#8 Shoot Out
2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team
Roping
Sunday October 30 2016
Allen Simon and Tim Cash
By Melinda Clements
The
air was electric with excitement.
Twenty-one teams were coming back in the short go round of the # 8 Shoot
on the last day of the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping held in
Oklahoma City. Fifteen teams would
get a paycheck and first place in the average would pay $50,000 plus Martin
Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Boots
and Western Horseman Collector Prints.
The total payout for the roping was $128,300 and the ropers were in the
mood to rope. They were in a
winning frame of mind.
Every
team member wanted a win and if it proved to be like anything else this past
week the roping would be competitive and full of action. It was team roping at its best to wind
up the week of the NFTR.
When
the eighth high team back of Donny Lindsey and Shelby Rita posted a time of 9.0
on their short round steer to take the lead in the average they raised the bar
and the competition hit another level.
Lindsay and Rita were leading the average with a time of 50.59 on four
head of steers.
Allen
Simon and Tim Cash were the third high team back. They had roped well all afternoon and even with a third
place win they were assured a paycheck of $11,000. They had carefully watched
as the roping wound down and both men were hoping to make a good quality
run. They needed a 13.32 to move
Lindsey and Rita. They agreed it
was just a good solid practice run and when they rode into the box they had it
on their minds.
“My
biggest struggle is trying to be too fast,” Simon commented. “I knew in this
particular case I had to just slow down and rope right. I wanted to be mistake free. I just
wanted to catch and give Tim his shot.
We have been roping together a long time and know each other well. Just slow it down and make it count is
what I kept thinking.”
As
they pair rode into the box they seemed focused and on track. Simon nodded and connected and Cash
cleaned up the run. The pair
posted a time of 9.68 to take the lead in the average with two teams left to
rope. As they rode out the back
gate they seemed satisfied and a bit relieved.
When
the last two teams failed to make qualified runs Simon and Cash rode back it
the arena. It was
unbelievable. They had just won
the #8 Shoot Out at the NFTR and were actually taking a victory lap. It was almost more than they could
grasp. It seemed almost surreal.
“We
actually just roped the Hot Heels this week because it was to muddy,” Cash said
with a huge grin. “We are so
blessed to just be here. This win
is just amazing. This is our first USTRC National Finals Saddle. I think mine is going in the living
room.”
As
the pictures were taken and the interviews completed it appeared Simon and Cash
might have been a little awe struck.
Down right shocked was a better word.
“We
have lots of family and friends that rope,” Simon concluded. “We always just go
rope and have a good time. It is good to win this roping with a good friend and
someone you can practice with.”
Cash
agreed. “We just go have fun.”
As
the NFTR concluded and people began to disperse from the prize area Simon and
Cash were surrounded by friends and well-wishers. It was evident that this years
NFTR had touched a lot of lives in more ways than anyone could imagine. The NFTR had bonded friends and family,
brought complete strangers together and made memories that no one knew about. It was an awesome event and a rewarding
and life-changing event. Things may change, ropings may come and go, partners
make modifications but one thing is for certain. Team roping makes a difference. It is the one thing that brings love and fellowship,
blessings and promise to every person that picks up a rope. You may haul to big ropings or you may
never haul at all. Regardless, the common thread is family, horses, friends,
and fellowship and this year’s NFTR brought it all together.
