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

#9 Preliminary 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 29 2016

J J Richard and Eric Hoelting

By Melinda Clements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

        

JR Looper Championships Saturday Oct. 29 2016 Age Group Winners

JR. Looper Shoot Out 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 29 2016

By Melinda Clements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

        

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

#10 Shoot Out 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 29, 2016

Navor Levario and Braden Johnson

By Melinda Clements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#10 Preliminary NFTR Friday Oct 28 2016 Harris and Perry

#10 Preliminary 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Friday October 28 2016

Braden Harris and David Perry

By Melinda Clements

         “I needed a run so they drew for me,” Braden Harris said. “It turned out great for me.” Texas Team Roper, David Perry, emulated the statement.

         “I drew this kid,” Perry explained. “I told them I didn’t know him and they said he was kid thirteen years old and I said, ‘why heck yea’ because most kids rope really well. I’m in. Let’s do it.”

         It turned out to be a phenomenal pairing.  Harris and Perry was the high team back coming into the short go round of the #10 Preliminary at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  The top six in the average would get a paycheck and the winner in the average would pocket $16,200 and take home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.

         After getting off to a rocky start the short go round proved to be fast paced and quite competitive.  The ropers were focused and looking at a win with money on their minds.

         Leonel Lopez and Daniel Garcia held the lead in the average with a time of 34.20 on four head of steers.  Harris and Perry had never roped together, however, they both knew they wanted this win.  The #10 Preliminary had proved to be a good roping for them and with one more steer to go they felt they could take the lead in the average with this final steer.

          “I really needed to catch this steer,” Harris said. “I was really very nervous. I just had to catch this steer to give my heeler a chance.”

         “As we rode into the box I told Braden to just go rope,” Perry said. “Catching two feet is my biggest challenge but we had roped really well and I knew this steer would not be any different.  We were on a roll and I wanted to add this win to the other ones I’d had this week.”

         Harris and Perry needed to be 10.53 to move Lopez and Garcia out of the number one spot.  Despite a bit of nerves Harris backed in the box and nodded for the steer.  He was focused and on track and he felt if he could just catch Perry would wrap up the run.  The kid connected and turned off and Perry was true to form. The clock read 8.80 and a roar went up from the spectators.  It was an awesome win.

         “We drew each other to rope and it worked so well,” Harris said. “It was just a lucky deal that we drew each other.” At thirteen years of age Harris has been roping since he was about four years old.  His horse is a good one and he has had him for about four years. 

         “I’m so glad I was able to catch and wrap up the run,” Perry said. “We are now new best friends and I hope we can keep roping together.”

         The saddle in the #10 Preliminary was the first USTRC National Finals saddle for Harris.  Perry won a saddle in the #9 Shoot Out at the NFTR in 2013. 

         As the pair posed for pictures it was obvious Harris was a little overwhelmed.  It was a big win for him.  It is an amazing thing how team roping consistently brings people together in a unique sort of way.  As Perry said, “We are new best friends.”  It is amazing how two people can come together and make all the right connections and suddenly Team Roping has changed and impacted their lives.  Harris was excited. 

         The #10 Preliminary had laid a strong foundation for the rest of the week for Harris.  He was entered in the #10 Shoot Out the next day.  What a way to break the ice and to do it with a new partner was even more exciting.  Perry never doubted a kid would be a great partner.  He would pair up again in a heartbeat.  There are just some things meant to be. The win was awesome and hopefully great things were yet to come.

        

#11 Shoot Out NFTR Friday Oct. 28 2016 Jones and Callicoat

#11 Shoot Out 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Friday October 28 2016

Rowdy Jones and Dakota Callicoat

By Melinda Clements

         The top thirty teams were coming back in the short round of the #11 Shoot Out at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  The prize line was phenomenal.  Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints was enough to make your mouth water.  Add to the scenario $100,000 in cool, cold hard cash to the first place winners in the average.  The top fifteen teams in the average would draw a paycheck. 

         When the twelfth high team back, Curtis Buckler and Bubba Reynolds, took the lead with a time of 7.72 in the short round they raised the bar.  It had been a fiercely competitive short round.  The ropers were serious about the $100,000 payout.  There was no room for error and no room for nerves.  This was the last steer and it had to be right.  A leg or a misplaced head loop would take its toil.

         Rowdy Jones and Dakota Callicoat was the ninth high call back.  The pair had to be an 8.41 or better to move Buckler and Reynolds. 

         “I wasn’t nervous,” Jones said.  However, at fourteen years of age, nerves rarely are an issue. “Catching is my biggest issue but I wasn’t really worried.

         When the pair rode into the box both ropers were planning on just following up and doing what they had done most of the day. 

         “We just wanted to go make a good run and then see how things turned out,” Callicoat said.

         When Jones nodded he had one thing on his mind. “Catch this steer,” seemed to echo in his mind.  Catch, indeed! The team roped their short round steer in 7.05 to take the lead away from Buckler and Reynolds.  There were nine teams left to rope.

         “We just sat back and watched as the rest of the teams roped,” Callicoat said. “We watched and waited to see how things were going to turn.  We tried not to hope for more but I guess we just really sort of hoped no one would move us.”

         Jose Enriquez and Domingo Jacquez was a long seven and moved into second place.  As always the last eight teams are always in contention.  It seems they are the most hungry or they wouldn't be where they are. With $100,000 staring everyone in the face nerves were on edge and anything could happen as the roping wound down.        

         Trying to maintain a calm demeanor and trying not to “hope against hope” Jones and Callicoat waited.  They waited and watched and tried to not get involved in what was happening in the arena. They worked at keeping it at arm’s length.

         “I wanted it over,” Jones said shyly.  He really wanted his first USTRC saddle. 

         As it turned out there were some unqualified runs and some mistakes and when it was over the numbers were tallied and the ninth high call team of Rowdy Jones and Dakota Callicoat were declared the winners of the #11 Shoot Out.  As the pair rode into the arena for their victory lap they were, perhaps, a little numb. It was, after all, a lot to absorb and understand.

         As the pair posed behind their Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and waited on interviews and mug shots they were a little overwhelmed. 

         “We rope in some jackpots occasionally,” Callicoat said. “We’ve been roping together for all of Rowdy’s life. We live about thirty miles apart and I guess the greatest struggle for both of us is just catching.  We practiced a little last week and ran about ten steers. It was a long short go round.  We just tried to not get involved until we saw how all this was coming down.”

         It is the first USTRC saddle for both Jones and Callicoat.  Callicoat plans to pay off his truck with his winnings.  Jones hasn’t clue what he will do with his share of the win. 

         “I just want to keep roping,” he said. Without a doubt, he will.

         At fourteen it is a little hard to grasp how much money $100,000 happens to be.  Roping is fun and that is most important.  However, some day this pair will look back and remember how much fun they had on one October morning in Oklahoma City at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

#11 Preliminary NFTR Thurs. Oct 27 2016 Ty Springer and Ryon Springer

#11 Preliminary 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 27 2016

Ty Springer and Ryon Springer

By Melinda Clements

         With team roping one just never knows how things will turn out or come together.  One learns to just roll with flow or embrace the circumstances.  After a twenty-two hour drive from Florida to Oklahoma one can pretty much figure you had all the time needed to figure out how you plan to handle roping at the 2016 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping. 

         “I had entered with my brother as a heeler but it didn’t pan out,” Ty Springer commented.  “There were not enough runs so, I just did what I always do and turned around and entered heading for my son. You just never know how things are going to turn out.”

         There were twenty teams coming back in the short go round of the #11 Preliminary at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping in Oklahoma City.  The roping would pay six holes along with Martin Championship Saddles to the average winners. First place in the average would pocket $16,300.

         When the sixteenth high team back took the lead in the average no one had a clue it would hold like it did.  Makayla Boisjoli and Billy Myers roped their short round steer in 6.83 seconds to take the lead with a time of 33.76 on four head of steers.  There were fifteen teams to go.

         Ty and Ryon Springer waited patiently for their turn in the short go. 

         “For me there is no pressure,” Ryon Springer said. “Roping? This is what I do.”  He obviously wasn’t worried about the wait. He had a lot of  experience under his belt.

         When the Springer’s rode into the box it was work as usual.  “I just rope for my kids,” Ty Springer said. And he did, indeed!

         The pair needed a time of 9.38 to move Boisjoli and Myers.  The clock stopped at 9.03.  They were in fine form.  Three unqualified runs and a leg would give them the win in the #11 Preliminary.  It suddenly made the long haul from Florida to Oklahoma well worth the trip.

         “This is my first USTRC saddle,” Ryon Springer said with excitement. “It is awesome to win this roping.  I got an invite to Vegas to rope at the Junior Finals and this is a great step in that direction.”

         “My son studies and analyzes team roping,” Ty explained. “Literally, studies it all the time.” Ty ropes for his kids.  He heads more than he heels because most of the time there is never enough headers around his house.  I struggle with the barrier but I actually heel most of the time unless, of course, they need headers.”

         Roping with his son proved to be a good move for both ropers.  Things just have a strange way of working out for the best.

         “It is all about the memories we make,” Ty Springer said. “I am so blessed and I’m so thankful to be able to do for my kids. This win with Ryon means everything.  It puts a lot of pressure on you to rope with your kids because you try so hard to do well. It worked out so well for us.  What a win!”

         Despite the money being spent the memories will be there forever.  Ty Springer wouldn’t trade today’s win for anything. Things just have a strange way of working out like they are supposed too.

#10 Invitational NFTR Thurs Oct 27 2016 Woolven and Kelly

#10 Invitational 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 27 2016

Mike Woolven and Glenn Kelly

By Melinda Clements

        

         What is the old adage? When you’re hot you’re hot!!  Hot was certainly the label attached to Mike Woolven and Glenn Kelly.  For a couple of days the pair had been on fire.  However, it seemed as the saying goes, “Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride!”

         That scenario changed in a heartbeat.  Woolven and Kelly were the high team coming back in the short go round of the #10 Invitational.  The pair had fresh on their minds being the high team back in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out the evening before where they ended up in second place.  They had been here and they had done that but this time they wanted to finish at the top of the leader board. The pair was wired to fire and they wanted the win. Maybe they had a little more motivation or a little something more to prove.

         “We really didn’t change anything,” Kelly commented.  “We just kept roping like we had been roping.  I guess the playing field changed but, from our point of view, we didn’t make any changes.”

         Jason Obrien and Scott Clark made a good run.  They were 8.23 on their short round steer to take the lead from the ninth high team of Jason Heath and Joe Macoubrie. The roping would pay the eight top teams and Woolven and Kelly were comfortable with making a good solid, mistake free run.  They had to be 10.38 to move Obrien and Clark.  It was a good solid “doable” practice run and there were no nerves involved.

         “I don’t really struggle with roping,” Woolven said. “I don’t really think or plan. I just rope. We didn’t change anything from last night going into this roping today. 

         Kelly commented that if he struggled with anything it was being really careful to not catch before his header catches.  “I get a little anxious to say the least,” he laughed. Woolven agreed.

         When Woolven nodded for the steer it was almost dejavu! The pair knew what they wanted and how to get it.  When the clock stopped it read 8.69. The pair left the arena and the large weight on their shoulders evaporated.  It was finally, a done deal.

         “Winning a roping like this is a possibility for everyone with a lot of hard work and practice,” Kelly explained. “We just go rope.  You know, my heart is full.  I’m blessed. We were the high team back two times in a row.  That makes my heart full and I am blessed.”

         “It takes a lot of heart, a lot of practice and a lot of support,” Woolven concluded. “You learn to work hard, practice hard and do what you need to do.  I’m proud of these saddles. I think we will ride them. It is the first USTRC Finals Saddles for both of us. I have access to a lot of good horses and I guess that makes them all winners.  Without a doubt, I’ll use my saddle.”

         Kelly grinned, “Yep, you bet I’m riding this saddle.”

Century Championship NFTR Thurs. Oct 27 2016 Smith and Jacobs

Century Championships

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 27 2016

Mel Smith and Gary Jacobs

By Melinda Clements

         There is just something very special about the Century Ropers.  They come with a flair, finesse and style derived from life experiences and wisdom.  They have a quiet reserve and respect that is class in the truest sense of the word. 

         As I watched the Century Championships at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping my heart was full. They rope with a dedication and commitment that comes from years of knowing what they like, where they stand, and why things transpire the way they do.

         Twenty teams were coming back in the short go round of the Century Championships.  The ropers were vying for $30,000 for first place and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  The roping would pay eight places in the average.

         The Century Championships is an easy roping to watch.  The teams are focused and have a commitment to fun and success that speaks as no other.  The short go round was competitive but more than competitive it was a roping where each team held the other in quiet reserve wishing the best to everyone involved. 

         Nick Driggers and Gerald Watson held the lead in the average with a time of 35.57 on four head of steers.  It was Mel Smith and Gary Jacobs’ turn to rope.  The pair needed a time of 10.07 to take the lead in the average.

         “I have a lot of confidence in Gary,” Smith commented. “We wanted to just put a run on the board and let them come get us.” The pair certainly did put a run on the board.  The pair had a time of 8.11 to take the lead in the average of the Century Championships. 

         “I just needed to be in the right place at the right time,” Jacobs explained. The seventy-two year old roper had become accustomed to the idea that sometimes slower is faster. He wants to be focused and deliberate in his delivery.  “I have an eleven year old paint mare that let’s me win. She puts me where I need to be.”

         When the high team back legged their steer Smith and Jacobs nailed down the win in the Century Championships.  It was an awesome win for the pair.

         “I won the Century Championships saddle in 2000,” Jacobs elaborated. “That was sixteen years ago.  I’m elated with this win.”

         “I think these saddles are going in the living room,” Smith commented. “Although we do not practice together I think we each practice to get a short go run. It’s an awesome feeling to win this Century roping today.”

         The pair would split $30,000 and take home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  With a quiet demure and a respectful demeanor it was fun to watch the reserve and class both men exhibited.  Their character and integrity was not only evident in the awards area but it was evident in the roping arena as well.  They held a quiet respect for each other and for the other ropers as well. They spoke with a manner and conduct of respect that’s an example for the coming generations. 

         They embrace roping like they embrace life; with a classic composure of charm and appeal.  My hat is off to the Century Ropers. I love who you are and the generations you represent.  You have an integrity and appeal we all should embrace and learn. 

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out NFTR Wed. Oct. 26 2016 Hafenstein and Hoelting

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 26 2016

Pat Hafenstein and Eric Hoelting

By Melinda Clements

         There is no doubt that $71,000 is a lot of money.  Add to that a Case IH Farmall Tractor and a 2016 Ram Diesel Dually Crew Cab truck and you have the ingredients of an almost perfect team roping.  First through sixth place would receive Gist Championship Trophy Buckles and the top thirty teams would advance to the short round.  All thirty teams would get a paycheck.  It was no wonder ropers were fired up and excited about the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

         It was fast paced, hot and competitive roping and every team was on a mission to win.  There was no doubt the short go round would be exciting and full of anticipation.  Everyone was interested in the total payout of $305,600.  It just whets one’s appetite to be aggressive, rope right and win.  It was nothing to scoff at.

         When the twenty-eighth high call team took the lead in the short go round with a time of 41.4 on four they had not idea how things would unfold.  Michael Nash and David Perry roped their short go steer with a time of 6.92 and took the lead in the average.  After that it seemed teams struggled or fell into a case of nerves.  Regardless, it proved to be a very interesting short go round. 
         Nash and Perry watched and waited to see how things might turn out.  As the fourth high team rode into the box Nash and Perry were still holding onto the lead.  Four teams remained.

         Pat Hafenstein and Eric Hoelting was the fourth high team back.  Hoelting is a fierce competitor and he wasn’t about to let a sleeping dog lie.  The pair rode into the box with one thing on their minds. They wanted this win in the worst possible way. 

         Both ropers were focused and committed.  It was a win/win situation.  There was absolutely nothing wrong with fourth place. It paid $25,400.  The pair needed a 12.49 to take the lead in the average away from Nash and Perry. 

         “I wanted to go make a good practice run,” Hafenstein said. “We had a good steer.  It was one of those days where you slow down to be fast.  You are roping with family and if it is meant to be it will come together. I just wanted a good solid run.  We were going to win any way it went.”

         Hafenstein and Hoelting posted a time of 8.63 to take the lead in the average with three teams to rope.  Therefore, it became a waiting game.

         “You don’t wish anyone ill will but I was so hoping our time would hold,” Hoelting said as he waited to see how things would pan out. “I wanted the win in the worst way.”

           Two teams failed to make qualified runs and the high team back of Mike Woolven and Glen Kelly posted a time of 12.71 on their short go round steer but it was not fast enough to move Hafenstein and Hoelting. They would take the win in the average with a time of 35.33 on four head.

         Both ropers were ecstatic.  They made a victory lap as USTRC bookkeepers tallied the numbers to see who would win the truck and who would win the tractor.  Hoelting turned out to be the High Money Winner, having earned $36,000, and he would take the truck.  Hoelting beat Hafenstein by $500 due to a fast time in Rotation so there was no need for a rope off.

         Hafenstein and Hoelting have a long history in team roping.  They are like extended family.

         “Eric bought his first horse from me at least fifteen or maybe sixteen years ago,” Hafenstein explained. “There is just a huge family involved when you rope. I’m so thankful for that family and my wife, Sandy, is such a huge support to me.  I knew being the fourth high team back was a good thing because four is my lucky number.  I’m so excited and this win with Eric means everything.”

         “I was just hoping the cards would fall in our favor,” Hoelting said. “I’m a fierce competitor and I wanted this roping so bad. To be very honest I don’t like loosing.  I have four boys and we are all very competitive. I usually rope with my oldest son, Camden, but he has a football game Friday night and I’ll go home to get him toward the end of the week.”

         Hoelting’s, ten-year-old son, Dexton, commented that he was very nervous. “I didn’t want my dad to be nervous.  I didn’t want him to fall apart.”  Dexton would like nothing better than for dad to take him to school in that new truck when they get home. Both son and dad were elated as they carefully examined the Ram truck.

         The #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out is a team-roping favorite.  With the payout and the prize line it is every roper’s dream to take part of that kind of action.  Pat Hafenstein and Eric Hoelting will not soon forget one October evening in 2016 when their team roping family came together to take the huge win in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  Couple some awesome team roping with family, prizes and a chunk of change and you have all the ingredients that come together to change lives.  It is no wonder we are all drawn into a sport like USTRC Team Roping.

        

# 12 Invitational NFTR Wed. Oct. 26 2016 Trujillo and Michaelis

#12 Invitational

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 26 2016

Gabe Trujillo and Jeremy Michaelis

By Melinda Clements

         “Oh my gosh, I’m soaking all this up. I’ve nothing else to do. I cannot believe it. Just keep it coming,” his excitement and demeanor was contagious.  He was like a cricket hoping to escape the fly swatter. He could not be still and he could not focus.  To say Gabe Trujillo was ecstatic was the ultimate understatement.

         Gabe Trujillo and Jeremy Michaelis had just won the #12 Invitational at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping and the true irony was they had never roped together until today.  They were draw partners.  Who would have thought? Regardless, there was no containing Trujillo and Michaelis was as overwhelmed and wasn’t really sure how to react.

         Trujillo and Michaelis were the fourth high team back coming in the short go round of the #12 Invitational.  $42,200 was on the line plus Gist Championship Gold Buckles and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles. It would make anyone giddy and a bit out of control.

         Kyle Dailey and Junior Myers held the lead in the average with a time of 42.36 on four head of steers with four teams to go.  Trujillo and Michaelis didn’t really have a game plan they just knew they were close to something big.

         “We just met today,” Trujillo said. “I mean like when we rode in the box. Is that not crazy? I’ve been here three times before and this is the first time to even make the short go. I cannot even believe this. I’m about to start water and chicken so I can lose weight and wear this buckle so everyone can see it.”

         The pair roped their short round steer with a time of 7.44 and held on tight as the round finished up.  Two unqualified runs and a 10.96 failed to move them out of the lead.

         “It is awesome to win this roping,” Michaelis said. “It is kind of bittersweet.  “My regular partner cut his thumb really bad yesterday and Trujillo was a draw partner.  We actually met when we rode into the box to rope.  My partner from 2011 was out and it surprised me. The USTRC worked it out and Trujillo turned out to be my draw partner.”

         Michaelis wasn’t really nervous.  “The short go steer is just one more steer.  It is about those three before the short go that matter. I was more nervous about those other runs.”

         Trujillo seems to struggle a bit as a header. His biggest problem seems to be scoring and getting out of the barrier. He works on it in the practice pen.  Practice and practice some more he explained. “I rope and practice with John and Sterling English. Can you believe this? I’m losing some weight so you can see this buckle and I’m setting this saddle in the living room and I’m going to dinner on this money. I’m going to keep practicing.”        

         The excitement was contagious.  Trujillo was animated and Michaelis seemed a bit awestruck.  The pair had a lot to be proud of.  It was almost an alignment of the stars for them to be able to rope together.  One October afternoon a new friendship had blossomed. Team Roping had paired two distant stars and united them in a heading and heeling box at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  Who knows what will happen next or where it all might lead?  Regardless, it will be something neither roper will ever forget. Strangers in passing and united in a way one would never have guessed.