#11 Shoot Out Friday Oct 31 2014 National Finals

#11 Shoot Out

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Friday October 31, 2014

By Melinda Clements 

          They say some matches are star aligned.  One may even go so far to say they are matches made in heaven.  Regardless how you label it there seems to be a truck load of chemistry between Cesar Melendez and Cody Falcon.  There is just a certain repoire that you wonder if maybe they finish each other’s sentences.  Maybe one dots the i’s and the other crosses the t’s. 

          The pair started roping together this past summer at a USTRC team roping in San Angelo, Texas.  They decided to attend the Southwest Regional Finals in Clovis, New Mexico and it proved to be a winning combination.  Hitting another gear the pair added the 2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping to their resume and one has to wonder what the heck comes next.

          Melendez is a Midland, Texas header who works in the oil field.  Team Roping is his hobby.  Let me say that again.  Team Roping is his hobby.  He doesn’t have an arena.  He just ropes with his friends. 

          “This has been a good year for me thanks to God,” Melendez said with emotion. “I won two saddles at Clovis and I rope just to have a good time. This is my first time to the USTRC Finals.”

          Melendez and Falcon came back as high team going into the short go round.  Two and one half seconds separated the first to the tenth team.  It was a fast paced competitive roping and everyone wanted a cut of the action.  $113,600 would be paid the first place team in the average.  Add to that prize line Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Trophy Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints and one would quickly realize this was a life changing event.  Things would never be the same for the team that walked away with first place in the #11 Shoot Out.

          This is what you practice for.  This is the reason we rope.  This is where you hope you have set yourself up for success and you hope you can handle the change it will make in your life.

          Thirty teams came to the short round. A total payout of $462,700; if that didn’t take your breath away nothing would.

          “I rope to have a good time,” Melendez said emotionally. “I don’t think too much about it.  Thinking is not a good thing.  If you are thinking too much it gets in the way of how you need to rope.”  That is probably good advice for the best of team ropers. 

          When the pair moved into the box to rope their last steer there was no emotion, no nerves, no worry, no stress; just one more practice run. 

          “I’m a manager in the oil field,” Melendez explained. “This is my hobby.  No matter what happens I will put it in the bank and keep roping.”

          The pair needed a time of 9.12 to take the lead from the fifth high call team of Colton and Jessie Tate.  It was doable and from the observer’s point of view it had to be nerve wrecking but Melendez never missed a beat.  He nodded for the steer, grabbed the horns and Falcon finished it up like it was supposed to be done.  The pair posted a time of 6.83 and the house came down.  Does it get any better than this?  Evidently not. 

          Amid pictures, interviews and shouts of congratulations Melendez was a bit taken aback.

          “I feel like I’m going to cry,” he said.

          Falcon was overwhelmed as well.  “We never practice together,” he said. “We rope well together. Our styles connected and we just have a lot of chemistry.  We started roping in San Angelo this past summer and it has been non-stop ever since.  We rope well together and this is a good place to be and the win is awesome.  I can hardly understand what has just happened.”

          Falcon has some special plans for his money.  He’s thinking he will share with his mom who has supported him and given him the opportunity to rope and do what he loves to do.

          “I have a lot of support with my family,” Falcon said. “This takes a lot of preparation, hard work and you don’t ever quit.  Cesar and I are a good pair.  We have connected and it works really well for us.  We understand each other.”

          Some matches are just meant to be.  Regardless how they happen or why there are just some connections that go above our realm of understanding.  Cesar Melendez and Cody Falcon are one of those star aligned connections.  It doesn’t stop here.  You will hear about this pair again.  It is just a matter of time.

#11 Preliminary Thursday Oct 30 2014 National Finals

#11 Preliminary

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 30, 2014

By Melinda Clements

          For a college kid splitting a little over $22,000 is a big deal.  It doesn’t happen on a day to day basis.  Perhaps Pake Cox didn’t really know what to expect but it seemed partner, James Tettenhorst has a good eye for champions so he chose Cox.  Regardless, it was a match that would change everyone involved.  Little did the pair know what a difference a day would make.

          Cox and Tettenhorst were the high team back going into the short go round of the #11 Preliminary at the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  The pair had never roped together.  Most of the time when Cox goes to Tettenhorsts’ roping Tettenhorst is flagging so they don’t get to rope together.  However, Cox had caught Tettenhorst attention and he was pretty sure he wanted the kid to head for him at the NFTR in Oklahoma City. It was, indeed, a good call.

          Twenty-five teams were coming back in the #11 Preliminary.  Cox and Tettenhorst had roped well all day.  They had been disciplined, focus and on track the entire roping.  Their success was evident as the high call back team going into the short go round.

          “I wasn’t really thinking about the money or the prizes,” Cox said. “I just wanted each steer to be a good solid run.  We had never roped together before but that wasn’t an issue.  I just wanted to rope strong and make every catch count.”

          “Pake comes to a lot our ropings,” Tettenhorst explained. “I knew the kid could rope and I knew we could do well together.”

          The pair needed a time of 8.42 to take lead and move Robbie Walker and Thomas Sinclair out of the number one hole.  Walker and Sinclair had posted a time of 7.73 on their last steer and they had held the average lead with three teams to go.  Cox and Tettenhorst wanted to take that lead.

          When the pair rode into the box tension was tight.  There was no room for error.  Cox was on track, focused and beaded in on the task at hand.  When he nodded fate was tossed to the wind and it was anybody’s ball game.

          When the flag dropped and the clock stopped the digital read 8.30 and Cox and Tettenhorst took a deep breath.  Only .13 seconds separated the first and second place position and Cox and Tettenhorst had nailed down the win.

          “It was a good call asking Pake to come rope,” Tettenhorst said. “Horses, ropes and partners are the number one keys in this sport and I’ve got all three covered.”

          Cox smiled. “We rope in the #11 Shoot Out tomorrow and we are not changing horses or ropes.” You couldn’t help but smile.  The pair so complimented each other.

          It may be a good idea for Tettenhorst to give up flagging and start roping more often with Cox.  It is obvious the pair have some chemistry.  Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and a little over $22,000 isn’t bad for an afternoon of team roping at the Cinch USTRC NFTR.

#10 Invitational Thursday Oct 30 2014 National Finals

#10 Invitational

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 30, 2014

By Melinda Clements 

          Arkansas header, Lori Thone is a force to contend with.  She has been roping a long time, thirty plus years to be exact.  Thone and her partner, Andrew Kelley were the high team going into the short go round of the #10 Invitational at the 2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

          “You know, I think the first steer is always the hardest,” Thone said. “Once you make that first run, rope that first steer then you can settle and just rope.”  It seems thirty years of roping gives you a little insight and wisdom that supports you when the mind games toy with your emotions.

          The pair needed a 10.67 to take the lead in the average of the #10 Invitational.

          “I’ve been roping about twenty years, since I was about twelve years old,” Kelley said. “Lori and I have a lot of experience under our belts.”

          It seems that experience is worth a lot in a roping where the prize line is indescribable. First place in the average would pay $53,100 in addition to Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.

          When the pair rode into the box for their final steer it was all about business. They knew what they had to do and that was the only game plan in mind if there was, indeed, a game plan.

          “You don’t want to beat yourself,” Thone said. “Getting out is my biggest issue but you have to stay focused.  I like the short go round.  I felt good and I was excited. It all felt right.”         

          “I wasn’t nervous about the short go round,” Kelley said. “I wanted to stay humble. I am blessed way beyond belief and I just wanted to rope well and do well when it was all over.”

          As Thone nodded the music was loud, nerves were stretched and emotions were on a rocky mountain high.  When Thone caught and turned off Kelley honed in and nabbed the heels to stop the clock at 8.44.  They would win the money, the saddles and take home the title of #10 Invitational Champions.

          “Now, my daughter wants to go shopping,” Thone laughed as she tried to grasp and understand just how much money she held in her hand. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t.  You just try your hardest and keep roping and do not let anyone ever tell you it cannot be done.  My gosh, I’m proof of that.”

          “I wasn’t nervous,” Kelley said during an interview. “Now, suddenly, I’m really nervous,” he said as he hugged Thone and received handshakes and back slaps of congratulations. “This is unbelievable.”

          Surrounded by cameras, photographers and USTRC personnel it almost seemed like the paparazzi had arrived.  It was a bit overwhelming.

          Thone hit another stride and just continued to be the star of the party.  It was obvious winning suited her style.  Don’t ever let anyone tell you it cannot be done.  Lori Thone is pretty good proof that if you have the will to do it you have the will to get it done.  They make a pretty good pair, Lori Thone and Andrew Kelley.

           

Century Roping Thursday Oct 30 2014 National Finals

Century Roping

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 30, 2014

By Melinda Clements 

          “I just think third high team back going into the short go round at the Cinch USTRC National Finals Team Roping is a great place to be, “ said Oklahoma header, Todd Watkins. “I mean, honestly, does it get any better than that?”

          “I called Todd to see if he would rope,” Micah Lynch laughed. “I’m glad he decided to rope with me.”  The pair were almost giddy and joked and teased each other.  They had every reason to be a little hyper.  Pinning them down to one serious thought was difficult.  It was no wonder.  They had just won the Century Team Roping at the 2014 Cinch National Final of Team Roping.

          The pair had to be an 8.89 on the last steer to take the lead.  When they posted a time of 8.32 they took the lead in the average from Keith Mahanay and Joe Matile.     As the pair rode out the back gate they were perfectly satisfied with how things had come together.

          “We practice a lot,” Watkins explained. “We have a good time.  We live near each other so we spend a lot of time together.  This, however, is our first entry here with each other.”

          “Of course I was nervous,” Lynch said with a grin. “I’m not good at interviews and I don’t do this on a regular basis so I’m not very good at any of it. I just wanted to catch so it would be over.”

          With only two teams left to rope in the short go the pair never gave the roping another thought.  They had roped well all day and if it was third then third was a good place to be.

          With some problems the last two teams failed to move Watkins and Lynch and they were elated when they realized their time would hold.  It was fun finding out they had actually won the Century Championship.

          “You know we practice fundamentals and stick to basics in the practice pen but you just never know how that practice is going to affect you or pay off when it comes to roping at a roping like this one,” Watkins said. “We practice a lot and I think it just paid off in a big way.”         

          The pair would take home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and $27,900.  That was a pretty good prize line for a couple of ropers who spend a lot of time together in the practice pen.

          ‘You know when Micah Lynch calls you to rope you just load up and rope,” Watkins said as he grinned at his partner. “I entered this thing one time and only one time and I’m sure glad I did. It just doesn’t get any better than this.  I guess when Micah calls me to rope I’ll go rope.”

          The pair continued to tease and joke as cameras clicked and cell phones rang and for Lynch he would just pay some bills and keep roping.  With Century ropers it is all about fun. If you cannot have fun doing what you love most of all maybe you need to change what you are doing.  Team roping?  It’s a blast!

         

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out Wednesday Oct 29 2014 National Finals

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 29, 2014

By Melinda Clements

                I often wonder what goes through team roper’s minds as they plan to take in the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  Of course, they think about the money, how much it is going to cost and how much you can win; and the competition.  They think about the practice and roping aggressive and roping right plus a million other things.

          “This was my first and only roping this week,” said Louisiana header, Jared Graves. “I had to make everything count.  There have been a lot of ropings where I didn’t stay aggressive.  I didn’t follow through and it didn’t work out.  I wanted to stay focused and give Jessie a shot.  I knew he would catch.”

          Graves and partner, Jessie Favors, were the fourth high team going into the short go round of the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  The pair had posted a time of 12.24 on their last steer to take the lead with three teams to go.  Every team wanted a part of the action.  Everyone wanted a shot at the Dodge Ram Truck and Case I-H Tractor.  The first place team would pocket $67,300.

          “Jessie had called me to see if I wanted to rope,” Graves commented. “I’m sure glad we did.”

          “You know this is the place to have a good week if you are wanting to have a good week,” Favors said with emotion. “I guess whatever happens, happens. I just didn’t want to miss.”

          Following some bobbles by the top three teams in the short round Graves and Favors realized they had won the average of the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out with a time of 37.73 on four head of steers.  Not too shabby and besides a rope off would determine who would take home the truck and the tractor.  What an unbelievably awesome feeling for both ropers.

          Following a rope off the pair would split $67,300 and Favors would take the Dodge Ram Truck and Graves would get the Case I-H Tractor.

          “This roping could have been anybody’s ropng,” Favors said. “It was competitive.  We had a good steer, a good start and things turned out in our favor.  There are so many people that support me so I can do this.  My wife, for one, is always supportive.  I’d also like to thank P & P Trailer Sales in Rose City, Texas and Dayton Huffman Horse Center in Dayton, Texas.  All these people keep me roping.  Team roping is all about the support you have.

          “You know it is a tight roping when .41 seconds separate the first and second place team in the average,” Graves pointed out.  “The roping was tight and competitive.  It was no wonder I needed to focus on staying aggressive.  We had to rope aggressive. I’m glad it worked out.  Roping for the truck and tractor is so unbelievable.”

          I’m still not real sure what runs through roper’s minds.  Perhaps that is the interesting part.  When you get to this level of roping it all becomes instinct because you don’t have a lot of time for thought.

#12 Invitational Wednesday Oct 29 2014 National Finals

#12 Invitational

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 29, 2014

By Melinda Clements

          It is growing in popularity and more and more ropers like it.  It is fun, action packed and is consistently drawing a crowd and a following.  The #12 Invitational is gaining popularity and more and more ropers are adding it to their agenda. The roping is a four steer average and three full go rounds.

          Fifteen teams came back for the short go round of the #12 Invitational at the 2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  They were a wired group of ropers and the electricity was hot in the coliseum as the group prepared for their final steer.

          The prize line absolutely took your breath away.  Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles and $71,200 for first place in the #12 Invitational.  The total payout was $280,400. It was nothing to snuff at.  Every team was on track, focused and in tune.  Each team through eighth place would receive a check.  Talk about fun!  This kind of roping was what made your skin prickle.  It would be fun, competitive and if you blinked you missed it because the ropers were wired.  They were ready to “get it on!”

          Steve Taylor and James Tettenhorst were ready to rope.  They were the eighth call back and if they could just maintain that spot they would take home a check for at least $9500.  Not too bad for an afternoon of fun and fellowship.

          The pair knew they needed a time of 9.18 to take the lead in the average.  The pair have been roping together for about three or four years so they pretty much know what to expect.  When they roped their steer in 8.48 they took the lead in the average.  Hopefully, it would hold and even if they didn’t maintain the lead they were pretty satisfied with the eighth spot.  $9500 wasn’t too bad.

          It was sort of interesting how things unfolded.  Obviously, nerves were an issue for some teams as the runs seemed to get a bit haphazard the further it went.  Taylor and Tettenhorst weren’t worried.  They had done what they needed to do.

          Sometimes things just happen that make you shake your head.  When the short go round wrapped up Taylor and Tettenhorst had maintained their lead.  Suddenly, they realized they would take home $71,200, Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and Gist Championship Buckles.  Wow! What a haul!

          As the roping came down to the wire it was unbelievable. Only 18/100’s of a second separated Taylor and Tettenhorst from the second place team or Bobby Felkins and Paul Freed.  Now, that is tight!

          “I broke the barrier yesterday,” Taylor said. “I’m riding my backup horse and, yes, you could say I was seeking redemption.  There isn’t a lot I struggle with.  I’ve been at this a long time and I love this Invitational Roping.  I love the addition to the Finals.  This is the way I am, this is the way I rope, hopefully no better and hopefully no worse.  Without a doubt it is fun.”

          “We try to have a good time,” Tettenhorst said. “You just zone out all the noise, the music and go rope.  We both love this format.  They have an age cap on it so the kids can’t rope and it gives us a better chance.  Those young kids have no fear.  They are roping on mom and dad’s money and they have nothing to lose.   I really like the way the USTRC has brought this together for this group of ropers.”

          Tettenhorst commented his biggest struggle is catching the first steer.  He’s okay after that.  He and Taylor rope to have a good time.  There is just something fun about winning a little over $71,000. You sure can’t argue that point.

          “I guess I will use my money to invest in more roping,” Taylor laughed. “My saddle is going in the living room floor so I can look at it for a while.  I want to remember what a good time we’ve had today.”

          The #12 Invitational is a growing and a popular addition to the Finals.  It is gaining a following.  Tettenhorst is giving his money to his wife.  What do you bet he doesn’t see much of it!  Regardless, the pair are geared to rope again.  Isn’t it funny how time flies when you are having fun?  What do you bet Taylor and Tettenhorst give it another shot next year?

         

Cruel Girl Championships Wednesday Oct 29 2014 National Finals

Cruel Girl Championship

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 29, 2014

By Melinda Clements 

          Girls will be girls except take note.  Team roping girls are a little different.  They are serious about what they do.  They take what they do seriously and if you think you can outdo them or figure them out, think again. Team roping girls believe they can do it and they do.

          The Cruel Girl Championships is a very popular roping at the 2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  Perhaps it is the flair. It might even be the drama the ladies bring to it but more importantly it is the tenacity with which each woman displays as she works to make her mark in a man’s sport.  One thing you will discover about the ladies of the USTRC is that they don’t just rope well for girls, they just rope well period.

          Twenty teams came back in the short go round of the Cruel Girl Championships and they were a tough competitive bunch.  They were interested in the money, the Martin Championship Saddles, the Cruel Girl wardrobe and the $1000 bonus.  They were aggressive and their fighting disposition would factor in to how the short go would unfold.

          With Barrie Smith winning the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out the evening before it seemed the ladies of the USTRC were making definite mark on this year’s Finals.

          Oklahoma Team Ropers, JaLynn Harmon and Amanda Jones were the high team back coming into the short go round.  Despite having roped together only a couple of times the pair seemed on the same page as the short go round kicked off.  They knew they wanted to maintain the momentum they had tapped into all day and they didn’t want to change anything.  As they watched the roping unfold the pair tried to ride it out and not let nerves become an issue.

          “I really wasn’t nervous until I rode into the box to rope our last steer,” Harmon commented. “I just kept telling myself to breathe, just breathe! Take a deep breath.”

          “Team roping for me is such a mental game,” Amanda Jones said. “I have to be careful and not beat myself. There is a lot of pressure.  We just had to beat the steer and I have to have confidence in myself. I wanted to catch and not play into the mental game part.  I wanted to do what we had been doing all day.”

          As the pair rode into the box for their final steer there had to be some jitters.  After all the pair was roping for $18,500, saddles, and a wardrobe.  It was an awesome prize line and there seemed to be little room for error.

          When Harmon nodded for the steer the whole world stood still.

          “I always have trouble with the barrier,” Harmon explained. “I was a little behind getting out so I had to hurry and push a little bit.  Getting out of the barrier has always been a big issue for me.”

          However, it seemed to come together for the pair.  Needing a time of 9.90 to take the lead the pair posted a time of 9.66 to take the win in the Cruel Girl Championships.  Now, Harmon could breathe. 

          There was a complete frenzy in the prize area as everyone gathered for pictures and interviews.  The pair was also the Incentive winners and like girls they suddenly seemed inundated with details, like not having a belt and gathering up the kids to be in the picture.

          Girls will be girls. However, the girls of the USTRC are a force to contend with and they rope with the tenacity of a bulldog.  Never underestimate their will to win, their drive for competition and their class.  They are, indeed, an elite little group.

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out Tuesday Oct 28 2014 National Finals

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Tuesday October 28, 2014

By Melinda Clements

                Any way you look at it Team Roping is supposed to be fun.  It revolves around challenge but it also revolves around having a good time doing what you love to do.

          In the words of Stephenville, Texas header, Barrie Smith, “If you lose the fun it doesn’t work very well.”

          Smith is all about roping and having a good time.  She is upbeat and positive.  It doesn’t matter if she is in the practice pen or in a rope off for a 2014 Dodge Truck or IH Tractor Barrie Smith will always be looking at the bright side. “We just wanted to rope well and have a good time,” Smith continued.

          Smith and Bluff Dale, Texas heeler, George McQuain were the second high team back going into the short go round of the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out at the 2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

          “You just hope it all works out,” Smith commented. “George and I have such a good time roping together.  Whether we practice or rope at the roping we want it to be fun.”

          McQuain concurred, “Barrie is so good to rope with.  She is always upbeat and positive.  She is awesome to rope with.  She keeps me going sometimes.”

          The #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out was a fast paced highly competitive kind of roping. Everyone wanted a piece of the action.  The prize line was unbelievable.  Not only was there $57,800 for first place but the high money winner would take home a 2014 Dodge Ram truck and the second high money winner would drive away with a Case I-H Tractor.  Talk about competitive aggression the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out was causing a stir.

          The top thirty teams were coming back in the short go round and everyone was focused on making something happen. The top thirty teams were hungry and they wanted to take a serious stab at this particular prize line.  The #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out is always a crowd pleaser and to say it is not competitive is totally off base.

          Smith and McQuain knew they needed a time of 7.88 or better to take the lead from Donnie Leflett and Corey Sparks who had taken the lead in the average with a time 7.85 on their short round steer.  There would be one team left but Smith and McQuain were sure about one thing; they would make this one work and hopefully everything else would fall into place.

          When the pair posted a time of 7.60 on their final steer they were elated and only one team remained.  When the high team back legged their steer Smith and McQuain just took a deep breath.  This journey had been a good one.

          The interesting part came as they prepared for a rope off to see who would take the Dodge Truck and who would take the Tractor.  The pair decided to rope with each other on an odd/even system to determine the winner of the rope off. 

          When the dust cleared and the match ended the pair rode back up the arena and the fun continued.

          “At the end of the match George and I just kind of looked at each other and asked, “So, who won?” Smith said with a huge grin.  Just glad it was over Smith and McQuain were taking jabs at each other as the announcer’s explained that McQuain would take the truck and Smith would take the tractor.

          Amid photographers, fans, interviewers and a conglomeration of sponsors the pair posed with their new rides. Smith in a lighthearted tone chided the sponsors that her new tractor didn’t even have a bucket to put her groceries in when she drove it to do her shopping.  They assured her they could certainly get her a bucket for her new tractor.

          McQuain was a bit more reserved.  In serious moment he talked of a premonition he’d had earlier, “I guess it was just a passing thought,” he commented. “I have one bullet left so why not win the truck?”  With a lot of emotion involved it worked out for him.   The pair won Gist Championship Gold Buckles, split $57,800 as well as winning new rides. Not a bad combination for an afternoon of having fun doing what they love to do. 

          There is an old saying that if you find something you love you will never work a day in your life.  Seems to certainly be the case with Smith and McQuain.  The pair love team roping and they make it fun.  If you can win and have fun at the same time who wouldn’t choose to do exactly that?

      

#12 Shoot Out Tuesday Oct 28 2014 National Finals

#12 Shoot Out

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Tuesday October 28, 2014

By Melinda Clements 

          “It’s all about the money,” said the announcers as the #12 Shoot Out kicked off during the 2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Rodeo.  Mmmm, maybe and maybe not. Perhaps it isn’t about the money at all.

          $105,000 is a lot of money.  Couple that with a prize line consisting of Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Gold Championship Buckles, Tony Lama Full Ostrich Boots, and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints and you have a prize line that is unfathomable.

          Imagine if you will a humble man who loves to rope.  He takes a chance and asks his boss’s son to rope.  He loves to rope and the pair rope a lot at home.  What can it hurt?  It will be fun and a very new experience.

          Travis Hogner probably considers himself a humble man.  In his words, “I guess I’m a little bit redneck but I’ve never done this before.  I don’t know what to say or what to do.” It was his first trip ever to the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. 

          Travis Hogner and Blair Small were the high call team going into the short go round of the #12 Shoot Out.

          “High call team is a nervous place to be,” Hogner commented with a tinge of emotion. “I was nervous and a little pumped up.”

          Watching the short go round of the #12 Shoot Out was tedious.  Thirty teams were very serious about taking home $105,000.  That kind of money at a team roping was almost beyond comprehension.      

          Hogner and Small had watched the short go round unfold and when they finally rode into the box to rope they knew exactly what they needed to do.

          Ryan Pollard and Derrick Elliot, as the second high call back, had applied the pressure.  They had posted a 7.57 on their short go steer to take the lead of the average with a time of 30.45 on four head.  Hogner and Small needed to be a 7.66 to move them.

          “When I rode into the box I just wanted to catch,” Small said. “I figured Travis would catch.  I just wanted to be sure I caught.”

          “We just needed a good solid practice run,” Hogner said. “I knew we could do that.”

          When Hogner nodded he was a man on a mission and nothing else mattered except one good solid practice run.  Small did his part and as they each held their breath the announcer called out a time of 6.99 and both men gasped for air.  They had just won the #12 Shoot Out and what was it they said about money? It was all about the money or so they said.

          As the pair gathered in the prize area it was like fighting paparazzi.  It was hectic and everyone wanted to talk to them.  Camera’s clicked and questions came from every direction.

          What is it like to win this roping seemed to be the most prevalent question?  What are you going to do with all that money was another question?

          From the lips of a very humble and appreciative man came these words, “Seek the Lord first, above all else.”  So it wasn’t all about the money after all.

          “I’m giving some of my money to a ministry,” Hogner said with deep committed emotion. “It’s a big deal being here in the first place.  It has not sunk in what all this means.  I guess I’m still in shock.  I didn’t know what to expect, I still don’t know what I’m supposed to do but if I seek the Lord first, above all else that is all that matters.”

          As Hogner held his check, his buckle and waited for pictures he was obviously overwhelmed.  He couldn’t put a finger on a game plan, he couldn’t define how it all came together and he couldn’t even describe how the pair came to the decision to come to Oklahoma City at all.  He had called Small and Small had agreed to rope.  He knew that much. 

          He was focused on “Seek the Lord, first.”  He knew without a doubt from whom all blessings flow.

          Hogner and Small will leave the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds arena changed men for what they have experienced as winners of the #12 Shoot Out.  They will continue to rope and have a good time.  They will forever remember one Tuesday afternoon in October when their lives got turned upside down. 

          No matter what happens in the coming days Travis Hogner knows it has absolutely nothing to do with money but everything to do with how you set your priorities and for Hogner he will always “Seek the Lord, first!”

#12 Preliminary Monday Oct 27 2014 National Finals

#12 Preliminary

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Monday October 27, 2014

By Melinda Clements

                One unique thing about the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping is it brings together lots of people who might not connect otherwise.  Sometimes partners are thrown together in unique ways.  First time partners, first time saddle winners or first time ropers the scenario is the same.  The Finals provides an opportunity for some new beginnings.

          Taylor Lagasse and Chase Graves had never roped together.  How it all came about isn’t important.  What is important is how it all turned out.  The pair were the fifth high call going into the short go round of the #12 Preliminary.  They had never roped together, never practiced together but they did have one thing in common and that was to rope, catch and try to win.  They both wanted to catch all their cattle and without really realizing or voicing it they both seemed to think they might actually have a chance of doing well and maybe winning something.

          “I wanted to stay focused and get everything caught,” Graves voiced. “This was our first time to rope together so I didn’t really know what to expect.  I think both of us just wanted to catch and give each other a shot at winning.”

          Lagasse and Graves needed a time of 7.92 to take the lead in the average of the #12 Preliminary.  With their focus on making a clean run the pair posted a time of 7.56 to take the lead in the average with a time of 31.37 on four head of steers.

          Watching the last four teams go was a bit tedious for Lagasse and Graves

          “I wasn’t really nervous,” Lagasse said. “I actually thought that this might all work out.”

          When three of the last four teams failed to make qualified runs and one team legged Lagasse and Graves suddenly realized they had actually won.

          “I was surprised,” Lagasse said. “I don’t know what you do with $20,000.”

          “I’m going to spend mine,” Graves piped up, “and keep roping.  We earned a spot in the Shoot Out and I want to do the same thing tomorrow as we did today.”

          Working to stay focused, Graves pointed out the music and the hype is good.              “It keeps me pumped up,” he explained.

          Lagasse seemed to be totally enthralled with her first USTRC National Finals Saddle.  Both she and Graves took home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles in addition to splitting $20,600.

          The short go round of the #12 Preliminary was fast paced, action packed and almost cut throat as the ropers tossed caution to the wind.  Perhaps that is where it is easy to make mistakes as emotions become an issue.  There again Lagasse and Graves were focused and committed to just getting their cattle caught.

          Sometimes, firsts are good beginnings.  It’s pretty safe to say Lagasse and Graves will continue to rope together.  It was a new beginning that paid off in an unbelievable way.  Looks like this may be one new beginning that will continue.

#13 Shoot Out Monday Oct 27 2014 National Finals

#13 Shoot Out

2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Monday October 27, 2014

By Melinda Clements

          If Dylan Cosper and Paden Bray felt pressure or struggled with nerves it wasn’t evident to the casual observer.  Everyone else might have been on the edge of their seats but Cosper and Bray seemed, as the saying goes, “cucumber cool.”

          Cosper and Bray were the eighth high team back going into the short go round of the #13 Shoot Out at the 2014 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  Bray was also the high team back with partner, Jackie Crawford.

          Bray, it seemed, had an axe to grind.  In his words he was seeking redemption.  He had lost his rope to win the #15 Shoot Out with partner Cory Smothers earlier during the weekend.

          Cosper and Bray roped their short go round steer in 7.31 seconds to take the lead in the average of the #13 Shoot Out.  Thus began a waiting game through seven more teams including Bray.

          “I was nervous just sitting there waiting,” Cosper said. “My phone had broken earlier so I was just sitting there waiting. It was a little nerve wrecking.”

          “Once I got the first steer out of the way with Dylan I was okay,” Bray commented. “I wanted to win really bad.  I had lost my rope to win the #15 Shoot Out and I guess I was seeking redemption. I have a lot of faith in my partners. I always have some really good partners and I have a lot of faith in what this roping is. I’ve been coming here a long time.”

          Bray, no doubt, has grown up in the USTRC.  He grew up doing Junior Looper and just seemed to slide into the ranks as a regular roper.  Cosper and Bray have been roping together going on two years or so.

          “We don’t get to practice,” Cosper said. “We just rope the ropings. It sure worked well today.  I cannot even grasp what just happened.  It has not sunk in that we just won the #13 Shoot Out at the US Finals.”

          Cosper and Bray had roped together earlier in the year at Waco and it was a compatible pairing.

          “Dylan is great to rope with,” Bray complimented. “He never misses and I have all the faith in the world in him.”

          “In team roping you need good partner,” Cosper returned the compliment. “Paden is a good one.”

          Amid tears from family members, hugs of congratulations and cell phones buzzing the pair was a bit overwhelmed with all the attention.  It means a lot to Bray that he has so much support from family. 

          “My grandmother from Montana is here and I get little messages on my phone from other family members,” Bray said. “I was able to ride my cousin’s mare to win this roping. I appreciate Presli loaning her to me.” He smiled and continued, “Guess I’ll have to figure out some way to pay her back. Presli and my Uncle Kirk have been really supportive and I appreciate them letting me use her.”

          Cosper figures the pair will continue to rope together. 

          “It still hasn’t sunk in what just happened here today,” Cosper repeated. “It is a bit unreal.  Just realizing you have a shot and do something like this; well, it still has not sunk in.”

          Cosper and Bray walked out of the prize area looking at $93,600, Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Collector Prints.  Cosper plans to look for another heading horse so he can keep roping and continue the trend. 

          “For me the horse is everything,” Cosper explained. “I need to find another one.”

          Both young men seemed a little bit numb.  Bray immediately replaced his old buckle with his new one.  Amid congratulations and well-wishers the pair seemed a bit in awe and perhaps a little shocked.  It would sink at some point and both ropers would embrace what really happened. 

          They say team roping changes us.  Cosper and Bray will testify it happens really, really fast and it is an experience like no other.