# 13 Preliminary Sunday Oct 27 2013

# 13 Preliminary

2013 Cinch USTRC National Final of Team Roping

Sunday Oct 27, 2013
By Melinda Clements

          It was a first Cody McCluskey will not forget.  Some firsts in your life will always make a difference.  McCluskey was excited but seemed a bit reflective as well.  The saddle was his first USTRC Finals saddle.

          “I think I may just put it in the living room and let it soak awhile,” he said with a mischievous grin. “I’m pumped about the money and now that money is not an issue it is fun from here on out.”

          McCluskey and partner, Wesley Thorp nailed down the win in the average of the #13 Preliminary at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. “I just wanted to keep going and I was pumped. It’s a great feeling.”

          The pair was the second high team back going into the short round of the #13 Preliminary.  In a four head average the roping was tough and yet many ropers seemed to struggle as the short go round unfolded.

          Perhaps it was nerves.  A little over five seconds separated the first and twentieth team.  Fifteen moneys would be paid in the average.  $21, 700 would be paid to the first place team in the average. 

          “We wanted to catch and stay solid,” Thorp commented. “I wanted to get out right and score well. My main focus was to catch and make a solid short round run.”

          It seemed to work for the pair.  The fifteenth high call back team of Tyler McGuffee and Cody Hogan had maintained the lead through the roping.  It seemed there was just a bit of struggle the further the roping went.

          Thorp and McCluskey knew they needed a 8.50 to take the lead in the average.  It involved making a good solid, mistake free practice run.  When the pair rode into the box they were focused and on track. 

          “As a heeler I tend to cover cattle up where I cannot see them,” McCluskey said. “I wanted to get my shot.”  When they nodded for their steer they knew what had to be done.

          When the smoke cleared the pair took the lead in the average with a time of 29.76 with one team left to rope.  Either way they were assured of a pocket full of change.  It was a good place to be.

          Surprisingly, when the high team back legged their short round steer McCluskey and Thorp realized they had grabbed the win in the #13 Preliminary.  It was a sweet win to say the least.

          “Wesley just asked me yesterday if I would rope with him,” McCluskey said. “We don’t practice but I’m sure we will keep roping together.  It worked out well for us.”

          As the pair posed for pictures and accepted awards McCluskey figured this would be one first he would not forget for a long time. 

          “I’m going to hang on to this one for awhile,” he said with shy grin.  “You cannot help but be pumped by a roping like this. I just want to soak this one up.”

# 15 Shoot Out Sat Oct 26 2013

# 15 Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Final of Team Roping

Saturday Oct 26, 2013
By Melinda Clements

          Most of the time life is a tedious adventure of decisions.  It may involve a move, which job to take, what relationships to invest in but regardless we are all faced with making decisions we have to live with.  They are decisions that, in some form or fashion, alter the directions of our lives.

          Cole Wheeler had a decision to make.  His decision would not only affect the outcome of his life but the outcome of his partner, Douglas Rich.  The pair had noticed each other in years past and they both knew the other could rope.  They were miles apart, one being a student in Texas and one being a student in Oklahoma.  Rich hailed from Illinois and Wheeler was a Texas team roper.

          Wheeler knew he had a good shot at winning the team roping at his weekend college rodeo in Alpine, Texas.  He had done well at the college rodeo the weekend before at Texas Tech.  He had invested a lot of time, miles, and commitment in this fall’s college rodeos.

          Yet, he just could not walk away and not think about the # 15 Shoot Out at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. 

          “I had to make a decision whether to stay in Oklahoma City or head back to Alpine for the short go round,” Wheeler explained. “My college roping partner and I discussed it and we decided to stay.”

          “We roped in the Preliminary to get a Shoot Out spot,” Rich elaborated. “I didn’t have enough flex earnings to even enter the Shoot Out but we roped well in the Preliminary and qualified for a position.”

          Thirty teams were coming back in the short go round of the #15 Shoot Out and Wheeler and Rich was the high team coming back in the short go round. The pair placed fourth in the #15 Preliminary and they were hoping they could continue the trend.

          “I was hoping for tenth or something. At least with tenth we could get a little bit of money, but this is awesome,” Wheeler said. “We just wanted to keep knocking them down. We were on the same page and it was working for us. It was looking like not going back to Alpine was turning out to be a good decision.”

          A second and a half separated the top ten teams.  The short go round would be fierce and fast paced.  When the fourth high team of Brody Bellett and Tyler Sieber roped their steer in 7.40 to take the lead the pressure hit another level and it took its toll on the second and third high teams back.  Wheeler

and Rich stayed focused and upped the ante.  “Keep knocking em down!” kept running through their minds.

          When the pair rode into the box they were conscious of one thing.  They were the high team back. They needed a flawless run.  They had been roping that way all day long.  It was certainly doable.  They needed a 7.85 to take the win. With intense focus and concentration Wheeler nodded and Rich followed suit.  The flagger signaled the time and it was close.  A 7.51 was exactly what they needed.  Everyone let out a sigh of relief.  There was a big difference in splitting a short go round at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Rodeo and a college rodeo. College rodeo was good but this was a life altering experience.  It had certainly been a decision worth the sacrifice.

          “I just wanted to focus on catching and getting out of the barrier,” Wheeler said with a shy grin. “I knew my heeler would be there and I wasn’t worried.”

          “Luckily we were able to get together and rope,” Rich said. “We didn’t change our game plan.  We just wanted to rope well.  I was a little nervous and I guess some butterflies are normal. I just wanted to be sure to catch.”

          This USTRC Finals saddle is a first for Rich.  “I think I’m just going to look at it awhile,” he said. “It’s a big paycheck and the prizes are unbelievable.  I’m just going to savor it for awhile.”

          The pair will not only take home $88,600 but Martin Championship Saddles, Gist Championship Buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Western Horseman Collectors Prints.  It is certainly an awesome prize line. 

          We all go through life facing certain choices.  We all come to forks in the road where a decision makes a big difference.  Cole Wheeler made a decision over the weekend and it was a good one.  It made a big difference in the things that transpired for him and partner, Douglas Rich.  Some decisions you cannot argue with. The one Cole Wheeler made will be one he and Douglas Rich will share for a long time to come.

         

         

# 15 Preliminary Sat Oct 26 2013

# 15 Preliminary

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 26, 2013
By Melinda Clements

          Upon first glance it seemed the rain might have had a dreary, draining effect.  There couldn’t have been anything further from the truth.  The clouds were heavy outside but the mood inside the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds was wired and bordered on excitement.  The mood was festive, the competition fierce and the action worth the wait.

          It was time for the short go round of the #15 Preliminary and only a mere 1.25 seconds separated first through fifth.  The competition was tight and focused.  $20,000 was on the line for first place plus beautiful Martin Championship Trophy Saddles. Every roper involved wanted a piece of the action and every roper had the same goal in mind; line your pockets with dollars and take home a new trophy saddle.  What an awesome way to start the week!

          Twenty teams were coming back in the short go round of the #15 Preliminary.  They were some of the best.  The short go round would be action packed and worth watching.

          Dakota Kirchenschlager and Blaine Vick have been roping together a long time.  Long enough that what they do is second nature.  It is like breathing and sleeping.  It just comes natural without a lot of thought or processing.

          The pair was the high team back going into the short go round. It was a very comfortable place to be.  Ironically, the hard part was waiting for the short go round to work its way to the last team.

          “You can’t help but be a little nervous,” Vick commented. “I think the first steer of the day is always the toughest.  Once you break the ice it just involves doing what we have always done.”

          It was tight, tough competitive short go round.  When the second high team back in the short go round posted a 6.74 on their short round steer they took the lead.  Kirchenschlager and Vick knew they had to make a mistake free run.  There was no room for error.

          “The barrier and getting out is my biggest challenge,” Kirchenschlager said. “There is just more pressure when you are roping with friends because you do not want to make any mistakes.”

          When the pair backed into the box they knew they had to be 7.38 or better to win the roping.  In many respects the world stood still.  It didn’t matter about rain or music or pressure or tomorrow or last week.  It was all about one more steer. 

          When Kerchenschlager nodded Vick was set on wrapping things up. Both men were on the same page with the same goal in mind.  When the clock stopped the digital read 6.74.  The pair took the win with a time of 28.64 and the victory was sweet and a bit overwhelming. 

          “Like I said,” Vick repeated with a sly grin. “We been doing this a long time! Now we can just have a good time.”

          “Winning this roping takes all the pressure off for tomorrow,” Kirchenschlager said. “Now we can just go rope for fun.”

           The pair split $20,000 and each will take home a Martin Championship Trophy Saddle.  The pair will rope in the Priefert US Open Roping on Sunday with a few of their mentors and heroes.

          “Of course, we look up to those guys,” Kirchenschlager explained. “Those guys have always been our models and heroes.  We look up to all the Open Ropers.  It will be awesome to rope with them tomorrow.”

          The pair practice together and the fact they are friends and spend time together is evident.  When it comes to roping they are both on the same page.  The pair agree winning is the only game plan. 

          As the pair posed for pictures and gathered up their saddles their mood was festive and excited.  The financial burden had just been lifted.  From here on out the roping was for fun with a commitment to win.  Bring on the rain, mix in the sunshine.  Couple that with a win in the #15 Preliminary and even the rainbows have linings.

US Open Preliminary Saturday Oct 26 2013

US Open Preliminary

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping 

Saturday October 26, 2013
By Melinda Clements 

          Sometimes new beginnings are tedious and difficult.  Breaking the ice can take its toll. On a beautiful October morning everyone was ready for the ice to crack.  Open Ropers were ready, USTRC staff and personnel were ready and it was time to rope.

          The prizes were in place, the cattle were fresh, horses were saddled, and it was time to kick off a new Cinch USTRC National Finals.   It would the culmination of a year of travel, practice, work and discipline. Everyone was ready and geared to go.

          “The good thing about this roping is the fact it is only about four hours from home,” commented Open header Luke Brown. “It’s been a positive week.”

          Twenty teams were coming back in the short go round of the Priefert Open Preliminary at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  This was the group that would set the stage and break the ice of a phenomenal nine days of the best team roping in the world.

          $22,200 was up for grabs for first place in the average of the Open Preliminary.  Martin Championship Trophy saddles would also go the average winners.  There was no better ice breaker than that.

          A little over two seconds separated the top five teams going into the short go.  The competition was fierce and every roper knew this roping would set the stage for things to come.

          Morgan Mill, Texas team ropers, Luke Brown and Jake Long were the second high team coming back in the short go round.  They were in their comfort zone and had roped well all morning. However, things came together it was going to be right.

          “It doesn’t matter if it is the first steer or the last steer you always try to rope the same,” commented heeler Jake Long. “I don’t let pressure become an issue.  I just try to remain a blank slate whether I’m roping the first one or the last one.”

 Winners had their eyes on $22,000. It was not something you could ignore.

When the pair posted a time of 6.55 on their short go round steer they nailed down first place with one team left to rope.  The pair had roped well and it had been a positive and uplifting experience.

          As Brown and Long headed out the back gate to retrieve their ropes they were content on how things had come together. 

          “We left home on Wednesday,” Brown commented. “It’s been a really good week.”

          When the high team failed to make a qualified run Brown and Long suddenly realized they had actually won the average in the Priefert Open Preliminary at the 2013 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping.

          “This was a challenging pen of cattle,” Long commented. “I wanted to keep on maintaining my speed.  I wanted to maintain my focus.”

          “I was kind of in a dilemma going into this roping,” Brown said. “I really could not decide which horse to ride. Winning this roping helped me make my decision. I’ll stick with my old horse. He is sound and just fun to rope on.  I have ridden him the last five years at the Wrangler NFR.”

          This was the first time Brown and Long have paired up to rope at the Cinch USTRC Finals.  Despite living near each other and practicing they have never roped together at the Finals.

          “This is my first USTRC National Finals saddle,” Long said with a grin. “I think it will go in my living room with the George Strait saddle I won.  I’m just going to enjoy it being there for awhile.”

          When asked about preparation for a roping like the Open Preliminary Brown pointed out that next to catching horsemanship is extremely important.  He also feels you have to practice for a roping like the Finals.

          “Ropers kind of get in a comfort zone roping their old cattle at home,” Brown elaborated. “You have to practice on the kind of cattle you are going to rope at the Finals.  We rope the same old cattle that run the same speed and then when you come to a roping like this and the cattle are faster and stronger it can be an issue.”

          Apparently, Brown and Long moved out and beyond their comfort zone as the Open Preliminary unfolded.  They certainly came well equipped to be the ice breakers as the 2013 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping unfolded.

          “I’ve been coming here a long time,” Long concluded. “I guess you could say I’ve paid my dues.  I’m thrilled with the win.”  The pair broke the ice and both are looking forward to full week of team roping.  Hopefully, the best is yet to come.

# 9 Shoot Out Sunday Oct 28 2012

#9 Shoot Out

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Sunday October 28, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         We all set goals and have dreams.  We look over situations and scenarios and decide that we, too, can do that.  We focus on making things work knowing full well it will take every ounce of courage, discipline, focus and sacrifice we have to make.

         Every dream is obtainable in some form or fashion.  Every blessing is to be embraced and treasured.  If you think about it long enough and work at it with a commitment no one else understands at some point things turn around and move in positive directions. 

         “We came here last year and didn’t get entered,” Arkansas header, Todd Southerland said, “I said we got to get entered and we have to rope. We went home and practiced all year to come back to this team roping. I set out to win a USTRC saddle.  I placed in Tunica, Mississippi and they gave spurs.  I still wanted a saddle. But now nothing else matters because I have a USTRC Saddle.”

         Not only does Todd Southerland have a USTRC National Finals saddle he also had a chunk of change.  Try to vision splitting a little over $108,000.  It is hard to imagine.

         Southerland and his nephew, Skylar Reynolds was the high team coming back into the short go round of the #9 Shoot Out at this years 2012 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  They had stayed true to their goal, focused on roping a USTRC roping and getting four steers down.  It is easier said than done.

         “I wanted to score good and give Skylar a chance because I knew he would catch,” Southerland continued.  “We were ready for this roping.  I had made some mistakes earlier in the week and this was my last chance to win and I wanted it bad.”

         Reynolds wanted it as bad also.  He had watched the short go round unfold and more than anything he wanted to rope two feet.

         “There was lots of pressure and I was very nervous,” Reynolds said. “I just blocked it all out and just went to rope.  I kept saying to myself to just go rope.”

         This duo did, indeed, rope.  Needing a long twelve to take the average the pair roped right and made a good solid run of 10.05.  It was all it took to send Southerland and Reynolds over the top.

         Southerland took off in a victory lap that topped all victory laps.  He rode around the arena waving his hat and his screams and hollers echoed off the arena walls.  It was a dream come true and had been a long time coming. It was a goal that had been implemented many months before.  It was a lifetime changing experience.  Not only would the pair split $108,700 but they would also walk away with Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints.  It was enough to trigger a melt down. 

         “I wanted to knock four steers down,” Southerland said hardly able to contain his excitement or keep his voice from shaking.  “I so wanted this saddle.”

         Reynolds looked at his paycheck and just grinned.

         “That is a lot of numbers,” Reynolds drawled with a grin. It was about all he could say.” Both agreed their saddles would go in the middle of the living room floor when they got home.

         With the mass confusion of pictures, interviews, awards and milling family and supporters the duo was a bit overwhelmed.  It was almost an unfathomable concept.  Who would have thought it would turn out like this?

         “We are going to pay some bills, play catch up and rope some more,” Southerland said in an interview. “We will definitely keep roping.”

         Reynolds just seemed to be content staring at his first USTRC Finals saddle and his first USTRC Buckle.

         “It was worth the nerves and the pressure,” he said. “We rope a lot in jackpots and with work, school, and roping I keep pretty busy.  I’m just so excited. My grandpa is always preaching horsemanship and I’m glad. It is just fun to rope with family.  It is just fun to rope and win.”

         Goals and dreams keep us all moving.  They give us hope and purpose. Things have a strange way of coming together in spite of us.  Southerland and Reynolds had a goal in mind after being at the USTRC National Finals last year.  Today’s # 9 Shoot Out was the last chance in a long week of roping for that dream to come true.  Southerland wasn’t giving up.  He was on a mission.  It was the mission of his life and it is the sweetest dream come true he could ever imagined. It is absolutely all he thought it would be.

# 9 Preliminary Sat Oct 27 2012

#9 Preliminary 

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 27, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         One of the amazing things about the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping is a lot of things happen during the nine-day event.  The roping touches lives and lots of “firsts” happen during the week. 

         For young heeler Jake Cooper Clay it was the first time he had ever made the short go round at the USTRC Finals.  Before the short go round ended there were several more “firsts” to be added to the list.

         The #9 Preliminary at the 2012 USTRC NFTR would pay $22,500 for first place in the average plus Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and a National Shoot Out spot.  The top thirty teams coming back in the short go round would get paid and the competition was fierce.  Every single team wanted a part of the action. A little over four seconds separated the top six teams coming into the short go round. It was going to be a matter of making a mistake free run and staying focused.

         When the sixth high team back posted a time of 8.70 the heat peaked.  The roping went to a whole new level and everyone focused on catching and making a solid run.

         Jack Foreman and Jake Cooper Clay was the fourth high team back.  They were happy with fourth and focused on a solid clean run.  The pair posted a time of 8.44 and tucked an assured fourth place in their pockets.  There were three teams to go.

         Waiting for the top three teams to rope wasn’t even an issue for Foreman and Clay because they were satisfied with how things had turned out.  Imagine their surprise when the top three teams had issues and the win of the average in the #9 Preliminary sat down in their laps.

         “I didn’t know what to think,” Clay said with a huge grin on his face.  “I was kind of nervous and I just wanted to catch and make a good consistent run.  The is my first time ever to make the short go round at the Finals.”

         “I was thinking we ended up fourth which is very good,” Foreman said. “Then we were third and then second and I couldn’t imagine it coming together for first. It is very exciting.”

         The pair practice together and their win is a subtle hint of the time spent in the practice pen. 

         “I like to slow things down a bit,” Foreman said. “I think Jake likes things to move a little faster. The horsemanship is vital. If you are riding your horses it helps you handle cattle and you learn to set things up for your partner.”

         The pair obviously have a lot of support, assistance and encouragement.

         “My wife was crying when I told her about the win,” Foreman said. “Jake and I have been roping together a long time.  His family is supportive and as a teacher I’ve known them for years.”

         Clay agreed.  He feels he has a great deal of encouragement and help.

         “Cactus Ropes is my sponsor and Pro Equine supports me.  The horse I’m riding belongs to Mock Brothers Saddlery in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. All of those sponsors have been a great support to me.  My mom and dad support me also and do all they can to help me rope and win.  I’m hoping I can use some of my money to buy this horse.  My dad trained him and he worked really well.  I couldn’t do without all the help I have.”

         As it turned out the #9 Preliminary was an avenue for Foreman to win his first USTRC Saddle. It was Clay’s first time to make a finals short go round and win his first USTRC saddle as well. It also happened to be the first time the duo had won that much money together.  In fact neither had ever won that much money. 

         The # 9 Preliminary was in the history books.  It is one of those memories tucked in your heart and neither Foreman nor Clay will ever forget how it all came together. There were all kinds of “first” during the week of the NFTR and Foreman and Clay will always cherish their win here. Those are some “firsts” they will never ever forget.

        

        

Jr Looper Shoot Out Sat Oct 27 2012

Jr Looper Shoot Out 

Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Saturday October 27, 2012

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum

By Melinda Clements

         Suddenly the coliseum floor was crawling with kids.  There were kids of all ages, young and old, big and little, and short and tall.  Those of greatest importance carried ropes.  Some of those ropes were bigger than the ropers. It didn’t matter because business was about to pick.  The Jr Looper Shoot Out at the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping was about to get underway.  It was, indeed, the most serious business of the entire week.

         When the six and under age group got under way there were six young ropers vying for a brand new Martin Championship Trophy Saddle.  It was a tough competitive roping and when the dust cleared a young Iowa roper was awarded the win.

         Hyatt Stephens is six years old and hails from Pacific Junction, Iowa.  He is in Kindergarten and likes heeling best of all.

         “I have a horse named Batman,” Hyatt said. “And my favorite roper is Kory Koontz.”  Hyatt was not nervous during the roping competition.  He has a brother Houston and he is ten years old.  The boys love to rope and the family came to Oklahoma City to enjoy and participate in the Finals.

         “I think Batman will like my new saddle,” Hyatt said. “ It was fun to rope.”

         The seven to nine age group unfolded with an intensity that mirrored the toughest of any that had occurred all week.  It was a tough competitive roping that went down to the wire before a winner was determined. In a rope off that pitted Lane Bitsilly and Chet Begay it quickly became apparent that neither roper was willingly going to settle for second place.  Finally with the bar placed at seventeen feet Chet Begay took the win for the saddle when he caught slick horns. 

         The youngster had roped with an intense focus and concentration.  He never faltered and he made absolutely sure every single thing was right and in place before he geared up and threw his loop.  He was serious and committed and nothing distracted him or threw him off course.

         “I’m from Arizona,” Chet said. “I’m in second grade and my favorite team roper is Derick Begay.”  Chet likes heading best of all and he has a horse named Barney.  Chet is eight years old. 

         “I wasn’t nervous,” Chet said shyly. “I’m glad I won a saddle.”

         Corey Charlie promised his dad, Ferlin, he wouldn’t miss for the saddle.  It was a promise he took to heart.  Corey was the winner of the ten to twelve age group of the Jr Looper Shoot Out.  Corey hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

         “I love to head and heel,” Corey said shyly.  He is eleven years old and in sixth grade.  His favorite team roper is Eric Rogers. 

         “I think I was more nervous than Corey,” said Ferlin Charley, Corey’s dad. Tears filled his eyes as he expressed how proud he was of his son.  “I was so worried for him and very nervous for him.  He promised me he wouldn’t miss for the saddle. 

         Our team roping kids are so special and they grow up so quickly.  They are so much a part of who we are.  Watching all the youngsters rope brought to mind a song Kenny Rogers recorded that touched my heart. Little do we realize how quickly these days will pass. Our team roping kids are just the best.

Days go by so quickly, summer turns to fall.

Seems like only yesterday that you began to crawl.

So don’t be afraid to take that step, I’ll catch you when you fall,

And I don’t mind if you leave behind a few handprints on the wall.

© All rights reserved / Kenny Rogers Artist and Song writer