proved extraordinary. Sonni Jo had been having sleepless nights, praying to her father with regrets about not seeing him before his death. The ring's discovery brought her the closure she desperately needed.
"I used to think history was... well, just that; history!" Howie told the Sapulpa Times. "Because of this hobby, I'm determined to recover, preserve, & share history with others."
Howie's Most Impressive Finds
The class ring represents just one chapter in Triple H's detecting journey. His Garrett metal detectors have uncovered remarkable Oklahoma history:
- Civil War Relics: Three-ring bullet (Minié ball), musket ball, and U.S. General Service cuff button — all over 154 years old
- Oldest Coin: 1881 Indian Head Penny
- Best Silver Find: 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Rarest Coin: 1914 D Wheat Penny (valued at $175)
- Most Valuable Recovery: 18KT gold bracelet worth $1,500
- Recent Cache: Collection of shooting medals and badges from the Red Fork area
The Red Fork Medal Cache
Since February, Howie has systematically worked the Red Fork area, uncovering a significant cache of shooting medals and badges. His finds include 6 medals, 8 pins/badges, and 15 plates, while his hunting buddy recovered 11 medals, 10 pins/badges, and 11 plates from the same location.
Ring Recovery Services: Triple H's Mission
Beyond treasure hunting, Howie offers professional recovery services throughout Oklahoma. His motto: "I will help you find your lost ring, bracelet, necklace, charm, earring, or key. In the water, on the land, in the mud, or in the sand... I'm the one to lend you a hand!"
Contact Triple H at 918-671-1746 for lost item recovery services.
Essential Gear for Oklahoma Detecting
Howie's success stems partly from using quality equipment suited to local conditions. Beyond his primary detector, serious hunters in Oklahoma need:
- Garrett pinpointers for precise target location
- Quality digging tools for various soil types
- Protective accessories for equipment longevity
Why Metal Detecting Matters
"Some people think it's just an old man's hobby fueled by the fantasy of finding a treasure chest of gold," Howie explains, "but it's more than that... It's more like an adult version of Easter Egg Hunting but you never know what you'll find!"
The hobby gained mainstream recognition through National Geographic's "Diggers" series in 2013, but for practitioners like Howie, it's about preserving history and connecting communities.
The Bigger Picture: Faith and Healing
For Howie, treasure hunting transcends material discoveries. "The most important thing to keep in mind is that the gift of salvation & healing that our Savior Jesus Christ brings is more valuable than any other treasure that we could dig up or find... I believe that's what happened here with a heart being healed."
The 1961 class ring, lost for over 50 years and "resurrected" on Super Bowl Sunday, delivered a message of peace to a grieving daughter. Sometimes the most valuable finds aren't measured in gold content or market value, but in the healing they bring to human hearts.
"Triple H" 918-671-1746
By: Howie R.
