USTRC 2016 Year End Scholarship Program

USTRC Scholarship Program

Year End 2016

By

Melinda Clements

         The USTRC Scholarship Program is designed to award $100,000 in scholarship funds annually youth members planning to further their education. Sixty scholarships were awarded this term ending October 31, 2016.

         “This is our inaugural season and it’s been very successful with 412 young ropers opting into the program,” said USTRC President, Kirk Bray.  “The top sixty (60) ropers in the point standings will share in the $100,000 Scholarship Program. One of the unique aspects of this program is that ropers don’t have to be of college age to earn a scholarship.  For example, a roper as young as thirteen years of age can opt in and earn a scholarship.  The funds will be held for them until they reach college age and enroll to further their education.  It’s a real possibility that many of these young ropers will build a substantial scholarship fund with the USTRC before they graduate from high school.”         

         Average points are awarded using a ten point system with first place receiving ten points, second place receiving nine points, third get eight points on down the line to tenth place receiving one point. 

         Scholarship award amounts are awarded in the following manner:

         1^st--$10,000                                            6^th –20^th--$1,500

         2^nd--$8,000                                            21^st—30^th--$1,250

         3^rd--$6,000                                            31^st—40^th--$1000

         4^th--$5,500                                            41^st—50^th--$750.

         5^th--$5,000                                            51^st—60^th--$500.

         This year’s top scholarship recipient is Britton Monday from Ramona, Oklahoma.  He wrapped the 2015-2016 season with a total 323 points to take the first place scholarship of $10,000. Monday can apply this scholarship to books, tuition, and other compensation as needed for his education.

         Monday is a junior at Caney Valley High School in Ramona, Oklahoma.  He plans to attend college at OSU and be on the rodeo team.  His ultimate goal is to be a firefighter. 

         “My dad retired from being a firefighter after thirty-five years of service,” Monday elaborated.  “The program takes about two to two and a half years to complete and involves not only being a firefighter but working as a first responder and EMT. I want to stay around here close to home when I am finished.”

         Monday’s dad found the USTRC Program on line and was immediately drawn to all the possibilities the program provided.

         The money he has earned in the scholarship program will be held for him until the time he enrolls in college or at a university like OSU.                  

          “We have already opted in for this new season,” Monday concluded. “I look forward to trying to earn additional scholarships through USTRC’s program. My dad has already signed me up.”

         Second with 274 points is Butchie Levell from Omaha Nebraska and he will receive $8,000 toward his education.

         The fact that the USTRC prides itself on family and roping makes the USTRC Scholarship Program even more special.  The program is designed to utilize roping and format it toward a better education.  With the success of this year’s inaugural season it is hopeful the program will continue to grow with more and more young ropers choosing to opt in.  The 2016-2017 season of the USTRC Scholarship Program has already kicked off and you can look for Britton Monday at the USTRC Team Roping in Tulsa.  That is their next roping event and he will be competing and compiling points for his scholarship and a better education.          

        

2016 Cruel Girl Year End Champion Lari Dee Guy

2016 Cruel Girl Year End Champion

Lari Dee Guy

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

By Melinda Clements

         Abilene, Texas team roper, Lari Dee Guy, knows team roping.  She has been doing it for most of her life.  It is, without a doubt, her passion and lust for living. It is no surprise that Guy has been crowned the 2016 Cruel Girl Year End Champion. 

         Growing up on 10,000 acres near Abilene set the stage for Guy’s ability to rope.  She has been horseback since she was old enough to sit there and hang on.

         With numerous titles and awards through the years Guy spends most of her time competing, training horses and doing clinics and schools.  A very competitive roper she strives hard to get better and be better. She is, without a doubt, a dominant force in the roping business.

         The winners’ circle at the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping is a comfort zone for Guy.  She won the 2009 Cruel Girl Championships at the USTRC Cinch NFTR heeling for Barrie Smith from Stephenville, Texas. She also won the fan favorite Cruel Girl event at this year's 2016 NFTR.  She heels a lot but this year she chose to head. She and partner, Courtney Small, took first place in the average and put $16,600 in the bank.  Both Guy and Small also took home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles. 

         “This is my first USTRC National Finals Saddles as a header,” Guy commented in the prize area. “I was so glad I wasn’t heeling. I had the opportunity to head for two good heelers.”

         Guy has a history and a resume that will turn your head.  She won eleven consecutive AJRA World roping titles beginning when she was nine years old.  She attended Vernon Junior College where she won the NIRA Breakaway National Championship.  When she moved on to Texas Tech she won her second NIRA Breakaway National Championship.

         Riding a horse at this year’s NFTR that she is partners on with Trevor Brazile, Guy feels horsemanship is extremely important. 

         “The most critical element is horsemanship. It doesn’t matter if it is breakaway or team roping the horse is critical,” Guy explained.

         Guy says the best advice she could offer is to follow your dreams and work hard.

         “I want to be an inspiration to every little girl who might want to rope,” she commented.  “I had no idea as a young girl that I would be making a living doing what I’m doing.  Our sport is growing and so many women are coming into the sport.”

         She gives her family and friends all the credit for her success.  I’ve had a lot of support and I’m very competitive.  She also admits to being a bit of a dare devil and having no fear.  “You have to believe you can accomplish your greatest dream. The sky is the limit!”

         Guy banked $52,695 during the 2016 USTRC season to become the Year End Cruel Girl Champion.  For her efforts, she received a custom made Cruel Girl Trophy Saddle by Martin Saddlery.  Korie Smith from Hempstead, Texas was the runner up with a total of $51,895. 

         Guy sets a good example.  With her history and passion for roping she sets a standard and raises the bar for all those who might dream to be the best. She works hard and strives to always be the best.  Congratulations, Lari Dee Guy, the 2016 Cruel Girl Year End Champion for the 2016 season.

          

#8 Shoot Out NFTR Sunday Oct. 30 2016 Simon and Cash

#8 Shoot Out

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Sunday October 30 2016

Allen Simon and Tim Cash

By Melinda Clements

         The air was electric with excitement.  Twenty-one teams were coming back in the short go round of the # 8 Shoot on the last day of the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping held in Oklahoma City.  Fifteen teams would get a paycheck and first place in the average would pay $50,000 plus Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Western Horseman Collector Prints.  The total payout for the roping was $128,300 and the ropers were in the mood to rope.  They were in a winning frame of mind.

         Every team member wanted a win and if it proved to be like anything else this past week the roping would be competitive and full of action.  It was team roping at its best to wind up the week of the NFTR.

         When the eighth high team back of Donny Lindsey and Shelby Rita posted a time of 9.0 on their short round steer to take the lead in the average they raised the bar and the competition hit another level.  Lindsay and Rita were leading the average with a time of 50.59 on four head of steers. 

         Allen Simon and Tim Cash were the third high team back.  They had roped well all afternoon and even with a third place win they were assured a paycheck of $11,000. They had carefully watched as the roping wound down and both men were hoping to make a good quality run.  They needed a 13.32 to move Lindsey and Rita.  They agreed it was just a good solid practice run and when they rode into the box they had it on their minds.

         “My biggest struggle is trying to be too fast,” Simon commented. “I knew in this particular case I had to just slow down and rope right.  I wanted to be mistake free. I just wanted to catch and give Tim his shot.  We have been roping together a long time and know each other well.  Just slow it down and make it count is what I kept thinking.”        

         As they pair rode into the box they seemed focused and on track.  Simon nodded and connected and Cash cleaned up the run.  The pair posted a time of 9.68 to take the lead in the average with two teams left to rope.  As they rode out the back gate they seemed satisfied and a bit relieved.

         When the last two teams failed to make qualified runs Simon and Cash rode back it the arena.  It was unbelievable.  They had just won the #8 Shoot Out at the NFTR and were actually taking a victory lap.  It was almost more than they could grasp. It seemed almost surreal.

         “We actually just roped the Hot Heels this week because it was to muddy,” Cash said with a huge grin.  “We are so blessed to just be here.  This win is just amazing. This is our first USTRC National Finals Saddle.  I think mine is going in the living room.”

         As the pictures were taken and the interviews completed it appeared Simon and Cash might have been a little awe struck.  Down right shocked was a better word. 

         “We have lots of family and friends that rope,” Simon concluded. “We always just go rope and have a good time. It is good to win this roping with a good friend and someone you can practice with.”

         Cash agreed. “We just go have fun.”

         As the NFTR concluded and people began to disperse from the prize area Simon and Cash were surrounded by friends and well-wishers. It was evident that this years NFTR had touched a lot of lives in more ways than anyone could imagine.  The NFTR had bonded friends and family, brought complete strangers together and made memories that no one knew about.  It was an awesome event and a rewarding and life-changing event. Things may change, ropings may come and go, partners make modifications but one thing is for certain.  Team roping makes a difference.  It is the one thing that brings love and fellowship, blessings and promise to every person that picks up a rope.  You may haul to big ropings or you may never haul at all. Regardless, the common thread is family, horses, friends, and fellowship and this year’s NFTR brought it all together.

 

        

#9 Shoot Out NFTR Sunday Oct 30 2016 Smith and Schrader

#9 Shoot Out

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Sunday October 30 2016

Korie Smith and Robby Schrader

By Melinda Clements

         The wind shifted to the north and it was cooler in a strange sort of way.  There was a new kind of excitement in the air at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  This day was a bit different than the previous days.  It had been nine days of absolutely awesome team roping. 

         Perhaps the difference was that this was the last day and everyone was a bit anxious.  More so, it was the sixth sense that said more was going on than met the eyes.  It was a heart thing, almost spiritual.  It almost made you shiver because there was something, literally heavenly, about the #9 Shoot Out.  You had to be an integral part to understand and yet when you realized the intense emotional connections you couldn’t help but discover that we all have kindred spirits and angels that watch out and direct us. We all have ties to bigger and greater things.

         Such was the case with the winners of the #9 Shoot Out at this year’s NFTR.  At first you couldn’t put your finger on it but the excitement was contagious and it suddenly touched all involved.

         Team Roping can be an emotional sport.  A lot of hard work and discipline and money go into the event.  More than that, however, is the commitment and love that family and close friends add to the event.  It isn’t one person; it is a legion of supporters, mentors, and helpers, guides, teachers and counselors.

         “Robby called me and said ‘Let’s rope’ and we did,” said Texas header, Korie Smith.  “We have roped together some but we live too far apart to practice. I agreed to rope.  This roping was different.  Today was God’s plan.  This one is for my dad.” She fought hard to suppress the emotion and tears.  “I lost my dad a little over a year ago. He was my hero, my mentor. He meant everything to me.  All I do and all I am I owe to him.  This one is for him.”

         Ironically, heeler Robby Schrader, was feeling the same way.  Not only was Schrader good friends with Korie’s dad but Schrader had a mentor as well. Gary Sutton with Sutton Ropes had always been a mentor and advisor to Schrader.

         “Gary could always tell me, even on the phone, what I was doing wrong,” Schrader said about his friend.  “My arm was hurting and I couldn’t rope.  I was to the point of quitting and he said, ‘I’ve got the rope for you’. I miss him.  He always knew and told me what I needed to do.”

         Smith and Schrader were the second high team back coming into the short go round of the #9 Shoot Out held the last day of the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  It was an awesome roping.  Thirty teams were coming back in the short go round with a paycheck to the top fifteen.

         The prize line was awesome.  Not only would first place in the average pay a whopping $100,000 but also the winners would take home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints.

         Smith and Schrader had to be a 9.48 to take the lead away from the third high team Octavio Espinoza and Arnoldo Luevano.  Espinoza and Luevano were leading the roping with a time of 36.04 on four head of steers. Luevano was also coming back with Baltazar Gonzalez as the high team.

         “Team Roping is a mental game,” Smith explained. “I just try to rope one steer at a time.  This roping was for my dad.  I’m riding a horse that belongs to my sister. I just wanted to make a clean run. This one was for my dad. This one is for family.”

         When Smith nodded and Schrader made the heeling shot everything came together and they wrapped up the run with a time of 8.60 to take the lead from Espinoza and Luevano with one team left to rope.  The high team posted a time of 9.87, however, it wasn’t enough to move Smith and Schrader and they took the win with a time of 35.15 on four head.

         The awards room was a bedlam of people, cameras, and excited well-wishers.  Smith and Schrader seemed a little shell-shocked.

         “This is my first time ever to be in the room,” Schrader said emotionally. “I have to give God the glory and am so thankful for Gary Sutton and Sutton Ropes.  Gary was always such a good mentor for me.”

         As pictures snapped, videos rolled and cell phones rang it seemed Smith and Schrader might have been trying to soak it all in.  It was, perhaps, at this moment that I felt they were hearing other voices and acknowledging those that had given their all to put the pair in this place at this point in time.

         Perhaps, those kindred spirits that had laid a foundation and counseled for greatness was rejoicing as Smith and Schrader secretly gave them credit.

         Korie’s mom, Sharon, commented, “About five years ago Korie’s dad talked her into roping steers. He passed away last year and this is such an emotional time. They meant everything to each other.  There are no words to explain what winning this roping means.”

         This was the first USTRC National Finals saddle for both Smith and Schrader.  It will be a day neither of them will ever forget. 

         There is a celebration about the last day of the NFTR.  Lives were changed this week.  Lives were changed today.  Team roping is not only for those here today but there are ties to those we’ve loved and lost that have made a difference in all it involves because team roping mattered. Team roping changes lives and it is an integral part of every roper’s life that rode into the roping box at this year’s NFTR.  As the winds shifted new voices are heard.  There is a reason it is called “America’s Cowboy Sport!”

# 9 Preliminary NFTR Saturday Oct. 29 2016 Richard and Hoelting

#9 Preliminary 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 29 2016

J J Richard and Eric Hoelting

By Melinda Clements

         The nine days of the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping always proves to be a hive of activity.  It is non-stop team roping with the best ropers in the business and each event during the event opens doors, changes lives and makes lasting impressions on everyone involved.

         Team Roping has a way of taking hold of us and it never lets go.  It is fun, addictive in the best sort of way and brings together families, friends, strangers, teachers and students, kids and anyone else who might have saddled a horse or picked a rope in their life time.

         The #9 Preliminary would be the last roping for the day on Saturday October 29^th and it involved a total payout of a little less than $70,000 and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Trophy Spurs and Gist Championship Buckles.  The top twenty teams would be coming back for the short go round and first place would pocket $19,100.  The roping would pay eight monies in the average and as everyone geared up for the short go round nerves were on edge.  Everyone wanted a little piece of the action and winning would be a great way to close out an eventful Saturday afternoon.

         When the short go kicked off it seemed pressure and nerves were toying with game plans and strategy.  The teams were a little hyper and perhaps trying a little too hard.  There was an underlying tension that triggered overreactions.

         Ben Butt and Katie Nolan was the eleventh high team back.  The pair posted a time of 7.61 to take the lead in the average with a time of 41.79 on four head of steers.  The pair held on tight and watched several teams go out without making qualified runs.

         When J J Richard and Eric Hoelting rode into the box for their short round steer the pair was determined and focused.  Hoelting had made his presence known earlier in the week with his win in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  Hoelting was roping with his best friend and number one “practice guy.”

         The pair needed a time of 14.36 to move Butt and Nolan. They needed a good solid practice run.

         “I had already missed one for my son,” Hoelting said. “I hated that and didn’t want this one to get away. I wanted this win in the worse way. I had already felt some pressure by missing for Camden.”

         When the pair backed into the box they were focused and on track with one team remaining.  Richard called for the steer and did what he needed to do.  Hoelting heeled the steer and stopped the clock with a time of 8.60 to move into the lead.  One team remained.  With a leg the top team failed to move Richard and Hoelting and they took the win in the average of the # 9 Preliminary with a time of 36.02 on four head of steers.

         “I’m getting kind of used to this circle,” Hoelting said with excitement in his voice.  “I’ve never ever had a week like this. It’s unreal.  I’m so glad to win this with my practice guy. We are best friends and rope all the time.”

         Richard mirrored Hoelting’s thoughts. “We practice all the time at his house.  We are roping tomorrow in the #9 Shoot Out and many thanks to Eric’s mom for providing the horses.  We rope a lot and this win is so exciting.  This is my first short go round at the Finals ever and I can’t believe it. I will never forget it. We do a lot of roping and it sure paid off today. I think I will be able to pay off some bills.”

         As the pair finished up with the photo session and received their prizes one wondered how things would shape up for tomorrow.  Regardless, of what happened this week in Oklahoma City it had been enlightening and fun.  It had been a week to remember. The  # 9 Preliminary was in the history books.  It was a roping and a week Richard and Hoelting would not soon forget.

        

JR Looper Championships Saturday Oct. 29 2016 Age Group Winners

JR. Looper Shoot Out 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 29 2016

By Melinda Clements

         Kids! The arena floor was swarming with kids.  Everywhere you looked there were kids of all sizes, all shapes, all forms and all focused on one thing.  They were all thinking about roping.  They ran here and there some noticing the prizes and others completely oblivious.

         Nervous parents handled ropes and tried to corral one or two here or there while others sighed as they realized they had no control at all. As officials set up the roping area some parents discussed strategy and the kids looked on with serious faces but were not really worried. They had roped before but they were too excited to be very nervous. They just wanted to rope and rope some more.

         Kids make me smile.  For the most part they are resilient, strong, and curious.  They roll with the punches, are dramatic and open up with a haven of questions that boggles the mind.  And yet, they are God’s gift to us.  Designed to give us hope and promise.

         As the JR Looper Championships prepared to start there seemed to be a sudden “Yes in the Mess!”  Suddenly, the focus shifted and everyone’s attention was in the center of the arena.  All eyes were on the starting line and the roping dummy.  Suddenly every kid knew exactly why he or she was here and what they needed to do.

         The JR Looper Championships kicked off with the six and under age group.  The six entries consisted of Cooper Brittain, Ashton Delano, Dalton Dugan, McKail Williams, Cash Gerhardt and Beau Holmes.  It was a serious bunch that took to the line to rope.

         When the process of elimination was complete Beau Holmes was the determined winner.  He was a live wire and so excited.  He could hardly be still when USTRC Announcer tried to interview him.  Holmes is five years old and in kindergarten. He is from Bluff, Utah and he has a horse named Peaches.  Holmes favorite team roper is Eric Rogers and his big brother, Colston, taught him to rope.  I’m not sure if he is going to share his new saddle with Colston.  Holmes likes to heel best of all and he was so excited about the six and under age group win that he took off like a bullet across the arena floor.  He made me smile and I wondered if he was ever still.  He was the champion of the six and under age group and he was quite the roper.

         The seven to nine age group was an interesting group. It consisted of the following participants: Paden Evans, Grady Langley, Jaxon Hill, Denton Parrish and Aldrian Ramone.

         When the competition ended Aldrian Ramone was declared the winner.  Ramone is nine years old and lives in New Mexico.  He has a horse named Rusty and according to Aldrian he is a great heel horse.  Ramone was comfortable with wherever the bar was set during the competition and he told the announcer that no one taught him to rope.  He just already knew how to do it.  Eric Rogers is his favorite team roper and he has a new saddle and several prizes to show for his efforts.  He was excited and headed to pose for the group picture when the event concluded.

         The last group to compete in the JR Looper Shoot Out was the ten to twelve age group.  There were six finalists in this particular age group.  They were: Lyvan Gonzalez, Dace Morris, Myles Williams, Hailey Long, Samuel Francisco and Rylan Lumon.  The competition was fierce and each roper was very serious about what they needed to do to win the awesome prize line.

         When the event concluded Samuel Francisco was declared the winner.  The young man loves to heel and his Aunt Melanie taught him to rope.  Francisco has mare named Ginger and he loves to ride. 

         “I been roping for a long time,” Francisco said. “I think about four years.”  He was very excited about winning a saddle.

         When asked who his favorite team was he grinned with a shy smile and said, “Junior Nogueira!” He also added, “My aunt heads for me all the time and I want to rope forever.”

         As the winners gathered for a group picture they could hardly contain their excitement.  They love roping as much as their adult counterparts.  Perhaps it is contagious.  One thing is for sure.  Team Roping is alive and well across the land.  Team Roping is what we love and if our kids are any indication it is safe and growing by leaps and bounds. 

         There is just something about kids and dirt and horses and ropes and time well spent and working hard to get it figured out.  There is just something about spending time to grow and get better and find the discipline it takes to learn to rope and learn to win. 

         As the arena cleared I stood back and watched moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles and all other friends and family members and my heart was full.  “We must become as little children,” the scripture says.  They love life, they encourage, they forgive and they live with a gusto and gladness that we all need to embellish.  Look at your kids and smile.  They are, indeed, God’s special gift.

        

#10 Shoot Out NFTR Saturday Oct 29 2016 Levario and Johnson

#10 Shoot Out 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 29, 2016

Navor Levario and Braden Johnson

By Melinda Clements

         “Actually, we just met today,” Navor Levario said about his heeler, Braden Johnson. Was there a trend starting to reveal itself?  For all the hard work partners put together to rope it suddenly seemed there was something going on.  Perhaps it was an alignment of stars or fate or maybe it should just be labeled good fortune. New friends, new partners, and new beginnings were the ingredients that make team roping fun.

         “This is the first time we met and roped together,” Johnson said. “This roping proved to be pretty easy since I had a really good heeler.”

         Levario and Johnson were the third high team back going into the short go round of the #10 Shoot Out.  The roping was unbelievable.  First place in the average would pay $100,000 plus Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Western Horseman Classic Collector’s Prints.

         Thirty teams would come back in the short go round and first through fifteenth would receive a paycheck.  With a total payout of #302,800 it was a roping that was going to grab you and never let go.  Each team wanted it all and would work to make it happen. 

         “I was a little nervous and anxious going into the short go,” Johnson said. “I was so hoping it would all come together.” The fifteen-year-old heeler really wanted the win but he seemed content with however it worked out.         He had a quiet confident demeanor that was indicative of well learned and well taught professionalism.

         Johnson started out heading but around about the time he started in fifth grade he started heeling.  He works on fundamentals in the practice pen and if he, by chance, is headed to a rodeo he will opt up for snappier, faster runs. 

         Michael Nash and Dusty Lout were leading the average with a time of 35.05 on four head of steers.  Levario and Johnson needed a short nine to move Nash and Lout out of first place.  There would be two teams left to rope.

         When Levario caught the horns Johnson was there to wrap up the run. With two heels he stopped the clock at 8.53. It was enough to take the lead.  When the last two teams failed to make qualified runs Levario and Johnson took a deep breath and embraced the win of the #10 Shoot Out.  It was an absolutely awesome feeling.

         “I don’t really get nervous anymore,” Levario said with excitement in his voice.  “I just try to go rope and let the heeler wrap it up.  We just met today and I was looking for a run. I got a really good partner.”

         Both ropers were pretty overwhelmed with the win. $100,000 is a lot of money.

         “You can do a lot of stuff with that kind of money,” Levario said. “I bet I can find a way to do something.” The saddle today is the first USTRC National Finals saddle for Levario.  It is the first USTRC saddle ever for Johnson.  He is thinking it will probably go in the living room for a while.

         Johnson figures he will save some of his money. “I think I will save some, buy some horses and keep roping,” he said with a shy grin.

         If there is a trend it is proving to be a good one.  Good partners make for good roping and it makes no difference how long you have known them or how long you have roped together. Ropers strive to rope the best they can, be it with a regular partner or a new partner. In short, ropers love to rope and they rope to win.