#15 Preliminary 2016 USTRC National Finals Sat Oct 22 2016

#15 Preliminary

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 22 2016

J R Dees and Riley Williams

By Melinda Clements

         Twenty teams, $50,000 and team roping at its absolute best!  Who, in their right mind, scoffs at that?  Where can you rope with the best, embracing a class act and walk away a better roper with a dollar or two in your pocket.

         As the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping kicked off in Oklahoma City the last week of October the standard was high.  The competition was fierce and the atmosphere hot with anticipation and great expectation.

         The Open Preliminary had already proved to be exciting, competitive and aggressive.  There was absolutely no telling what would unfold as the day progressed. 

         Twenty teams were coming back in the short go round of the #15 Preliminary.  They were focused on the money, Martin Championship Saddles and Gist Champion Trophy Buckles. The short go was actually a gathering of sorts.  Each team wanted it all.  They wanted more.  They wanted a win. ALL of them wanted a win and that, in and of itself, made the roping red hot.        

         First place would split $15,700 and as the call for the short round went out the ropers geared up to rope and wind up with a first place

 to begin the week.  Emotions were on edge and one could tell immediately that this week in OKC would be an eventful one.

         Every roping has a story, an underlying message, and inner heartbeat that quickly revealed things are never as they seem.  Following the list of those coming back in the short go round one only had to skim the surface to find another story or another message.

         J R Dees resides in Aurora, South Dakota.  Riley Williams lives in Springtown, Texas.  What are the chances of those two guys coming together?  However, we all know team roping brings them all from far and near. The most unlikely unite and suddenly there is a reckoning going on.

         The pair just happened to be doing something right.  They were the high team back coming into the short go round of the #15 Preliminary.  They are a good mix and compliment each other in a unique way.

         “After we were eight on our first one,” the pair agreed they should just go win the roping. It’s funny how team roping pans out.  Go rope like you know how to rope then reach out and grab the golden ring.

         The #15 Preliminary was a conglomeration of ropers with varied scenarios that would make the roping unique.  Dees and Williams lived far apart but were a good match.  They have the ingredients champions are made from.

         On the other side of the coin, was Shay Carrol and Kolton Schmidt. Roping is what they do for a living. Therefore, both sides of spectrum emerged to make the #15 the roping to study and watch.

         Dees and Williams didn’t have anything to prove.  Team Roping was their living also. They had already established themselves as a reckoning force. 

         “We have been roping together since about March,” Dees said of the partnership.  “I wanted to stay focused and do my job. I have a some good heelers.”

         When Brett McDowell and Dustin Searcy took the lead in the average with a time of 27.60 on four head there were two teams left to rope.  Things were gritty and tough and it was team roping at its best.  Push had come to shove, so to speak. Winning shouted to the rafters.

         Dees and Williams rode in the box with winning uppermost on their minds.

         “I wasn’t worried.  I didn’t have a case of nerves,” Williams said. “We were eight on our first one and we had been roping really well.  It was going to come together and I wasn’t worried.”

         The pair needed a 7.90 to take the win. With determination and grit the pair nodded and time stood still.  When Williams made the corner and cinched the heels the clock read 6.44 seconds.  It was a done deal. The pair was declared the winners of the # 15 Preliminary.  What a rush?

         The Martin Championship Saddles were awesome and the stage was set for bigger things to come.  As Dees and Williams left the prize area they were thinking about the upcoming #15 Shoot Out.  The groundwork had been laid and the foundation was set.  Who knows what will happen or how things will unfold?  One thing is for certain there is no better place to be than the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. The best is yet to come.

        

        

Open Preliminary 2016 USTRC National Finals of Team Roping October 22 2016

Open Preliminary

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 22 2016

Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill

By Melinda Clements

         They probably didn’t set out to be heroes of sorts.  However, suddenly on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Oklahoma City a certain standard was set and it would set the bar to define the upcoming week at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

         When the Open Preliminary kicked off everyone was excited and ready to get things underway.  There was no better way to kick start the week than an action packed, fast paced short go round for the Open Preliminary.

         Twenty teams made it back for the short go round.  It was twenty of the best teams in the business and in some ways the roping might even rival the upcoming US Open Championships.  It certainly laid out some goals for success.

          What a way to kick start the NFTR! The electricity ran through everyone there and the anticipation of the week to come was phenomenal.

         Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill were the second high team coming back in the short go round with a time of 24.72 on four steers. They had roped well all day and both hoped the short go round to be a culmination of well-planned actions.

         As the short go round unfolded it proved to very fast paced and competitive.  The lead in the average changed one run after another.           Thomas Richards ad Will Woodfin were the seventh high team back and the pair roped their last steer with a time of 5.60 to take the lead in the average.  The bar had been raised and the challenge issued.  Pressure arose like a melting pot of hot lava and immediately three teams failed to qualify.

         Something had to give.  Kaleb Driggers and Kollin VonAhn came loaded for bear and would not back down.  5.97 shifted the bar again and a new challenge was issued with two teams left to rope.  It was anyone’s ball game and the energy became a red-hot flame.

         Tryan and Corkill rode in the box.  According to Tryan, he just kind of blacked out and went to rope.  The pair posted a 5.73 on their short round steer and the lead shifted again with one team to go.  The iron sizzled and the final team was on a mission.  Unfortunately, it didn’t work for them and Tryan and Corkill embraced the win of the Open Preliminary with a time in the average of 30.45 seconds on five steers.

         $17,900 and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles were theirs for the taking.  It was a sweet victory sprinkled with success and savored beyond belief.

         “I roped like a kid today instead of like I was thirty seven years old,” Tryan voiced.  “That’s how you win. All the credit goes to Jade. He cleaned it up.”

         “I just wanted to win,” Corkill commented. “I don’t think we are heroes.”

         “We just rope like everyone else does,” Tryan added.

         Despite their thoughts they had set a standard for the rest of the week at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  If this roping is any indication it is going to be a hot spot of team roping as the NFTR unfolds this week.

         The standard is high.  The bar is in the air.  The best in the business rise to the occasion and team roping is alive and well as the NFTR unfolds and kicks into gear the best of the best.

        

        

The Cinch NFTR: See you there

The 27th Anniversary Cinch USTRC NFTR will be an outstanding event, and the USTRC welcomes everyone to attend. Ropers will rope for an estimated payout of $6 million in cash and prizes throughout the week, which features 80% payback in all the Shoot-Out Divisions and a minimum cash guarantee to the average winners of the #15 through the #8 Shoot-Outs. This is certainly one team roping that needs to be on everyone's calendar. It is set to be a great team roping event and one that you certainly will not want to miss. One last reminder before we see you at the Finals -- Enjoy this year’s Finals at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. This is what you have been working toward all year long. The USTRC producers across the country and the staff at the USTRC headquarters in Stephenville, Texas work all year long to bring ropers a top of the line, quality production. So enjoy the ropings and best of luck.

The Cinch NFTR: FAQs

Everyone else is getting those roping text messages. How do I get mine?

Know when you are up via USTRC Text Messaging. You must sign up for this at www.ustrc.com.

• Ropers log in to Member Services
• Click Text Notifications
• Enter cell number and carrier
• Click on Sign Up

Guests can use the Guest Sign-up Page to get general notifications about the event.

The USTRC Really Should have an App.....Or do they?

Another great feature for those with smart phones is the USTRC App. It is really everything you need to be the best team roper with the USTRC. The App has many great features for the USTRC team roping member and is a free download.

Earnings: Track your earnings throughout the current season.
Draw Positions: View your draw positions for the National Finals.
Entries: View all of your past entries from this season and before.
Calendar: See details about upcoming events.
Results: See the winners from recent events.
My Texting: Sign up for text notifications for events that you are entered in.
My Contact Info: Easy access to keep your information up to date.
Rulebook: An interactive rulebook that allows you to jump to the section that you want to see.
Contact Us: A list of all the different ways and departments that you can get in touch with in the USTRC.

The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Both stores have a place to load a video describing the app and its features.

USTRC Trade Show

The USTRC also invites all ropers and their families and friends to the Cinch USTRC NFTR Trade Show. More than 80 vendors will be on hand inside and outside the Main Coliseum with everything that a team roper, team roping enthusiast or someone that knows a team roper might need. There will be plenty of roping supplies, trailers, tack, jewelry, boots, hats, clothing, home décor, knick-knacks and various other goodies. This is a great place to get your Christmas shopping done, as it is the only stop you will need to make to buy for your favorite team ropers. The USTRC Store is a popular place to visit, but get your shopping done early as the merchandise goes fast, and it is the only vendor selling USTRC logoed wear.

USTRC Seminars and Purina Checkerboard Arena

Team ropers will also enjoy the CINCH NFTR Seminars. The Purina Checkerboard Arena located on the east end of Barn #3 has become a popular spot for ropers and their families to get some extra tips and pointers on everything from roping to horsemanship. The Purina Checkerboard Arena will kick into gear Tuesday, October 25th, and run through Friday, October 28th. The seminars are free to everyone and are brought to you by Classic Ropes, Classic Equine, Martin Saddlery and Purina Mills. The USTRC hopes everyone gets a chance to listen to the great line-up of speakers.

USTRC Farrier and Veterinarian

The USTRC has on the grounds everyday a Farrier and Veterinarian for your use and convenience. The Farrier can be found on the west end of Barn #3 and the Vet station is located on the west end of Barn #4.

Where is the USTRC Event Office?

The USTRC Office will be located inside the main coliseum between the roping boxes and Barn #1 warm-up arena.

The Cinch NFTR: Special Events

Guthrie Shoot-Out Championships

There is team roping action set for the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The arena is just north of Oklahoma City and is the largest indoor rodeo arena in the world. The Guthrie Shoot-Out Championships are produced by Rope the Rockies, which is Jeff Smith and Ike Cox. The event will begin October 21st and run through October 29th. The event provides a great opportunity to warm up for the Cinch NFTR. Rope the Rockies is awarding some outstanding prizes and the payout is wonderful.

Cinch NFTR Challenge Arena

The USTRC Challenge Roping will also be running at this year’s Cinch NFTR. This gives ropers a chance at some extra cash and another way to warm up for competition inside the main arenas. The Challenge action will take place in Barn #6 at the State Fairgrounds and will begin on October 23rd and run through October 29th. Custom Gist buckles valued at more than $1,000 will be awarded to the high money header and heeler each day at the Challenge Arena. Remember, if you and your partner are both Gold Plus members and you beat the Challenge, you each receive $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings that may be used at this year’s Cinch NFTR or may be carried over to next year to use at the USTRC Regional Events or the Cinch NFTR next year. Enter up to win your chance to get into the next USTRC Shoot-Out division.

US Open Championships

The US Open Championships will feature the cream of the crop when it comes to team roping. This year the top teams in the nation will compete for extremely big money. The roping is 100% payback!!! The top Open teams will compete in four full go rounds and then face off in the short round to see who the champions will be. This roping will be Sunday, October 23rd and will take place in the afternoon in the Main Coliseum. It is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite and a roping that all ropers aspire to compete in.

Cinch NFTR Jr. Looper Events

Jr. Looper Ropers will also have a chance to compete and strut their roping abilities. USTRC proudly presents the NFTR Jr. Looper Championships. The young ropers will have an opportunity to qualify to the Jr. Looper Shoot-Out by roping in the preliminary events. The preliminary Jr. Looper Events will be Wednesday October 26th at 9 am and Saturday October 29th at 9 am in Barn #3. Contestants can enter on site beginning at 8 am in Barn #3. Remember that a birth certificate will be required AND THAT ANY JR LOOPER ROPER THAT HAS EVER WON A USTRC TROPHY SADDLE OR A NFTR JR LOOPER TROPHY SADDLE WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE. The Jr. Looper Shoot-Out will then take place in the Coliseum on Saturday October 29th right after the #10 Shoot-Out. It is guaranteed to be an exciting event.

The Cinch NFTR: Stalls, Hotels, & RV Hookups

Stalls

If you have made reservations for stalls, you can use the Express Check-In service that has been established to facilitate the thousands of horses that go in and out of the Fairgrounds during the Finals. If you do use the Express Check-In stall service, make sure you understand how it works.

• First, you must have sent in your money for a stall or stalls.
• The USTRC will send you a postcard confirming your reservation.
• Make sure to bring this card with you and give it to the Express Check-In attendant after following the signs at the fairgrounds.

All of the stalls have been pre-bedded, but you may want to consider adding some extra shavings if you plan to stay for more than a couple of days. Shavings will be available at the Fairgrounds.

If you haven’t made stall reservations, the stall office is located inside Barn #1 on the southeast side of the warm up arena. Walk-ups are welcome 24 hours a day, but stalls are only available on a first come, first served basis.

Also, the 9 a.m. check out time will be strictly enforced. Remember that other ropers are coming in later throughout the week and your stall may be reserved for them. Another note while at the Fairgrounds is that, No-Parking zones will be strictly enforced; there will be fines for overnight tying of horses to trailers and absolutely no portable pens set up.

Hotels and RV Hookups

Hopefully by this time you have contacted one of the USTRC Host Hotels. If you haven’t made reservations, do so now. There are plenty of hotels available with many different price ranges. Call soon as vacancy will dwindle pretty fast. If you have an RV or a Camper, there are over 400 hookups available at the Fairgrounds for on-site rental only. This is a first come, first served basis and is handled by the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, not the USTRC.

The Cinch NFTR: How the event will run

The USTRC will once again utilize two arenas for competition. This has been used in the past at the Cinch NFTR with great success. The two arenas in use at the Cinch NFTR will be the Main Coliseum where everyone in the Preliminary ropings gets to run their first steer and Barn #8 arena where teams will rope their second and third steers. The exception to utilizing the second arena is the US Open Championships, the Invitational #12 and the Invitational #10. The entirety of these three divisions will take place inside the Main Coliseum.

The format in the Shoot-Out Divisions is a four steer average, progressive after two, meaning everyone will get to rope two steers. Teams will rope their first steer in the Main Coliseum, their second in Barn #8, and the third in the Main Coliseum. The BIG money is in the average, but there will be a Fast-on-Two average payout as well as a Fast-Time payout in round two.

The short round of every roping will take place within the Main Coliseum.