#10 US Invitational Thurs Oct 31 2013

#10 US Invitational

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 31 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          “Pressure is good otherwise I would be setting up in the stands,” commented Colorado Heeler Clay Keller.  “Actually the less I think about it the better I rope.  I just want to keep the basics in my mind.”

          Seems like pretty solid advice for anyone looking at the sport of team roping.  Perhaps the key is to slow it down, make it happen and grab the gusto.  It seems like a pretty good game plan for those looking to do well in this business.

          As a new addition to the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping the #10 Invitational seems to have a good attraction and popularity for ropers who are involved.

          “I love the format,” Keller commented. “You don’t have to beat five hundred teams.  You go rope at the big money and the format keeps it all in check.  I think it is great!”

          “It is a great set up, a terrific format,” Colorado header, Jody York collaborated. “You have great prizes, good money, the saddles and you are able to maintain your energy and stay focused.”

          Keller and York was the second high team back going into the short go round of the #10 US Invitational.  The pair had just watched the third high team of Junior Hernandez and Rene Cervantes take the lead in the average with a time of 41.74 seconds.  York and Keller needed a time of 14.11 to move Hernandez and Cervantes.  It was certainly something they could do.  It was merely a good mistake free practice run.

          When York and Keller backed into the box they just wanted to rope this last steer clean and mistake free.  Roping together for the last five or six years proved to be an advantage because the pair knows each other’s mindset and they have the same goals.

          “You tend to operate on adrenaline in a roping like this one,” Keller said. “Pressure is good and helps you stay on track.”

          As the pair took their place in the box to rope there was little time to worry.  It was what it was.  The point was to utilize the opportunity they had been given.

          When the clock stopped the numbers read 10.17 with one team left to rope.  York and Keller had secured second place in the average with a time of 37.79 seconds on their four steers.  Whatever happened next was out of their hands.

          The surprise came when the high team back failed to make a qualified run.  Who would have thought?  York and Keller were ecstatic. 

          As the pair posed for pictures and did interviews one thing became obvious.  The pair had committed to each other and roped well.  It just plainly takes hard work.

          “I guess as a woman I do have to work a little harder,” York said. “I’m not as strong, my horse is not as strong but you never ever give up. You keep trying and you keep working at it. You have to keep working at winning.”

          “I love the roping, I love the format, I love what the USTRC is doing and I’m excited about this win,” Keller laughed. “I’m going to use this win to make sure all my runs are paid for. It is a good way to do things and I’ll continue to rope.”

          It appears there is a new trend out there. It is popular, fun and competitive.  The #10 Invitational seems to have kicked off with a promising start.  Regardless, winning is a good thing especially combined with a bit of pressure to keep you on your toes.  Team roping is a high beyond description.

         

         

 

Cruel Girl Championships Thurs Oct 31 2013

Cruel Girl Championships

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 31 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          Do not ever underestimate their ability to rope.  More than that do not ever underestimate their ability to win.  The ladies of the USTRC are a group that is highly competitive and extremely focused on what they want and why.  They rope with a serious edge that will surprise you.  As the Cruel Girl Championships came to a close it quickly became evident there was a pretty tough bunch coming back in the short go round.

          Twenty teams would give their best shot in the average of the Cruel Girl Championships.  All of the ladies involved were proven winners in the sport of team roping and it would be some fast paced action to determine who would take home the cash, the Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and the Cruel Girl Wardrobe.

          As the short go round unfolded it was the sixth high team back that latched on to the lead in the average with a time of 38.60 on four head of steers.  Emily and Katie Nolan were focused and honed in on taking the win.  As the top five teams prepared to rope pressure smoldered and nerves were on edge.  The win was still up for grabs as the top five teams beaded in on the action.  No one knew or could predict how things would unfold.

          As the last five teams scrambled the Nolan girls tried to remain calm.  When the second high team back rode into the box it was very evident this team was in tune with the action. Even their demeanor illustrated win!

          Mary Stubblefield and Tammy White knew they needed a time of 14.92 to take the win in the average.  They had roped well all day.  Anything under fourteen would be a promise. 

          “I wanted to catch all my steers today,” Stubblefield said. “I didn’t change anything with the short go round run.  I wanted things to turn around with this roping.”

          When the pair posted a time of 7.36 on their short go round steer the whole complexion of the roping changed.  There was one team to go.  Stubblefield and White were at least assured of second.  It was a good place to be.  When they rode out the back gate they were confident they had done the very best they could.

          Surprisingly, the high call back team failed to make a qualified run and it suddenly dawned on White and Stubblefield the win in the Cruel Girl Championships was theirs for the taking.  What a sweet revelation it was!

          “I’m glad we won,” Stubblefield said confidently. “It has been a long trip here and I just felt good thinking about catching all my steers.” 

          “I just wanted to catch,” White commented. “It was a tough roping and I just focused on the feet.  I just wanted to be sure I caught everything.  This is actually our first time to rope together. Mary actually ropes with my husband most of the time. I just wanted to focus on catching everything.  I’m glad it worked out for us.”

          There is a lot to be said for the ladies of the USTRC.  They are as committed and focused as any ropers in the business.  They work hard, rope hard and win with a focus and intensity that defies description.

          The Cruel Girl Championships at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping is a good example of the diversity of the sport.  Be it men or women you will find a discipline and focus that defies description.  One thing is evident it is team roping at its best.

         

         

 

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out Wed Oct 30 2013

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 30 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          It is a long long drive from Florida to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is a haul you may not want to make on an ordinary day.  However, it is a haul that is essential if you have one specific goal in mind. 

          “I came out here to win a truck,” said Florida heeler, Jay Johnson. “That has been my goal for a long time.  I came out here to do exactly this and I guess we got it done.”

          Bob Herrington and Jay Johnson are partners.  They rope a little in Florida. 

          “I’ve wanted to do this in the Gold Plus for a long time as well,” Herrington elaborated.  “The money and prizes always bring you to Oklahoma City.  How can you not come rope in a roping of this magnitude?”

          Johnson had been hungry for a win in this roping since he has been coming to Oklahoma City.  He roped well all day.  He and partner, Brady McCormick was the twenty-fifth high call team going into the short go round.  Johnson and Herrington was the first high call back team.  With any kind of luck Johnson had a good shot at the prize line.  

          The #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out offered an awesome prize line.  The high money winner in the roping would drive home in a 2013 SLT Crew Cab Ram Dually Truck plus $64,700.  The second high money winner would receive his choice of a Case IH Farmall Tractor or a Case IH Scout Utility Vehicle.  It was enough to make your mouth water.  No wonder the competition was fierce.

          When the twenty-first call back team of Darwin McGowan and Jake Fillmore took the lead in the average with a time of 38.61 they had no idea it would hold.  They did, however, maintain the lead until the last two teams came back to rope.  It seemed the roping was at a stress level no one but those involved understood.  When the second high team back rode into the box they wanted to change the trend.  Gordon Coble and Jeremy McIntyre did exactly that with a run of 10.05.  There was one team to go.

          Jay Johnson wanted this win.  He trusted Bob Herrington would do what was needed to give him a shot.  It was like shuffling cards, you never knew where the ace would appear.  As Johnson rode into the box he took a deep breath.  Everything Johnson and Herrington wanted depended on this one run.  One steer, one run, all hinged on focus, commitment, and promise. Nothing mattered but one steer, the last steer in the short go round of the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out!

          The pair needed a 10.78 to take the win.  For a brief second the world stopped and the pair left the box with nothing but a basic team roping run on their minds.  When the dust cleared and the clock stopped it read 8.20.  It was all the pair needed to win the average in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out. 

          As it turned out for Johnson he had enough winnings to lay claim to the 2013 SLT Crew Cab Ram Dually.  With emotions flowing Johnson found his hands shaking and his emotions fragile.

          “Be careful,” he said so filled with emotion his voice quivered. “I may cry! I came from Florida to get this truck and it finally happened. It is unbelievable.”

          Herrington mirrored Johnson’s emotions.  “This is my biggest win ever,” he said. “You cannot imagine what it feels like to win a roping like this.  I have wanted this roping for a long time.  I just wanted to see what I needed to see, stay aggressive but not be overly safe.  There are so many people I owe this roping to. My boys, RT and Charles and Deb are so supportive.  There are so many people who have put up with me and helped me.  My dear mother who is still alive is so special. I owe them all so much.”  In all the reflection Herrington’s voice choked with emotion. “God is good all the time.”

          Johnson, as the high money winner, received $43,150 and Herrington would put $32,300 in his pocket.  The pair certainly agreed it was worth the drive from Florida to Oklahoma for the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  It had been a life altering experience.  They would never ever forget it or the feeling.  It was exciting, unbelievable and yet a most humbling revelation.

          Team Roping changes lives in a heart beat.  There is nothing like the highs and lows the sport brings.  Nothing matches its impact on emotions and feelings.  Herrington and Johnson will never forget one afternoon in OKC where roping made a difference. They will not ever forget the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out or the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  It will be imprinted in their hearts for many days to come.

 

 

 

 

#12 US Invitational Roping Wed Oct 30 2013

#12 US Invitational

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 30 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          It was a new addition to the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  The #12 US Invitational held in the Oklahoma State Fair arena took center stage as it made its NFTR debut.

          “I loved the roping.  Three full go rounds works well with me,” New Mexico header, Junior Hernandez commented. “I wish all the ropings were like this.  I’ll be entering one like this every single time.”

          “When you rope in the same arena in an average like this it makes it easier to stay in the groove.  It is all in one arena and it helps you stay motivated and aggressive,” said heeler Jeff Medlin.  That seemed to be the general consensus with all the participating ropers.

          The money was good, the prizes exceptional and the flair for excitement was ecstatic.  Every roper wanted his part of the action.

          Hernandez and Medlin were the third high team back going into the short go round of the #12 Invitational.  It was a good place to be.  A good solid run of fourteen would assure them of third place and a check for $21,000 plus a beautiful Gist Championship Trophy Buckle.

          “It was a great roping,” Hernandez said. “Despite being a really tough roping I have all the confidence in my partner.  I knew if I caught Jeff would come in and do his job.  A roping like this one keeps you competitive and aggressive.”

          “Junior called and asked me to rope and I thought it was a great idea,” Medlin collaborated. “I haven’t been roping much because I’ve been hauling my kids to junior rodeos so this was a good place to get back in the groove. Junior called and had a spot.  The cattle were good, the format was good and any win is good. I was excited to get to come and rope with him.”

          When Hernandez and Medlin made their run in the short round they had a time of 9.02 on their steer.  It was enough to take the lead away from Chris Cox and Brennan Harmon.  With two teams left to rope Medlin and Hernandez were content with third place.  Pressure had just been replaced by good roping.

          “I don’t play into pressure,” Medlin said. “I try to keep pressure at bay.  The top teams were close and you always want to win but anything you win is good so I was not worried about the other two teams to go.  Junior and I had roped well all afternoon.”

          As the last two teams made their runs there were some bobbles and some mistakes and fortunately for Hernandez and Medlin the pair stayed solid.  They would take the win in the #12 Invitational.  It was a sweet and well earned victory. The pair would take home $48,500, Gist Championship Buckles and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  It was an awesome prize line in anyone’s books.

          “I like the fact the roping was in one arena,” Hernandez elaborated. “This kind of roping makes it easier to win more money, to stay focused and you tend to rope more aggressive.  That is the way a roping should be.”

          It certainly appears there is a genuine interest in the newly added #12 US Invitational.  Hernandez and Medlin have set the trend for things to come.  More money, better cattle and the opportunity for more prizes is a real appeal for any team roper.  Perhaps this is a new movement for things to come.

 

Century Championships Wed Oct 30 2013

Century Championships

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 30 2013
by Melinda Clements

 

          There is an unseen hero who sits in the wings of every team roping.  In most cases he is quiet, still, reserved, focused and one hundred percent committed to his job.  He never falters, he never fails and knows more than anyone else, all that roping means and entails.

          He gets one hundred percent of the credit one hundred percent of the time and the older the roper the more important his job is and the more he matters. 

          “Your horse always gives 110% all the time,” said Century header Janet Mickelson. “I have a great horse, he scores, and he always gives me a shot. My horse is the big picture and makes my job so easy.”

          “Arnold is the absolute greatest heel horse,” Jim Williams concurred. “Arnold is special. He does everything right and I just stay out of his way.”

          There isn’t a team roper anywhere who won’t tell you his horse is the biggest part of his success.  Both ropers agree you have to start with a good horse.

          Mickelson and Williams were the high team coming back in the short go round of the Century Championships.  They had roped well all day and their equine partners had done a terrific job making it happen.

          “You always worry about the barrier and getting out but when you have a great horse and he scores all you have to do is stay focused and think about roping,” Mickelson said. “Jim and I have been roping together for about four years and we both have great horses.  That makes us rope our best because we know our horses and our partners will do their jobs.”

          Mickelson and Williams needed a time of 9.99 to take the lead away from the second high call back team of Bob Herrington and Bronc Fanning.  Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and $24,000 was on the line and the competition was fierce.  As the pair rode into the box they were on track, disciplined, focused and ready to take the win.

          Everything came together and fell into place when the pair roped their short round steer in 8.85.  It was all they needed to take the win in the Century Championships.  It was a sweet win and you could feel the excitement and exhilaration as the pair made a victory lap.

          “You have to find out what works for you and be willing to utilize it,” Williams advised. “Horsemanship is one hundred percent of the picture. I mean in my case, Arnold, he’s the man. To win this roping here, like this, is ‘Wow!’ I’m going to put this saddle in the office awhile and just savor this victory. Arnold came through like a champion.”

          “This is my first USTRC Finals Saddle,” Mickelson concurred. “I think I’m going to have to just set it aside and show it off for awhile.”

          An unseen, unnoticed hero is tied somewhere in the arena, at a trailer, in a stall.  He’s quiet, reserved, and patient and knows his job better than anyone around.  He reads you well, dictates your moves and designates your wins.  He is irreplaceable and no amount of money can touch him.  In his heart he touches your soul.  Janet Mickelson and Jim Williams know that without their unseen hero there is no win, no saddle, and no money.  It is a partnership designed in heaven.

 

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out Tues Oct 29 2013

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Tuesday October 29 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          It is great advice.  It comes from the pros but it is implemented consistently by those who make team roping their sport of choice.  You have to want to win but most importantly you have to know how to win and four eight second runs is about the best game plan any roper can have.

          “We wanted to win,” said South Dakota heeler Darren Lammers. “Everyone else spends $5000 on a vacation. Coming to the Cinch USTRC National Finals is mine. This is my first time here and we just wanted to make some good eight second practice runs.”

          Kirk Kooiker concurred, “If we had a game plan it was just to make four solid eight second runs. I wanted a nice steer, one we could win on but we were focused on four good solid runs.”

          Kooiker and Lammers were the fourth high call team coming into the short go round of the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  A lot was on the line.  The prize line was awesome. $58,400 cash plus a 2013 SLT Dually Ram Truck to the high money winner and a choice of a Case IH Farm All Tractor or Scout Utility Vehicle to the second place high money winner kept every roper on top of his game.

          Thirty teams were coming back in the short go round.  They were all on top of their game and they all wanted to win.  A mere three seconds separated the first and tenth place teams. 

          Lammers was pretty sure it was an awesome way to spend a vacation and he intended to savor all it was worth.  It was his first time here and he would never forget it no matter how it turned out.

          When the pair rode into the box they knew they needed a time of 8.87 seconds to take the lead in the average.  The advice still stood solid.  Four eight second runs echoed in the depths of their minds.  It was tangible advice.

          When the dust cleared and the clock stopped the digital read 6.89.  Not bad for a couple of ropers focused on a win.  They took the lead in the average of the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out with a time of 31.32 and there were four teams left to rope. 

          “It was a long four steers to watch,” Lammers said. “We were good but it was tedious watching the last four teams go. I didn’t know how it would turn out.”

          “I was the high call back in the #12 last year and didn’t do any good,” Kooiker commented. “I want this one to be my redemption.”

          A run of six in the short round was going to be hard to beat and the waiting game was stressful.  When it all came to a head Lammers and Kooiker were able to maintain their lead and did, indeed, take the win in the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out.

          “I’m so lucky so very fortunate,” Kooiker said. “It is such a blessing to win a roping like this.”

          As it turned out the pair were tied as the high money winners so a rope off was used to determine who would take the truck and who would take the Case IH Utility Vehicle or Tractor.  Using a unique concept the pair decided they would rope with each other in the rope off.  Using an odd even system they would rope four steers together and unknowingly either the odd team or the even team would win.  The rope off determined that Kooiker would be awarded the truck and Lammers would have his choice of the Case IH Utility Vehicle or Tractor.

          “We won it together so we will rope it off together,” the pair agreed.  What a great way to make a decision.  It worked well for the partners.

          As the pair posed for pictures and completed interviews cell phones buzzed and emotions were high. Kris Lammers, Darren’s wife, was ecstatic. 

          “Darren was riding my barrel horse and it worked out awesome,” she said with a huge grin on her face.  “This is great.  My phone has not stopped ringing.  This is our first time here and it is such a great thing.  Darren has some trouble with hip dysplasia and we wanted to come while he could still ride and rope.  We will never ever forget this trip.  Darren’s brother was here but he already headed back. He is already wishing he had stayed. This is so exciting.”

          If you have a game plan going into a roping like the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out the advice is solid.  When you can make four eight second runs there is a pay day looming in your future.  A little luck a lot of roping, good partners, good family and great horses all make up team roping what it is.  It is no doubt good things come to those who wait and have a winning game plan.

         

 

#12 Shoot Out Tuesday Oct 29 2013

#12 Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Tuesday October 29 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          Every once in awhile a couple of young guns rise to the surface and in reflection you wonder where the heck they came from.  Like the old Jimmy Dean song says, “They don’t say much, kind of quiet and shy and if you spoke at all you just said “Hi’ ” yet they subtly and quietly made their presence known at the Cinch National Finals of Team Roping.

          “These boys aren’t afraid to win,” someone was heard to say.  Oklahoma Team Ropers, Tyler Milligan and Jake Cooper Clay don’t worry much about nerves or butterflies or money.  They think about roping but they don’t worry much about that either.

          The boys don’t have a lot to say they just tend to let their ropes do all the talking.   Perhaps it is just their youth, their nonchalant ability to just let things roll like they are supposed to roll.  Regardless, for right now they have everything under control and placed where it all needs to be.

          The pair was the third high team back coming into the Short Go Round of the #12 Shoot Out at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  They had roped well all day long and it seemed the trend would continue.

          There is a lot involved when you are roping at $108,300, Martin Championship Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints.  That is enough to make even the veterans sit up and take notice.

          Thirty teams were coming back to rope in the short go round.  Winning, in this case, was everything.  The short round would be quick, fast paced and extremely challenging.  A lot was on the line.  A lot was at stake.  Every roper had one goal in mind and that was to win this roping and never look back.

          Cyle Denison and Jose Zambrano was the fourteenth high team back.  They reached out and nailed down their short round steer with a 7.11 and grabbed the lead in the average.  They felt good and surprisingly so the pair hung on tight.  So tight, in fact, that when Milligan and Clay rode into the box nerves were on edge. 

          Milligan and Clay operated on a level synonymous with the youth.  They would rope like they had been roping all day; confident, assured, and care free. It seemed to be a characteristic of the age group.

          The pair needed a time of 8.33 to move Denison and Zambrano.  The kids were hungry, competitive and aggressive.  When Milligan nodded his experienced sixteen years kicked into gear and he roped like a pro.  He nailed the horns and Clay came in to follow in the footsteps of his name sakes and grabbed two feet like a hungry dog grabs a bone.  The clock beamed with a time of 6.95.  They would not be ignored and they would, indeed, make their presence known.

          Two teams were left to go.  The ante had just gone up.  If there were butterflies before they were magnified a thousand times now.  The challenge had been issued.  Anybody can catch the question is can you win?

          Both the second and first high teams back faltered and failed and in the time it takes to blink your eyes new champions had emerged from the depths of the age old definition of victory.

          Tyler Milligan and Jake Cooper Clay were the 2013 Winners of the #12 Shoot Out.  They were also $108,300 richer for their efforts.

          “I knew Tyler would catch and all I had to do was catch two feet,” Clay said confidently. “My job is the absolute easiest.  I don’t have to worry about the barrier or getting out.  All I have to do is catch two feet.”

          “We treated this like any other roping,” Milligan said shyly. “I wanted to get out of the barrier and get a rope on this steer.”

          The pair does not rope together much.  They had pooled their talents the day before in the Preliminary but it seemed the #12 Shoot Out had their names written all over it.

          “This was my first US Finals Saddle,” Milligan said. “Being a calf roper most of the time brings it all together to work for me.”

          Clay pointed out he had won the #9 Preliminary last year but this was his first Shoot Out Saddle and certainly the most money he had ever won.

          “I’m glad I got to rope,” he said. “I couldn’t do this without my sponsors like Allen Ranch Saddle Shop, Cactus Ropes and Pro Equine.  They help me and support me and I want to keep this up and try to rope this way the rest of the week.”

          The pair shared a subtle confidence in each other.  They were not worried they were not frazzled nor were they strung out or nervous.  They were here for a good time in a good roping.  Pause a minute and hide and watch because it is pretty safe to say you will be hearing a lot more about these two guys.  They are hungry, they are talented and they are not afraid to win.

#12 Preliminary Monday Oct 28 2013

#12 Preliminary

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Monday October 28 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          It is a pretty safe bet to say that Georgia header, Zackary Thrift, won’t forget going to college in Oklahoma.  In fact, this year at school may be one he will hold in his heart for a long time.

          “I didn’t even know we were the high team back coming into the short go round,” Thrift commented.  “This is my first USTRC National Finals and I was just trying to rope well.”

          Thrift and draw partner, Chad Baker had, indeed, roped well together.  Twenty two teams were coming back in the short go round and a little over two seconds separated the top teams.  It had been a competitive, aggressive, and focused roping with every roper involved and wanting to be a part of the action.  It was a good place to be on a Monday evening at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

          As the short go round unfolded it quickly became evident it was going to be a quick paced, action packed short go round. 

          “I didn’t watch the short go round,” Baker said. “I wanted to maintain my focus and was thinking about catching two feet.  You have to draw the cattle to win a roping like this and I was hoping for a good steer.”

          There seems to be a lot of pressure involved when you are the high team back.  Thrift knew as the round drew to a close what the pair needed to do. 

          “I just tried to cut out all the noise and focus on roping this steer.  When I found out we were the high team back it stirred my nerves but it also made me a little hungry.  I wanted this one.”

          There was a little over a second separating the top six teams.  When the second high call team of Jake Ratliff and Jason Bagwell took the lead with a time of 8.02 in the short round Thrift knew he needed a good solid run.  He had his game face on and was ready to rope. He wanted to own this short go round.

          When the pair backed into the box only one steer mattered, only one steer would determine the end result.  It didn’t matter what had transpired throughout the day. All that mattered was right now.

          Thrift knew his horse and he knew the possibilities. He was ready to rope.

His focus was on track and he knew in his heart things happen for a reason.  He was paired with Baker for a reason so he wanted this to work.

          Baker and Thrift needed a 8.72 to take the win in the roping.  He nodded and tuned everything out but this one run.  When the flagger signaled the run was over it was close.  The announcer paused and Thrift’s heart skipped a beat.

          “How about a time of 8.63,” the announcer said. It was exactly what the pair needed to hear.

          “This is my first finals,” Thrift commented. “It worked out really well pairing up with Chad. I’m glad we got to rope together.”

          Both men have a tremendous respect and mutual feeling for the importance of their horses.  They feel horsemanship makes the game.

          “I grew up with this horse,” Thrift commented. “In short I was raised with this horse and he is all of my roping.”

          Baker agreed. “Horsemanship is absolutely everything. I worked for Trevor Brazil and he taught me the importance of good horses.”

          Team Roping is about new opportunities, new friendships and the chance to experience roping at its best. Thrift will not be forgetting this year’s USTRC National Finals any time soon.  He has a new saddle, a new roping partner and a new experience to show for his first trip to the Cinch NFTR.  It is a pretty safe thing to say this probably will not be his last trip here.

 

#13 Shoot Out Monday Oct 28 2013

#13 Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Monday October 28 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          Do you ever give up?  Do you ever say, “I quit!” Do you ever ask yourself, “Is this for real? Is it worth it?”  Do you ever ask yourself how much is enough?

          About the time we want to pull up stakes and walk away team roping humbles you, reassures you and a bit like the good Lord above reconfirms you haven’t lost until you fail to rise again. You aren’t beaten until you quit!

          Sam Livingston and Calvin Taylor have been roping together a long time.  Not only are they neighbors but they are best friends.  They love team roping and it is a hobby for them that sustains and motivates them to do great things.

          “It is always a goal to come to a big event like this one and do well,” Livingston said. “We have been roping together since probably 2003.  We have roped everywhere from Maine to Maui.”

          Livingston went on to say this was probably only the second time he had even made a short round at the Finals in the last eight years. “I guess you could say I’ve paid my dues,” he said with a grin.

          Livingston and Taylor was the second high team back going into the short go round of the #13 Shoot Out at the  2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Rodeo.  A little less than one second separated the top four teams in the short round.  $97,100 was on the line in addition to Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Tony Lama Boots, Gist Championship Gold Buckles and Western Horseman Collectors Prints.  It was enough to take your breath away.

          Sometimes the road to the top is strewn with one obstacle after another.  Perhaps that is what makes life interesting.  Taylor could certainly attest to that.  He was just glad to be in the short round.  His trip to Oklahoma City had involved two breakdowns, truck and trailer, a lot of frustration and a point in time when he and God had a serious conversation as the point of all this.

          “I was so frazzled and frustrated that I did not even catch one steer on Saturday.  Sunday was a little better but still not good,” he said with tears brimming on lashes. “Today is unbelievable.”

          When the eleventh high call back team of Nick Lauer and Buster Record took the lead in the average it became a tedious climb to the last team to rope.  The roping was tough and competitive.  Everyone had their eyes on the prize line and the money.  It was nothing to scoff at.

          When it came time for Livingston and Taylor to rope they knew exactly what they had to do.  The pair needed a time of 8.98 on their short round steer to take the lead away from Lauer and Record.  In the mind’s eye it was just a good solid practice run.  They could do this. 

          “It was so nerve wrecking,” Livingston said.  “I was starved for oxygen and could not breathe.  I didn’t even know how to respond except to go rope.”  The pair did, indeed, go rope. 

          The pair posted a time of 8.06 on their short go round steer.  It was exactly enough to roll them into first place in the average with one team left to rope. 

          “I just wanted things to slow down,” Taylor said. “I wanted to remember basics.”  It certainly seems like things were coming together.  They were, at least, assured second place.

          As Zachary and Blair Small rode into the box to make their short round run nerves were on edge.  It was pressure in an unbelievable format.  The youngsters needed an 8.34 to move Taylor and Livingston.  The pair roped well and rose heroically to the occasion but posted a time of 9.87 which would move them to fourth place.  Taylor and Livington could not grasp what had happened.  They had actually nailed down the win in the #13 Shoot Out.  Who would have thought!

          “Oh wow!” Livingston said as he stared emotionally at his new Martin Championship Trophy Saddle. “This is the biggest thing I’ve ever won.  I just thought I was starved for oxygen earlier.  In eight years this is only the second time I’ve even made the short go round.  Unbelievable!”

          “Sam has roped well all week,” Taylor said. “I never even caught a steer on Saturday. Sunday was a little better and now this.  Wow! I just wanted everything to slow down and I needed to focus.  I needed to get them caught.  It had been a crazy start with one obstacle after another.  And it works out like this. Wow!”

          Both Taylor and Livingston rope with their family and spend a lot of time roping with their kids.  They may not practice much together despite being neighbors but they enjoy and love what they do.  Sometimes it gets discouraging and frustrating but you never quit, you never say die! 

          “This is my biggest check ever,” Taylor said. “I still cannot grasp all this.  I’ve been so blessed by all this, by the USTRC, by the format, the roping and the people who put it together. This is why we all rope.”

          As Taylor and Livingston posed for pictures and completed interviews you could read the emotion in their faces.  We all struggle and face difficulties on the road to greatness.  We all take two steps forward and ten steps back and paying our dues gets tedious and tests our fortitude.  However, team roping instills in us the will to keep trying, to keep getting up, to keep roping.  It’s what makes roping the positive addiction that it is.

           

 

Priefert US Open Sunday Oct 27 2013

Priefert US Open Championships

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Sunday October 27 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          It is almost a bit bizarre the attraction we have for our mentors and the stars in our game.  All of us are a bit in awe of celebrities around us.  We find ourselves wishing we could be as good, as important, as famous and so on and on goes the list.

          We are that important.  Perhaps that is the attraction of team roping.  It helps us to realize we, too, have a shot at greatness even if only for a brief moment in time.

          There was a strange attraction drawn from greatness that made its presence known in this year’s Priefert US Open Championship.  An odd, if not unusual pairing, that revealed all men are able to achieve greatness and fame.

          In this business of team roping team work makes dreams work and no one realized it more than Open Header Aaron Tsinigine.  He honored his humble beginnings and treasured his moment of fame.  He would use it to further a promise to his people and show them all things are possible.

          Tsinigine was realizing his dream.  A poor boy from the Indian reservation in Arizona Tsinigine knew where he began and he also knew where he wanted to end up and how he was going to get there.

          “This is the first U.S. Open I’ve entered with Clay,” he explained.  “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.  I wanted it so bad and I worked so hard to get here. I am honored. I had put one hundred percent in my practice.  I was down and needed to be up so I went home and started working hard in the practice pen and I think it paid off.  I just had a good feeling about today.”

          Tsinigine had good reason to have a good feeling about the day.  He and partner, veteran team roper, Clay O’Brien Cooper were the second high team back coming to the short go round of the 2013 Priefert US Open Championships. $100,320. was on the line plus Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots, Gist Championship Gold Buckles and Western Horseman Collectors Prints to first place in the average.  It was the best team ropers in the business vying for the title.  No wonder Tsinigine had a good feeling.  It was all beginning to fall into place.

          “We have made progress roping together,” Veteran heeler Clay Cooper commented. “We have made enough runs I’m comfortable roping behind him. There is no doubt you have nerves going into a roping like this one.  I was waiting to see how Aaron reacted. You just go and do your job.”

          Less than one second separated the first and fifth teams going into the short go round.  The roping would be fierce, competitive and fast paced.  Every single roper had his eye on the $100,000 plus payout for first place.  It made any Open Roper hungry and determined.  Nothing at all would be left to chance.

          As the second high call team Tsinigine and Cooper knew what they had to do.  They had watched as the third high team, Kaleb Driggers and Travis Graves, took the lead in the average with a time of 32.91 on five steers.  They needed a time of 6.59 to move into the lead in the average. 

          “I knew if I did my job Clay would be there for me,” Tsinigine said with a shy grin. “I wanted to get out without breaking the barrier.  I was happy about second place and first place didn’t matter.”

          When he nodded for the steer Tsinigine was focused and Cooper was right with him, both on the same page and the same commitment.

          “The steer stumbled leaving the chute but I was already committed so I roped,” Tinigine said. “I couldn’t do anything else and for a brief second I wondered if it was going to work but I was already committed to throw and it came together.”  Cooper moved in to complete the run and pair posted a time of 5.85 seconds to take the lead from Driggers and Graves.  They rode out the back gate assured of no less than second place in the average with a total time of 32.16 and a pay check worth $66,880.

          The surprise came when the high team back failed to make a qualified run.  It was a rare thing for an Open Roping short round.  Suddenly for Tsinigine having a good feeling about today took on a whole new meaning.

          “These cattle were big and strong,” Cooper pointed out. “I think this run was the best run of the day.  It is a good feeling to win this roping.”

          Savoring the win Tsinigine is humble and thankful.  It has been a long time coming. 

          “In the last couple of months more and more people know who I am,” Tsinigine said. “I am honored and there are more and more Native American people beginning to realize what they can do. I’m thankful to be a part of that.  Derrick Begay and Erich Rogers have set the stage for that and now I’m thankful to be a part of that also. It means a lot for a boy from the reservation to be able to rope with someone like Clay.”

          Greatness comes in various forms and champions come from humble beginnings.  Sometimes being a champion involves more than what happens in the arena.  Aaron Tsinigne and Clay O Cooper is a good pair.  They represent all that is right and the promise of what is possible in this sport called team roping.