#13 Shoot Out
2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team
Roping
Monday October 24 2016
Gary Cripps and Jake Cripps
By Melinda Clements
All
of us have known for a long time that team roping involves family. It is a roping and rodeo way of
life. It is the life the family
lives and breathes. It involves learning responsibility, commitment, and
discipline and incorporating hard work.
Team roping is the tool we all utilize to integrate family, friends and
fellowship. Most of us would rope
even if we never went to another roping in our lives. It has that much impact
and promise of what matters and what is real.
Family
matters. Team roping matters and that is why Gary and Jake Cripps exemplify
what a lifetime committed to roping is about. The Cripps family has cut their teeth on roping and it has
paid off for them in ways one could never imagine.
“I
took Jake to his first USTRC team roping when he was ten years old and he won
his first USTRC saddle,” Gary Cripps said. “It is our way of life. We have been
roping ever since.”
Gary
and Jake Cripps were the second high team back going into the short go round of
the #13 Shoot Out at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping in
Oklahoma City. There was a
phenomenal prize line including Martin Championship Saddles, Gist Championship
Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Western Horseman Collectors Prints. Add to that $100,000 and it was enough
to take your breath away.
Thirty
teams were coming back for the short round and it had been action packed and
competitive. A $276,500 payout on
four head of steers was fueling the fire.
The
Cripps watched carefully as the short go round unfolded. The roping would pay the top fifteen
and they were in a good position to take home some of that cash.
“We
got a really good start on our first steer today and that kind of set the pace
for everything else that happened,” Gary Cripps commented. “I broke the barrier
yesterday so I just backed off a little and tried to relax. We have roped
together enough that each of us knows how to go and do our job. I wasn’t really worried. It had all
worked well.”
When
the third high team back posted an 8.74 on their short go steer they took the
lead in the average with a time of 31.98 on four head. It set the stage for the
Cripps. They needed a 9.66 to move
Coy Rahlmann and Blake Wheeler.
“I
just try to rely on intuition and do my job,” Jake Cripps explained. “These
were strong steers and as always I just try to react to what is happening.”
When
the pair rode into the box years of roping and practicing together kicked
in. They know each other well and
they knew exactly what they needed to do.
Gary
nodded for the steer and connected.
However, when he turned off he almost lost his dally and it took all he
had to keep the rope.
“I
just turned loose of my reins and held the rope,” Gary explained. “I knew my
horse would do what he needed to do.
I just tried to relax and let the horse do his job. My job was to hold
on to that rope.”
Jake
connected and the pair stopped the clock with a time of 9.01. It was exactly what they needed to take
the lead in the average with one team left to rope. Fortunately, for the Cripps
the final team failed to make a qualified run and the pair embraced the win in
the #13 Shoot Out. What a phenomenal feeling!
“This
win has been a long time coming,” Jake Cripps said. “I’m thrilled with the
outcome today. I’m so glad we won
together and it is very special.”
“Our
faith in God has brought us a long way down the road,” Gary Cripps said humbly.
“When Jake and his sister were kids we roped all the time. I figured team
roping would keep them out of trouble.
The kids would throw a hundred loops a day on a roping dummy and it kept
them busy. This win today is very special and important to me because it is
with my son and that makes it very important.”
It
is all about family. The pair
discussed their plans for the money.
Jake Cripps is planning on a new house. Both men figure the saddles will occupy some space in the
living room for a while.
“I
may use mine for a recliner,” Gary quipped. “This win involves my whole family
and I’m very proud of that.” The
#13 Shoot Out proved to be a family affair at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National
Finals of Team Roping. That is,
without a doubt, what roping is about.
