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.
