# 9 Shoot Out Sunday Oct 28 2012

#9 Shoot Out

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Sunday October 28, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         We all set goals and have dreams.  We look over situations and scenarios and decide that we, too, can do that.  We focus on making things work knowing full well it will take every ounce of courage, discipline, focus and sacrifice we have to make.

         Every dream is obtainable in some form or fashion.  Every blessing is to be embraced and treasured.  If you think about it long enough and work at it with a commitment no one else understands at some point things turn around and move in positive directions. 

         “We came here last year and didn’t get entered,” Arkansas header, Todd Southerland said, “I said we got to get entered and we have to rope. We went home and practiced all year to come back to this team roping. I set out to win a USTRC saddle.  I placed in Tunica, Mississippi and they gave spurs.  I still wanted a saddle. But now nothing else matters because I have a USTRC Saddle.”

         Not only does Todd Southerland have a USTRC National Finals saddle he also had a chunk of change.  Try to vision splitting a little over $108,000.  It is hard to imagine.

         Southerland and his nephew, Skylar Reynolds was the high team coming back into the short go round of the #9 Shoot Out at this years 2012 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  They had stayed true to their goal, focused on roping a USTRC roping and getting four steers down.  It is easier said than done.

         “I wanted to score good and give Skylar a chance because I knew he would catch,” Southerland continued.  “We were ready for this roping.  I had made some mistakes earlier in the week and this was my last chance to win and I wanted it bad.”

         Reynolds wanted it as bad also.  He had watched the short go round unfold and more than anything he wanted to rope two feet.

         “There was lots of pressure and I was very nervous,” Reynolds said. “I just blocked it all out and just went to rope.  I kept saying to myself to just go rope.”

         This duo did, indeed, rope.  Needing a long twelve to take the average the pair roped right and made a good solid run of 10.05.  It was all it took to send Southerland and Reynolds over the top.

         Southerland took off in a victory lap that topped all victory laps.  He rode around the arena waving his hat and his screams and hollers echoed off the arena walls.  It was a dream come true and had been a long time coming. It was a goal that had been implemented many months before.  It was a lifetime changing experience.  Not only would the pair split $108,700 but they would also walk away with Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints.  It was enough to trigger a melt down. 

         “I wanted to knock four steers down,” Southerland said hardly able to contain his excitement or keep his voice from shaking.  “I so wanted this saddle.”

         Reynolds looked at his paycheck and just grinned.

         “That is a lot of numbers,” Reynolds drawled with a grin. It was about all he could say.” Both agreed their saddles would go in the middle of the living room floor when they got home.

         With the mass confusion of pictures, interviews, awards and milling family and supporters the duo was a bit overwhelmed.  It was almost an unfathomable concept.  Who would have thought it would turn out like this?

         “We are going to pay some bills, play catch up and rope some more,” Southerland said in an interview. “We will definitely keep roping.”

         Reynolds just seemed to be content staring at his first USTRC Finals saddle and his first USTRC Buckle.

         “It was worth the nerves and the pressure,” he said. “We rope a lot in jackpots and with work, school, and roping I keep pretty busy.  I’m just so excited. My grandpa is always preaching horsemanship and I’m glad. It is just fun to rope with family.  It is just fun to rope and win.”

         Goals and dreams keep us all moving.  They give us hope and purpose. Things have a strange way of coming together in spite of us.  Southerland and Reynolds had a goal in mind after being at the USTRC National Finals last year.  Today’s # 9 Shoot Out was the last chance in a long week of roping for that dream to come true.  Southerland wasn’t giving up.  He was on a mission.  It was the mission of his life and it is the sweetest dream come true he could ever imagined. It is absolutely all he thought it would be.

# 9 Preliminary Sat Oct 27 2012

#9 Preliminary 

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 27, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         One of the amazing things about the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping is a lot of things happen during the nine-day event.  The roping touches lives and lots of “firsts” happen during the week. 

         For young heeler Jake Cooper Clay it was the first time he had ever made the short go round at the USTRC Finals.  Before the short go round ended there were several more “firsts” to be added to the list.

         The #9 Preliminary at the 2012 USTRC NFTR would pay $22,500 for first place in the average plus Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and a National Shoot Out spot.  The top thirty teams coming back in the short go round would get paid and the competition was fierce.  Every single team wanted a part of the action. A little over four seconds separated the top six teams coming into the short go round. It was going to be a matter of making a mistake free run and staying focused.

         When the sixth high team back posted a time of 8.70 the heat peaked.  The roping went to a whole new level and everyone focused on catching and making a solid run.

         Jack Foreman and Jake Cooper Clay was the fourth high team back.  They were happy with fourth and focused on a solid clean run.  The pair posted a time of 8.44 and tucked an assured fourth place in their pockets.  There were three teams to go.

         Waiting for the top three teams to rope wasn’t even an issue for Foreman and Clay because they were satisfied with how things had turned out.  Imagine their surprise when the top three teams had issues and the win of the average in the #9 Preliminary sat down in their laps.

         “I didn’t know what to think,” Clay said with a huge grin on his face.  “I was kind of nervous and I just wanted to catch and make a good consistent run.  The is my first time ever to make the short go round at the Finals.”

         “I was thinking we ended up fourth which is very good,” Foreman said. “Then we were third and then second and I couldn’t imagine it coming together for first. It is very exciting.”

         The pair practice together and their win is a subtle hint of the time spent in the practice pen. 

         “I like to slow things down a bit,” Foreman said. “I think Jake likes things to move a little faster. The horsemanship is vital. If you are riding your horses it helps you handle cattle and you learn to set things up for your partner.”

         The pair obviously have a lot of support, assistance and encouragement.

         “My wife was crying when I told her about the win,” Foreman said. “Jake and I have been roping together a long time.  His family is supportive and as a teacher I’ve known them for years.”

         Clay agreed.  He feels he has a great deal of encouragement and help.

         “Cactus Ropes is my sponsor and Pro Equine supports me.  The horse I’m riding belongs to Mock Brothers Saddlery in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. All of those sponsors have been a great support to me.  My mom and dad support me also and do all they can to help me rope and win.  I’m hoping I can use some of my money to buy this horse.  My dad trained him and he worked really well.  I couldn’t do without all the help I have.”

         As it turned out the #9 Preliminary was an avenue for Foreman to win his first USTRC Saddle. It was Clay’s first time to make a finals short go round and win his first USTRC saddle as well. It also happened to be the first time the duo had won that much money together.  In fact neither had ever won that much money. 

         The # 9 Preliminary was in the history books.  It is one of those memories tucked in your heart and neither Foreman nor Clay will ever forget how it all came together. There were all kinds of “first” during the week of the NFTR and Foreman and Clay will always cherish their win here. Those are some “firsts” they will never ever forget.

        

        

Jr Looper Shoot Out Sat Oct 27 2012

Jr Looper Shoot Out 

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 27, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         Suddenly the coliseum floor was crawling with kids.  There were kids of all ages, young and old, big and little, and short and tall.  Those of greatest importance carried ropes.  Some of those ropes were bigger than the ropers. It didn’t matter because business was about to pick.  The Jr Looper Shoot Out at the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping was about to get underway.  It was, indeed, the most serious business of the entire week.

         When the six and under age group got under way there were six young ropers vying for a brand new Martin Championship Trophy Saddle.  It was a tough competitive roping and when the dust cleared a young Iowa roper was awarded the win.

         Hyatt Stephens is six years old and hails from Pacific Junction, Iowa.  He is in Kindergarten and likes heeling best of all.

         “I have a horse named Batman,” Hyatt said. “And my favorite roper is Kory Koontz.”  Hyatt was not nervous during the roping competition.  He has a brother Houston and he is ten years old.  The boys love to rope and the family came to Oklahoma City to enjoy and participate in the Finals.

         “I think Batman will like my new saddle,” Hyatt said. “ It was fun to rope.”

         The seven to nine age group unfolded with an intensity that mirrored the toughest of any that had occurred all week.  It was a tough competitive roping that went down to the wire before a winner was determined. In a rope off that pitted Lane Bitsilly and Chet Begay it quickly became apparent that neither roper was willingly going to settle for second place.  Finally with the bar placed at seventeen feet Chet Begay took the win for the saddle when he caught slick horns. 

         The youngster had roped with an intense focus and concentration.  He never faltered and he made absolutely sure every single thing was right and in place before he geared up and threw his loop.  He was serious and committed and nothing distracted him or threw him off course.

         “I’m from Arizona,” Chet said. “I’m in second grade and my favorite team roper is Derick Begay.”  Chet likes heading best of all and he has a horse named Barney.  Chet is eight years old. 

         “I wasn’t nervous,” Chet said shyly. “I’m glad I won a saddle.”

         Corey Charlie promised his dad, Ferlin, he wouldn’t miss for the saddle.  It was a promise he took to heart.  Corey was the winner of the ten to twelve age group of the Jr Looper Shoot Out.  Corey hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

         “I love to head and heel,” Corey said shyly.  He is eleven years old and in sixth grade.  His favorite team roper is Eric Rogers. 

         “I think I was more nervous than Corey,” said Ferlin Charley, Corey’s dad. Tears filled his eyes as he expressed how proud he was of his son.  “I was so worried for him and very nervous for him.  He promised me he wouldn’t miss for the saddle. 

         Our team roping kids are so special and they grow up so quickly.  They are so much a part of who we are.  Watching all the youngsters rope brought to mind a song Kenny Rogers recorded that touched my heart. Little do we realize how quickly these days will pass. Our team roping kids are just the best.

Days go by so quickly, summer turns to fall.

Seems like only yesterday that you began to crawl.

So don’t be afraid to take that step, I’ll catch you when you fall,

And I don’t mind if you leave behind a few handprints on the wall.

© All rights reserved / Kenny Rogers Artist and Song writer

        

        

#10 Shoot Out Sat Oct 27 2012

#10 Shoot Out 

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 27, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         Some of us do not realize how far and wide spread our sport of team roping actually is.  You might say it has an international flair.  It reaches across the ocean to Hawaii and north to Canada and south to Mexico and Bolivia.  No matter where you go or how you travel if horses and cattle are involved team roping comes up and one finds there are tentacles of the sport in every corner of the world.

         $105,000 is a lot of money in any man’s sport.  With that kind of money and a prize line consisting of Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints a roper has to be almost boiled over in anticipation and eagerness to give it his best.

         The # 10 Shoot Out short go round hosted thirty teams vying for the awards and prize line.  The average would pay money to the top twenty teams placing in the average.  It was all the motivation anyone needed to “get r done!”

         Some of the best advice offered all week had been “don’t safety up”, “stay aggressive”, “don’t change a thing” and “rope your best roping.” It had to be uppermost in everyone’s mind. Certainly it was easier said than done.

         The short go round was fast paced, competitive and aggressive.  Each run was a step closer to $105,700.  Each team was hungry and ready for some action.  Toss the dice in the wind and see what rolls up seemed to be the best advice.

         Rex and Jorge Hawkins was the sixth high call back team coming into the short go round of the #10 Shoot Out.  The pair had to be 9.10 to take the lead away from the seventh high team back of Colton and Coy Brittian.  When they rode into the box it was nerves working overtime to say the least.  However, the pair settled in and nodded to go make a run.  When the clock stopped 8.93 was shining brightly.  The pair had, indeed, taken the lead.  There were five more teams to go and to put it mildly all the teams left were quite competent.

         Suddenly pressure entered the scenario and a waiting game began for Rex and Jorge Hawkins. 

         “I was pretty nervous as I watched the rest of the roping,” Rex Hawkins said with a smile. “I was so excited.  I was very happy we did well and it was okay how things would turn out. Just watching made me more nervous than roping.” It certainly seemed that way for Jorge Hawkins as well.

         “I was too nervous to watch or think,” Jorge said “My uncle and I did well and I wanted it to be okay.”

         A couple of unqualified runs and some runs with issues closed out the short go round.  Suddenly truth struck home and Rex and Jorge Hawkins realized they had actually won the average in the #10 Shoot Out.  There were no words, English or Spanish that described the feeling.  It was impossible to grasp much less describe. 

         As the pair made a victory lap around the arena there was only numbness and a cluttered mind of disbelief.  Who can grasp that much money or that kind of prize line?

         “I came from Mexico to rope with my uncle,” Jorge said with a shy grin. “I feel happy having this money and I don’t know what to do with it or even how to understand what it all means. I think the game plan we had was to rope every steer and have a good time roping. I came to Oklahoma City because my uncle said it was a good roping and team roping in Mexico is a lot different.”

         “Jorge is my nephew,” Rex Hawkins explained. “We have been roping together since he was about nine years old. I dreamed about this and I’m so happy and very excited. I cannot even think about the money I’m just too nervous.  It is unbelievable.”

         Family, friends and supporters surrounded the pair and they had quickly become celebrities of sorts as interviews were conducted and pictures taken. 

         Perhaps team roping is one of those universal sports that brings everyone together under an umbrella of fellowship.  There is no language barrier, no culture division or lack of understanding where team roping is concerned.  It is a sport of fellowship and camaraderie that brings ropers together in ways nothing else can.

#10 Preliminary Fri Oct 26 2012

#10 Preliminary 

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Friday October 26, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         “Guess I may keep team roping so I can afford to rope calves,” Ty Harris commented with a huge grin.  Undoubtedly, the kid was on a roll.  With a win in the #11 Preliminary the day before Harris didn’t want to over think things.  His focus all week had been to catch.  Harris, by choice, is a calf roper.  He has actually been team roping for about six months and the more he does it the more he likes it. He wanted catching and roping right to continue to be his priority. 

         Harris and partner, Cody Burnside, was the high team coming back for the short go round of the # 10 Preliminary at the 2012 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. The pair was shooting at $25,400 for first place in the average.  The duo were actually draw partners and had roped together in Guthrie earlier in the week.  They didn’t even know each other until then.

         The short go round of the #10 Preliminary was a tough competitive round.  The top ten teams were focused and the round was action packed and exciting.

         Harris and Burnside didn’t pay much attention as the short go round unfolded.  Neither of the young men wanted to change anything.  They both wanted to be consistent and catch their steer.  They had a good steer and didn’t want to waste him. They just wanted to do their job.

         “I wanted to score good and catch,” Harris said. The pair needed a 9.76 to take the win in the average.  When Harris nodded the steer broke hard but Harris was good for it.  The arena wall came up quickly as Harris turned off.  Burnside was focused and read the situation well.

         “We came up against the wall,” Burnside said. “I focused on the steer and not the wall and roped two feet. I try to react to how things shape up around me and adjust.  Each run is a little different and you have to adjust to what is happening.”  He spoke with the maturity of a very experienced roper.

         Burnside seems to adjust well to diversity so he was ready for the wall and roped accordingly.  It did not make him nervous and he completed the run like he had finished them up all day. He was on track and nerves or pressure was not really an issue for him.

         Burnside and Harris had never met until earlier in the week.  They both needed a run so it worked well.  Both of them knew immediately what they wanted after pairing up.

         When the pair caught their steer in the short go round they were not exactly sure what they had accomplished. They needed a time of 9.76.  Harris knew they were close but began to fret a little as they waited for the announcer to give their time.  When the announcer paused and slowly drawled, “A time of nine point-----seven----three.” It brought the crowd to their feet in exhilaration.

         “It made me so nervous when the announcer said our time really slow,” Harris said. “I wasn’t sure if we had won or not.  That was the most nervous part of all.”

         Both young men agreed they would probably put their winnings in the bank for a while.  Their strategy makes sense. They both seemed more focused on roping and improving than on the money.

         Invariably things come about in strange ways.  For Harris and Burnside to even rope together was a little twist of fate.  They plan to continue to rope together and their experience has probably created a life long friendship.  Regardless, they have made an impression and they will be a team to watch in the coming days.

# 11 Shoot Out Friday Oct 26 2012

#11 Shoot Out

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Friday October 26, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         I’m not sure how you picture in your mind and grasp the concept of $102, 000.  I’m not sure it even becomes a reality once it is placed in your hands.  Maybe if you dabbled in that kind of money it would be understandable but otherwise it may just be myth or a mirage.

         For two teen age heelers the concept of that much money is pretty much an aberration.  The question arises as to how you define it and further more what do you do with it?

         Wesley Thorp and Tyson Thompson are heelers.  They live about thirty minutes apart in Central Texas.  They practice as much as they can but the real kicker comes when you realize they both like to heel.  They like to heel a lot.  So who heads when this duo heads to the practice pen?  Actually they both do!  You see they have to trade off and take turns heading and heeling for each other.  It works to their advantage.

         The pair was almost NOT entered in the # 11 Shoot Out Roping at the 2012 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  Fortunately their placings in the #11 Preliminary qualified them to rope in the #11 Shoot Out.

         “We had to make the short go round of the Preliminary to rope in the Shoot Out,” Thompson explained. “We didn’t rope together in the Preliminary but we did place.”

         An awesome prize line was available to the winners of the # 11 Shoot Out.  Not only were they shooting at $102,500 but they were also looking Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots, Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints.  It was enough to label pressure at a whole new level.

         Thorp and Thompson was the fourth high team back coming into the short go round.  Thorp didn’t even have a head horse.  Fortunately, a fellow team roper loaned him one and it was a good one.  Thorp was good to go. He didn’t have to think about the horse he only had to think about roping.

         “I get nervous when I head because I’m actually a heeler,” Thorp said. He had already proved his prowess as a heeler by winning the #11 Preliminary with partner, Ty Harris.

         “Both Tyson and I are heelers so we have to switch ends when we practice,” Thorp continued.

         The pair posted a time of 7.03 on their short go round steer to take the lead in the average with three teams left to rope.  It was a tedious waiting game. 

         “I wanted to get out of the barrier and catch,” Thorp said. “We had a good steer.” Thompson is familiar with pressure and roping to win.  He is the National Junior High Champion Heeler so he knows what it takes to focus and win.

         “I knew Wesley was good for it,” Thompson elaborated. “I needed to get it caught.  Just as I turned around in the box Wesley nodded so I was a little late but I had a really good shot. I just roped and took my shot and it worked.”

         Thorp had commented earlier how he had struggled earlier in the week. However, it came together for him in the #11 Preliminary and despite being a little nervous he bit the bullet and decided to head for Thompson.

         Watching the last three teams go didn’t really bother either Thorp or Thompson.  They were satisfied with what had been done and any way it worked out was good for the pair.

         When the dust cleared and the numbers tallied the pair was solid in the average.  When the high call back team failed to make a qualified run the pair realized they had actually taken the win in the #11 Shoot Out at the NFTR.  What an overwhelming and unbelievable feeling. 

         “I cannot put it together,” Thompson said.  Walking through a wall of flashing cameras, ringing cell phones and a ton of well wishers the pair made their way toward interviews and prize presentations.  They were suddenly celebrities and cast into a new role of notoriety.

         “It is pretty fun to switch ends and win like this,” Thorp said with a huge grin.  “I feel a lot better now than I did earlier in the week. It makes a big difference to have good partners and good steers.  I had a slow start this week but we sure finished up big.”

         “This is my first USTRC Finals saddle,” Thompson said with a shy grin. “I may just sleep with this saddle. It feels really good.  I cannot even put together how much money that is or what it means. It doesn’t seem real yet.”

         Thorp and Thompson are a couple of young guns who will bear watching in the future.  They are competitive, focused and spend the time to develop the disciplines it takes to win.  This pair bears watching.  They may not quite fathom the concepts of $102,000 but they do know about the concepts and basics of team roping.  They are definitely champions in the making.

        

# 11 Preliminary Thurs. Oct 25 2012

#11 Preliminary

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 25, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         There is a certain comfort zone available to us all in knowing others support us, assure us and believe in us.  Fourteen-year-old Ty Harris knew his heeler, Wesley Thorp, would come in and rope two heels if he caught for him.  His focus was just on catching in the short go round.  Everything else would be taken care of.  Sometimes you just do the best you can and let everything else work itself out.

         Ty Harris and Wesley Thorp were the tenth place high call back team going into the short go round of the #11 Preliminary at the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  It was going to be tough short round.  There were a lot of young guns involved in this roping and every single one of the thirty teams coming back in the short go round had money on their minds.  First place in the average would pay $22,700.

         “We didn’t want to overanalyze the roping,” both Thorp and Harris agreed.  They had roped well all day.

         “We just wanted to focus on catching and making a good run.  All week I had concentrated on catching,” Harris said.

         “I had struggled all week,” Thorp commented. “I had trouble with the mental part and I had not won much so I just wanted to slow things down and focus on what I had to do. I guess I just wanted to rope right.”

         The pair took the lead in the average with a short go time of 8.13. It was a good solid run and the pair was okay with the idea they had done well.  They knew first through tenth would pay.

         However, there seemed to be a bigger plan at work.  It quickly became obvious that pressure, nerves, or even over analysis was delving into the thoughts and actions of the teams in the short go round of the # 11 Preliminary.

         Incredibly, team after team began to struggle.  It was a rapture of head games as several teams went out in the short go round when they failed to make qualified runs.

         “We should have bumped it up,” Harris thought as he watched the short go round unravel. “By the time the fifth high team back went out I actually thought we might have a chance at first place.”

         “Our numbers fit together so we roped,” Thorp said. “I didn’t really think we could win being the tenth team down.”

         With several unqualified runs the pressure finally rested on the high call back team of Ky and Paden Bray.  It was suddenly an all mental game and it was a precarious place to be.  The Bray’s needed an 11.71 to take the win in the average.  The pressure was all theirs and it was a tedious situation.  When the pair posted a 14.27 on their short round steer realization struck home with full force.  For Harris and Thorp it was hard to understand. Harris and Thorp had actually come from tenth to first and won the #11 Preliminary at the Cinch USTRC NFTR.  It was overwhelming and totally unbelievable.

         “I knew first through tenth place paid good.  I didn’t really think about first,” Thorp said. “We didn’t sit down and plan anything it just sort of worked out.”

         “My family is very supportive,” Harris said. “I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have my big brother to rope with me.  I knew Wesley would catch and I just wanted to do my part.”

         Sometimes things come together that direct us toward bigger and better things.  Sometimes you don’t plan, over analyze or dictate.  You just go do the best you can and that in and of itself is the first step toward greatness.

Cinch Cruel Girl Championships Thurs Oct 25 2012

Cinch Cruel Girl Championships

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 25, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         They add a certain caliber of elegance to an already classy and flamboyant sport known as team roping.  The ladies of the USTRC bring a bit of refinement and flair that is truly appreciated.

         This year’s Cinch Cruel Girl Championships noted something very special.  In a sport dominated by young guns and ropers from a younger generation it was a pleasant and encouraging feeling to meet Sandy McElreath and Sherry Robinson.  The Cimarron, Kansas duo were delightful, encouraging, and humble in a delightful way. Perhaps it was their maturity and class that immediately reached out and grabbed you.  Perhaps it was because they were a little older, more experienced and certainly appreciative. They were polite, insightful and added true class to a well deserved win.

         The pair was the high call back team going into the short go round of the Cinch Cruel Championships.  With a total payout of $55,800 the top twenty teams were coming back to rope in the short go round.  Robinson and McElreath were focused and had honed in on what they needed to do to take the win in the average.

         “It was a good roping,” McElreath said. “I try to take the pressure off of myself by not worrying about what is happening.  I just try to focus on what I have to do and nothing else. Hopefully, I can handle the cattle and set it up for Sherry to come and do her job.”

         “ We have been roping together since the 1970’s,” said Robinson. “We are very comfortable with each other and we want to have a good time. With my husband coaching me and Sandy as my partner I knew my practice this morning was going to pay off.”

         The pair did not watch the short go round.  They remained focused and concentrated on roping one more steer and it didn’t really matter how things went in the short round.  Both ladies knew they just needed to ride into the box with one steer on their minds and go rope the way they knew how to rope.  Perhaps it was an age thing, the maturity, the practice or just the fact they were very disciplined and trusted each other explicitly that made the difference.

         The duo needed a time of 11.22 to take the win in the average of the Cruel Girl roping.  The pair rope around home with each other, with friends in different set ups and conditions.

         “We rope different cattle in different set ups and it makes a big difference in adjusting to the conditions,” Robinson explained. “My husband and I rope a lot.  We have some heated discussions sometimes and we get pretty pumped and ready to rope.  Our practices helped prepare us for this short go round. “

         “We know each other and know what to expect from each other,” McElreath elaborated. “It is because we spend a lot of time roping at home.”

         When McEreath nodded for the steer there was nothing else to think about or do but rope and rope she did.  Robinson rolled in behind her and grabbed both heels to take the win with a time of 10.37.  The ladies had just printed the Cinch Cruel Girl Championships to their resume.

         “This is our first USTRC Finals Saddle and I’m very proud,” Robinson said.  “I’m riding my husband’s mare and with his help and his training this morning it all worked out.  He was helping me with position, to pick up on my horse, when to rope and what all to do next.”

         “We came here for the money,” McElreath said with a smile. “And the fact it is pretty close to home.  That is good reason to come here.”  The pair also won the Incentive, which paid them $1200, and a National Shoot Out position.

         Young guns and the youth is a wonderful thing but it is so refreshing to find ladies like Sandy McElreath and Sherry Robinson still spending time in the roping arena and being representatives of the sport of team roping.  They are a class act and a very simple truth that we can all rope and we can rope for a long time if we so choose.  To have these to ladies as mentors and guides in the sport is quite refreshing. 

                   

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out Wed Oct 24 2012

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 24, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         “The banter of the announcer, the music and the excitement motivates me,” Glen Terrell commented. “I want to go faster, rope quicker and hurry.  My greatest challenge is timing, to slow down and focus; to rope right.”

         Evidently his timing was on track coming into the short go round of the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out at the 2012 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. Glen Terrell takes care of you.  He watches out for others and that kind of focus brought him and partner, Randy Coleman to the short go round.  They had roped well all day and were the third high call back team shooting for a win in the average.

         “It was a tough short go round,” Randy Coleman said. “We had roped well all day and the last thing we wanted to do was change anything.”

         Thirty teams were coming back in the short go round and thirty teams would receive paychecks.  First place in the average would split $56,500.  First place high money winner would drive home in a new Ram four door dually truck.  The second high money winner would own a Case IH Farmall 75A Tractor. 

         As the third high team coming back into the short go round Coleman and Terrell watched the roping unfold. It was proving to be a tough competitive short go round.

         “I wasn’t all that nervous,” Coleman replied. “My family and I do this all the time.  There are no losers here.  It has been a win/win situation for everyone involved.  We just needed to go rope our roping and not worry about anything else.”

         When the seventh high team back of Jerry Elkins and Rudy Gonzales roped their short go round steer in 8.49 the heat went up.  With six teams to go for the chips it was going to be anybody’s ball game.  Terrell and Coleman knew they needed to be at least ten on their steer to take the lead from Elkins and Gonzales.  They rode into the box knowing a good practice run assured them of at least a third place check.

         “Don’t change anything,” Coleman kept upper most in his mind. “Rope like you have roped all day!”  He did exactly that.  The pair posted a time of 8.56 with two teams to go.  They rode out the back gate perfectly satisfied to take home third place and $28,000.

         Terrell watched the team of Teri and Jody Stamper post a time of 9.12 to move into second place and everyone waited on the high team back.  When the high call team failed to make a qualified run Terrell and Coleman couldn’t believe it.  They had just won the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out and a shot at the Ram Truck and the Case IH Farmall Tractor.  It was all a little overwhelming.

         Following a rope off that paired friends and buddies with friends and buddies it was determined Terrell would take the truck and Coleman would take the tractor. 

         “The good Lord has just blessed us,” Terrell said. “I was hyper and pumped throughout the whole thing.  I have great friends who have encouraged us.  I have a good friend Dallas Hooper who is undergoing dialysis and he encourages me and wanted me to come and rope.  I have family and friends who promote us. It is such a blessing to win.”

         “It was just a business man’s run in the short go round,” Coleman said. “My kids and grandkids encourage us to rope. My whole family is involved.”        

Coleman’s grandson had won the dummy roping earlier and so tradition seems to run in the family. His sons also rope.

         “My Papa encourages me and helps me to not be nervous,” said Jacob Coleman about his granddad. “He helps me to not feel pressure and to just rope the best I can.”

         Despite not roping together all that much Coleman and Terrell paired up in a winning format to take the average of the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  It was a matter of friends helping friends to do well.  This one was a memory maker and a life changer. 

         Randy Coleman summed it up well when he said, “There are no losers here.”  The #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out was definitely a win / win situation.

        

           

Century Roping Wed Oct 24 2012

Century Roping

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 24, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         They are the elite of the elite, the mainstay of the organization.  They hold a special place and an impeccable standard for us all.  They are the Century Ropers of the USTRC.  They have been a part of us for a long time and will forever set a level of quality and excellence we should all strive for.

         Twenty teams were coming back in the short go round of the Century Roping at the 2012 Cinch USTRC NFTR.  We have watched them carefully and they are the best in this business called team roping. They have aged gracefully and blessed us with their expertise, their attitudes and their view of life.  They are goers and doers of all they hold dear.

         Twenty teams were vying for Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and $22,200 for first place in the average of the Century Roping.  You should never underestimate this group of ropers.  They rope and ride with the best of them and age is no barrier.  Age is not a determining factor in attitude, zest for living and mind set.  Nothing sets them back and nothing stirs their souls like roping.  This short go round would be as tough as any roping all week if for no other reason than these ropers come to win and they take it very seriously.

         Nerves or pressure rarely becomes an issue because these ropers have done it all.  They know the game and they play it well.  You will not find them fearful or backing up. You will find them committed, focused with a way of thinking that cannot be thwarted or obstructed.

         As the short go round got underway it quickly became obvious this would be tough competitive roping. This bunch of guys would not be inhibited.  When the thirteenth high call back team of Dusty and Terry Leatherwood posted a time of 8.31 on their short round steer to take the lead in the average everyone took notice. Every team cranked things up a notch.

         When the fourth high team back rode into the box they had one thing in mind.  E R Scogin and Michael Jones needed a time of 11.26 to take the lead in the average away from the Leatherwood boys.  It was doable and the pair was committed to making it happen.

         When Scogin’s nodded he had all the confidence in the world things were going to work.  He knew he had everything going in his favor.  He and his partner had roped well all day long and this was no different.  It was just one more steer and he knew they could make this happen.  No matter how it turned out they were perfectly satisfied with $9,200 but why not shoot for the top?  Today was a good day.

         Nodding for his steer he rode hard and snatched the horns.  Jones was in the right place at the right time and took his shot.  With two heels and a flag down the pair posted a time of 9.63 with three teams to go.  The pair rode out of the back gate content in all that had happened.

         When the last three teams failed to make qualified runs Scogin and Jones basked in the victory.  They had just won the Century Roping at the CNFTR.  How sweet was that!

         “This just means a seventy-two year old team roper can still rope and win,” Scogin said with a grin. “I’ve been roping forty-five years and I’m having a good time.”

         “Nobody deserves to win more than E R,” said Jones. “He works at it and he is a drill sergeant at making things work.  I’ve known E R for thirty years and we had talked and made plans to come here months ago.  It is a sweet victory.”

         “I was completely satisfied finishing fourth place,” Scogin said. “We have roped well and it was good the way things turned out.”

         The pair took home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and checks worth $22.200.  The roping was Jones’ last opportunity to place this week before heading home.  He had definitely saved the best for last.

         “This was my last shot,” Jones said. “I wanted to rope aggressive and not back off and be too careful.  A lot of ropers tend to safety up when they get in this position.  You have to stay at it, rope aggressive just like you have been roping all day and not back off.  That is my biggest issue to keep roping aggressive.”

         Scogin’s ropes a lot and rides the best horses.  He and his wife work together to rope and train their horses. 

         “You know nothing takes the place of a win,” Scogins said. “Just proves we can rope to win. I have a good horse and we have had a good time.”

         “My header is riding the best horse here,” Jones said. “We have roped off and on all summer long and this win is very special since it is with E R.”

 It is something we have planned on.”

         This group of ropers is very special. They are the solid foundation of what team roping is about. As Augustus McCrae so adeptly voiced, “ The older the violin the sweeter the music.” The fire of the Century Team Ropers burns hot and true and the music is, indeed, sweet and to the point!