# 9 Preliminary Sat Nov 2 2013 USTRC Nat Finals

#9 Preliminary 

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday Nov 2 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          There is just something about making a trip to Oklahoma to the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping that does your heart good.  It is a good time, it is some great team roping and the fellowship and time spent with friends and family makes the miles worth the effort.

          Sanford King and Clay Mitchell are from Alabama.  They love team roping and making the haul to the NFTR in Oklahoma City just seemed like the thing to do. 

          “We’ve been roping together all my life,” Mitchell said. “It just seemed natural we would come to the Finals.”

          It was a good thing the pair made the trek to the Finals.  The pair was fourth high team going into the short go round of the # 9 Preliminary.  There was $142,200 on the line and first place would collect $24,400 and Martin Trophy Championship Saddles.  Thirty teams were coming back to rope at the four head average.

          “We just wanted to catch four steers,” King commented. “Ending up fourth place was not a bad place to be.”

          When the fifth high team roped their steer in 9.41 to take the lead King and Mitchell knew they had to be a ten flat or better to take the lead in the average.

          “I wanted to be clean and make a good consistent run,” Mitchell said. “I rehearsed in my mind all the coaching my dad had given me and I wanted to do well in the short go round.”

          The pair did exactly what they needed to when they posted a time of 9.74 on their steer with three teams left to rope.  As they rode out the back gate it became a waiting game to see how things would end up.  Regardless, the pair was assured of fourth place and at least $10,000.  It was a good place to be.

          “I tried to stay calm,” King said. “We were just counting the last three steers down as they roped. Staying calm and counting them down isn’t an easy thing to do.”

          “We had a clean run,” Mitchell commented. “I was glad of that.  Now it was a waiting game as we waited for the other teams to finish up. Yea, I was a little nervous.”

          With some baubles and mistakes the last three teams failed to do what was needed to move King and Mitchell.  As it turned out the pair from Alabama won the # 9 Preliminary.  Their excitement could not be contained as the pair made a victory lap around the arena.  The Alabama ropers had taken the win and their excitement and exhilaration was almost contagious. 

          This was the first USTRC National Finals saddles for both Mitchell and King.  The pair would take home a little over $12,000 each.  No wonder they were excited.

          “My friends and family are so supportive,” King said with emotion in his voice. “Winning this roping means everything to me. Actually I was roping with a purpose today. There is a little boy in Alabama who is waiting for a liver transplant.  His name is Deeson Cornelius.  I was roping for Deeson. That is what it is about.  I’m praying for a liver transplant for Deeson and this roping is for him.”

          As friends shouted congratulations in the prize area both King and Mitchell were a bit overwhelmed.  It was an unbelievable win and the pair was thankful they roped together for the win.

          “You just have to be patient,” Mitchell said.  It is about timing and getting everything roped. Those slow controlled practices make a big difference. I’m glad we made the trip here to rope.”

          Team Ropers cover a lot of miles.  They not only put in the miles, but the time and the effort for little moments of glory that make a difference in their lives.  Mitchell and King love team roping.  They also love the family and support system they have.  This was one roping that proved to be a blessing for all involved.  Deeson, this one is for you!

Priefert US Open Tour High Year End Standings Header and Heeler 2013 Nat Finals

Priefert US Open Tour High Year End Standings

Champion Header 2013 / Josh Torres

Reserve Champion Header 2013/Luke Brown

Champion Heeler / Jonathan Torres

Reserve Champion Heeler / Wesley Moss

October 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          The Priefert US Open Tour Championships awards a $10,000 cash bonus to the yearend high point header and heeler each year during the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  During the year ropers compete for the bonus to be awarded in October during the NFTR in Oklahoma City.

          Josh Torres is the 2013 Open Tour Champion Header.  Torres received a bonus check of $10,000 and a beautiful custom Gist Buckle.

          The Reserve Champion Header is Luke Brown. He received a set of custom Gist silver spurs and a bonus check of $5,000. The points provide a little security and recognition for a job well done throughout the year. Both Preifert and the USTRC want to show their appreciation to the ropers with this bonus award. With a strong support system this bonus check will be put to good use as ropers leave the Finals.

          “I didn’t win this alone,” Torres said. “I had my brother and a couple of other guys backing me.  The $10,000 is a great asset to our family.  You just have grind it out and stay aggressive.  That is just the way life is.  I was more worried about my brother and how it was going to turn out for him.”

          “I have been chasing this all year,” Brown commented. “I’ve been a bit behind all year but it is a good bonus.  I’ve won it twice and it is a good thing to win.”

          JonathanTorres is the 2013 Open Tour Champion Heeler.  Torres received a bonus check of $10,000 and a beautiful custom Gist Buckle.

          The Reserve Champion Heeler is Wesley Moss. He received a set of custom Gist silver spurs and a bonus check of $5,000. The points provide a little security and recognition for a job well done throughout the year. Both Preifert and the USTRC want to show their appreciation to the ropers with this bonus award. With a strong support system this bonus check will be put to good use as ropers leave the Finals.

          “It feels good to win this bonus,” Torres said. “I was ahead for awhile then I ended up winning it the last minute.  We went to the biggest and best ropings and kept working at it.  I did pretty well all year.  I just tried to keep moving forward and roping aggressive.  It feels good to rope with my brother and we rely on each other a lot.”

          “The bonus is nice incentive,” Wesley Moss commented. “I didn’t start until February and my partner, Jarrod Cross, and I decided we would go and season a young horse.  I didn’t have any points and then it began to come together. It is good to get a bonus like this.  It is good for Open Ropers.”

          The $10,000 and $5,000 Bonus is a great prize awarded at the end of the year for both the headers and the heelers.  It provides not only a good incentive to rope for the points but also gives Open Ropers an extra cushion as they head to the WNFR in December. 

          Priefert has always been an avid supporter of the USTRC. A sponsor of the USTRC for more than 13 years, Priefert is a family-owned and operated manufacturing company based in Mount Pleasant, Texas, that has built a reputation of innovation and integrity in the development of a product line designed to fit industry needs.

 

 

 

Jr. Looper Shoot Out Saturday Nov 2 2013 National Finals

Jr. Looper Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday Nov 2 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          The arena floor at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds crawled with kids.  Little ropers were everywhere.  They came in all sizes and shapes.  They are messengers from God. They are a bundle of joy, fun, mischievous, cute and interesting characters. When we hold their hands, they take us to heaven. They build us up and they break our hearts.  They see magic because they look for it and they never give up. Kids don’t think about the past or worry about the future.  They believe in right now.

          As the Jr. Looper Shoot Out got underway at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping it was very evident the parents were the most nervous, unnecessarily keyed up and stressed.  The kids were not worried.  They were looking for magic.

          When the six and under age group got underway there were six cowboys ready to rope for the prizes.  Jaytin Harrell, Bryce Bentley, Matton Mayu, Payden Evans, Denton Parish and Jayden Nez had their ropes ready and each took their turn at the dummy.  As the competition narrowed down it was Jaytin Harrell and Payden Evans holding their own in the competition.  Finally at fourteen feet Jaytin Harrell was declared the winner in the six and under age group.

          Harrell is five years old and in kindergarten.  He has a horse named Showtime.  He held in his hands a brand new halter that would go on Showtime and he was awarded a new saddle to ride as a result of his win.

          “I like to rope,” Harrell said. “I been roping a long time and I’m in kindergarten.”  No doubt he has big plans when he gets home to share his win with Showtime.

          The next event in the Jr Looper Shoot Out was the seven to nine age group.  Tyler Tryan, Levi James, Chandler Ramone, Try Nez, Myles Williams and Dave Morris would compete for the prizes.  When the dust cleared Tyler Tryan was declared the winner at fifteen feet.  Tryan is seven years old and has a horse named Ginger.  His favorite team roper is his dad Clay Tryan.  The youngster is seven years old and home schooled.

          “I like to rope because it is fun,” the youngster said.  “I think Ginger will like my new saddle.”  I think Ginger is going to be surprised.

          As the arena floor was being prepared for the next age group a very special award was issued to youngster, Lucky Ward.  Lucky loves team roping.  He received an honorary buckle and saddle for his love of the sport.  The USTRC along with Martin Championship Trophy Saddles made sure Lucky was able to fulfill his dream to be a team roper.

He loves to watch the ropings and will flag with a flag given to him by professional flagger,  Philip Murrah.  Lucky gave a thumbs up and you could read the excitement and grin on his face as he clutched his new buckle.

          When the ten to twelve age group kicked off there were seven competitors including Lucky.  Cayden Arnold, Cactus Williams, Chance Littleben, Tater Tate, Rance Nez, Brandon Ben rounded out the top six.  The roping in this age group was fast paced and very competitive.

          It was finally narrowed down to two at nineteen feet.  Tater Tate and Rance Nez put the roping to the test.  Someone said you cannot throw the rope more than nineteen feet but Tate and Nez proved it could be done.  The bar was moved to twenty feet and Tate slick horned the dummy. He was declared the winner after changing ropes. 

          Announcer Ben Clements asked if he could catch at twenty one feet.  

          “I will try as long as it does not cost me the saddle,” Tate said very seriously. The twelve year old built a loop and let the rope sail through the air.  It went around the neck but was a catch nonetheless.  Talk about some awesome roping from some very talented kids.  No wonder team roping is such a tough competitive sport.

          Tate is home schooled and his dad and brother are his favorite ropers.

          “I’ve been roping since I was about five years old,” Tate commented. He was very serious and focused on checking out his new saddle.

          According to Ritu Ghatourey, “Kids are born naturalist.  Their eyes are, by nature, open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, and the mystery of life.”  Kids make it all worth while.  We owe them the wonders of the world.  It doesn’t matter where they are, what they are doing, the world is about the hope of our children.  They are the promise of better things to come.

 

  

         

 

#10 Shoot Out Saturday Nov 2 2013 National Finals

#10 Shoot Out 

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday Nov 2 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          There is a common thread that unites us all in the finite network of life.  Some of us are more in tune to it than others.  It is about loving unconditional, giving back to others, capitalizing on your potential and being all you were created to be.

          You may believe it or not, it is real whether you grasp the concept of not.  It is your choice on being a champion, it is your choice on being a winner, and it has nothing to do with money or any monetary gift or value placed on tangible things.

          Sometimes two become one to make a difference.  Sometimes uniting makes for strength and the promise of great things to come.  Taylor Morgan and Heath Sanders are best friends.  They are so close at the hip that even their team roping horses are full brothers.  They are unique individuals that bring a promise and a hope to anyone and everyone who has picked up a rope.

          “It doesn’t matter if you have five dollars or five million dollars you give back because what goes around comes around,” said Arkansas heeler, Heath Sanders.  “Anyone and everyone is welcome at my house to rope and participate.  You utilize your potential.  One thing is for sure God loves me, my family loves me and it doesn’t get any better than that.  Whether I caught today or missed today nothing changes because God still loves me and my family loves me.”

          Morgan concurred, “Nothing matters but God and family and doing the best you can.  We came here expecting to win knowing that was what we wanted and then making it work.  It’s about God and family and doing your very best in everything you try to do.

          Morgan and Sanders was the second high back team coming into the short go round of the #10 Shoot Out at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  Sanders had already tasted the sweetness of victory as he and partner, Nick Gonzales, won the #11 Preliminary.  He had one saddle down and staring another one.  He could hardly keep his emotions in check.

          Sanders knew he and Morgan could ace the #10 Shoot Out.  He just had a feeling and it was coming together for the pair.

          “A roping like this is just too tough to not believe in yourself,” Sanders said. “You almost have to will it to happen.”

          “It was a tough decision to come to the Finals,” Morgan said. “I am missing my kid’s ballgames. But my family loves me and supports me.”

          It was an awesome prize line in the #10 Shoot Out. Ropers were shooting at a $493,400 payout across the board.  First place would receive $121,000 plus Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Championship Prints.  As the competition geared up the short go would be fierce, competitive with some hard core team roping.

          As Morgan and Sanders rode into the box their minds were void of thoughts, pressure, game plan or any other unnecessary garbage.  Only one thing was on their minds; God loved them, family supported them, they were winners no matter how it turned out.  Nothing else mattered, nothing else interfered or distracted them and you did all you could do to utilize your potential.  The pair are winners.  There was not one doubt about that any way you looked at it.  If it worked or if it fell apart all was good.

          The pair needed a time of 11.07 to take the win in the #10 Shoot Out.  When the flag dropped the clock read 9.20.  It was all they needed to take the lead with one team left to rope.  As Morgan and Sanders rode out the back gate they had accomplished their goal.  They were winners just as they always knew.

          When the high team back made a bobble in their run Sanders and Morgan took a deep breath. The #10 Shoot Out was theirs and it was victory they both savored.

          “This is a lot more fun than I thought it would be,” Morgan laughed. “It is our biggest win ever.  It our first USTRC National Finals Saddle and I have an eight year old Buckskin that just makes my job really easy.  I just have to focus on roping and it is exactly as we hoped it would be.”

          “I’ve won about $73,000 this week,” Sanders said emotionally. “I won this with my very best friend.  You just try to rope the best you can but sometimes our heads, our egos get in the way and we beat ourselves.  We are so blessed and we believe in ourselves and the gifts God has given us.  We are appreciative and very thankful for this win.”

          When you love others and give to others and share the gifts you have blessings are two-fold.  Believing in yourself helps you help and believe in others.  Morgan and Sanders strive to be the best they can be.  They also work to help others be their very best.  They are a prime example of how faith, family and friends define team roping.  It is a sport that incorporates the best in all of us.

#10 Preliminary Friday Nov 1 2013 Nat. Finals

#10 Preliminary  

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Friday Nov 1 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          There is something to be said for the carefree, nonchalant and daring thought process of youth.  Kids don’t see the world as complicated as adults do and it was very evident in the #10 Preliminary at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping that the youth was operating at a level adults quickly discard and set aside.

          Winners in the average of the #10 were shooting at $25,100 and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  Twenty-eight teams were coming back to rope in the short go round.

          With a wide range of talent and a commitment to win the ropers in the # 10 Preliminary were competitive, hungry and focused on winning.  However, Louisiana team ropers Tanner Leflett and Mason Pitts were roping, competing and just having a good time. 

          “My parents asked me if I wanted to rope in Oklahoma City at the Finals and of course, I did,” Mason Pitts said.  “This is my second year to come here.”

          Pitts is twelve years old.  His partner, Tanner, is sixteen and does High School Rodeo in addition to jackpots and various USTRC team ropings.  Both young men attend public school but still find the time to get school work out of the way and rope every chance they get.

          “I try to do all my work at school,” Pitts explained. “That way if I get it all done I can come home and rope. Practice is important and my family helps me and they wanted me to come here and rope.”

          “This roping is where all the money is,” Leflett said. “It is fun to rope here.”

          Leflett and Pitts were the third high team back coming into the short go round.  They had watched the fourth high team back rope their short round steer in 8.75 to take the lead in the roping with a time of 34.06.  They also heard the announcer say the next team needed a time 10.02 to take the lead in the average.

          “Sometimes I get nervous but I just wanted to catch,” Pitts said. “I don’t think I really had time to be real nervous.  Mostly I just wanted to catch and do well in the short go round.”

          When the pair called for their steer both guys were focused on one more run.  They were having a good time and it was fun being in the short go round.  When the flag dropped the pair posted a time of 9.06. It was enough to move them into first place in the average.

          “We just kind of had to sweat it out at the back end as we waited for the other two teams to rope,” Leflett said. “I wasn’t really nervous.  I just wanted to see if they were going to catch their steers and move us.”  With no reservations or worry the pair just kind of “hung out” and waited to see how things would unfold.

          As it turned out the top two teams coming back in the short go round failed to make qualified runs so the win for the #1O Preliminary fell into their laps. As the pair made their victory lap around the arena there was a kind of quizzical look on their faces like they might not be real sure of all that transpired.

          At sixteen, Leflett does High School Rodeos and he was leaving the next day to make a couple of rodeos.  It was nice to leave the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping with a little money in his pocket.

          The pair had not only won a pot of money but both of them would take home their first USTRC National Finals Saddles.

          “I think I’m going to just put mine in the living room for a few days,” Pitts said. “I’m glad my parents let me come.  Mom and Dad paid for me to come and they help me all the time.  They pay for everything and this money will help them and help me. I’m glad they wanted to bring me to the Finals.”

          When asked if the pair had a game plan they just kind of shrugged.

          “We were going to have fun roping,” they both agreed.

          “I try to give a good handle for all my heelers,” Leflett said with a certain maturity. “I try to figure out what my partners need and give them the kind of handle on the cattle that will help them catch.”  The response made me smile.  There was just a certain knowledge and strategy there that revealed a wisdom beyond his age.

          “We just wanted to rope the best we could,” Pitts elaborated. It certainly seemed they had done exactly that.

          From all appearances the winners of the #10 Preliminary had one thing in mind at the NFTR Finals and that was to go rope, have a good time and bring home a little money.  No pressure, no reservations just a daring open honest game of team roping.  It all came together for the pair and it has probably set a goal for things to come.  The pair will always remember this National Finals and in the years to come will seek to make it happen again.  That is the way with youth.  Nothing is impossible and dreams always come true!

         

#11 Shoot Out Friday Nov 1 2013

#11 Shoot Out 

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Friday Nov 1 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          There is always a story waiting in the wings, a miracle waiting to happen; all you have to do is find it.  It finally disclosed itself on a Friday afternoon in November at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

          Lynn Jarrell is a quiet man.  For his seventy one years he doesn’t have a lot to say.  Yet, the twinkle in his eye and the promise in his smile is enough to melt your heart.

          “I been married for fifty-two years and raised seven girls,” he said with a sly grin and misty eyes. “I’ve been outnumbered most of my life. I think sometimes miracles do happen.”

          A miracle unfolded for Lynn Jarrell when he paired with partner, E J Thomas.  They pair had only been roping together for three weeks or so but it would be prove to be a partnership with life changing ramifications.

          “This roping turned out to be a dream come true,” Thomas said. “It was a tough, competitive roping. I just wanted a good run with a good check but I never even once comtemplated first place.  I didn’t even plan on being the high call team.  I just figured we would rope well and just get some of our money back.”

          Thirty teams came back to rope in the short go round of the #11 Shoot Out at the Cinch NFTR.  It was a tough bunch of ropers and they were looking at the money; $109,500 for first place plus Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints.  The prize line, alone, made your mouth water.  Who wouldn’t hit another gear to make that happen?

          Jarrell was thankful.  He was just thankful to be able to ride and rope.  He had been seven years recovering from hip surgery and had not ridden or roped during that time.  When he was able he made the commitment to a nine year old horse to make him what he needed to be.  His horse is sixteen years old now and took Jarrell to the short go round in the #11 Shoot Out.  He was solid and committed to the man in the saddle.  They are a great pair.

          As the high team back coming into the short go round Jarrell and Thomas knew they needed to be a short nine to take the win in the average away from the youngsters, Stran Morris and Clay Casper.  That pair had changed to whole complexion of the roping when they took the lead in the average with a time of 33. 56 on four head of steers. 

          Jarrell and Thomas had maintained their focus and knew exactly what they wanted to do.  They wanted to win this roping bad. 

          “I wanted to concentrate on catching two feet,” Thomas explained. “This was my last roping of the week and I wanted to end on a high note.  It takes hard work and commitment to get to this point and I wanted to rope this last steer and make it all count.”

          “I think you just have to ride and rope and have fun,” Jarrell said almost shyly. “When you can do that you tend to appreciate it a lot more. I guess all this has made me a little bit numb.  I don’t know what to say or how to respond. I’m just glad to be here and participate.”

          As the pair rode into the box the music engulfed the coliseum.  It was loud and the pressure was building.  It didn’t matter to Jarrell. He was just glad to be able to ride and rope. He just felt thankful and blessed. 

          “People tend to forget when you get to be seventy one years old  you don’t exactly ride,” he said. “You just tend to hang on and flop around. I’m just glad to be a part of all this. I have a great partner so I was not worried about how things were going to turn out.”

          When the dust cleared and the music slowed a 9.55 was visible on the timer.  Jarrell and Thomas had done exactly what they wanted to do and they had just pocketed $54750 each.  The prize line was theirs.

          Each of them would take home their first USTRC National Finals Saddle.

          “I’m going to ride this one,” Thomas said with excitement in his voice.  “It is one I want to show off.” 

          For about three weeks this pair has been roping together.  On the one hand Jarrell is just thankful to be thankful.  On the other hand Thomas is proud of the way he could wrap up his week with a win in the #11 Shoot Out.

          “Miracles do happen,” Jarrell said. “I’m able to rope and ride.  I have a very good partner who ropes well and I have a good horse that gives me every opportunity to win.”

          With the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping as a backdrop to greatness we find there are always little miracles hiding in the wings.  There are stories to be shared and blessings in disguise.  The youngest roper in the #11 Shoot Out was nine years old and one of the oldest in his seventies.

If you don’t think Team Roping touches lives you rope for the wrong reasons. If you don’t think Team Roping changes lives you’ve yet to embrace the sport you call yours.  Team Roping makes a difference.  It offers a promise of hope and a light dimly lit at the end of a dark tunnel to embrace some unbelievable opportunities.  No matter what happens you keep trying and you keep moving forward.  Roping brings out the best in all of us and couples up with those who can always make a difference.

                   

#11 Preliminary Thurs Oct 31 2013

#11 Preliminary

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 31 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          They are a most unlikely pair.  It almost makes you wonder how they came to be a team at all.  Yet, they seem to complement each other and the union has lasted some two or three years.  Watching Heath Sanders and Nick Gonzales makes you smile.  Whether they are roping or just bantering back in forth it is a combination that works

          The pair was the high call back team going into the short go round of the #11 Preliminary at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  They had roped well all day and the #11 Preliminary was going to be a culmination of hard work, extensive travel and a commitment to take home an awesome paycheck and unbelievable prize line.

          “It is always the money that brings you to Oklahoma City,” Gonzales said. “I’ve been coming here since I used to rope in the Dummy Roping as a little kid. We’ve been roping together about three years and I wanted to win this roping. My partner wanted to win it also.”

          “We live to far apart to practice,” Sanders said. “Roping with Nick is fun and he is full of action. He keeps me on my toes and roping aggressive.  We practice at home but never with each other but we seem to do really well.”

          $20,700 was up for grabs in the #11 Preliminary for first place in the average  along with Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  Second would pay a little over $12,000.  Gonzales was gearing up for the rest of the week at the Cinch NFTR and winning the #11 Preliminary would help to set the stage.

          As the high team back they knew they needed at least a 9.94 to take the lead away from Flavio de Souza and Rodrigues Lima who were locked in the lead with a time of 31.95 on the their steers.

          “There really wasn’t much pressure,” Gonzales said, “I guess I felt the excitement.  I was anxious and wanted to get it over with.  I had the confidence that we were going to do alright.”

          “I had one thing in my head for the short go round,” Sanders said. “Hit them in the hock.  I wanted two feet and I felt pretty sure Nick would give me that shot.”

          The # 11 Preliminary had been a fast paced competitive roping and the short go would follow suit.  As Sanders and Gonzales rode in to the box they were focused on the job at hand.  When Gonzales nodded for the steer time seemed to stop.  Sanders fired his shot at the “hocks” and locked in a time of 8.66 to take the win in the average with a time of 30.66.  It was a win both could savor and it would help break the ice for the roping the rest of the week.

          “I wanted to get out of the barrier,” Gonzales said. “I had practiced aggressive, wanted to be fast and I wanted to be consistent. It worked out well for both of us.”

          That certainly seemed to be the case as the pair posed for pictures and admired their new saddles.

          “I practice roping on muley cattle for a roping like this one,” Sanders said with a grin.  “I guarantee if you can rope muley’s you can rope anything.  I like roping behind Nick because he ropes quick, fast, and keeps me on my toes.  He keeps me roping aggressive.  That is what we needed to do here was rope aggressive and not be overly cautious or safe.”
          “My birthday is Sunday,” Gonzales said, “Not a bad birthday present and I have eight more runs this week.  Unfortunately, they are not with Heath but a win like this one leaves you wanting more of the same thing.”

          “I always struggle with the first three steers,” Sanders said with a sly grin.  “Once you get to the short round the rest is good.”  As the pair played off each other you got the feeling it was a pairing that bordered on family.  Both men’s love for team roping was obvious. They had some very common ground and it had paid off with a big win in the #11 Preliminary.  Through unlikely avenues team roping brings people together.  Partners seem to complement one another.  It brings out what they love the most and that is roping.