#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.

         

 

               

#10 US Invitational Thurs Oct 31 2013

#10 US Invitational

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 31 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          “Pressure is good otherwise I would be setting up in the stands,” commented Colorado Heeler Clay Keller.  “Actually the less I think about it the better I rope.  I just want to keep the basics in my mind.”

          Seems like pretty solid advice for anyone looking at the sport of team roping.  Perhaps the key is to slow it down, make it happen and grab the gusto.  It seems like a pretty good game plan for those looking to do well in this business.

          As a new addition to the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping the #10 Invitational seems to have a good attraction and popularity for ropers who are involved.

          “I love the format,” Keller commented. “You don’t have to beat five hundred teams.  You go rope at the big money and the format keeps it all in check.  I think it is great!”

          “It is a great set up, a terrific format,” Colorado header, Jody York collaborated. “You have great prizes, good money, the saddles and you are able to maintain your energy and stay focused.”

          Keller and York was the second high team back going into the short go round of the #10 US Invitational.  The pair had just watched the third high team of Junior Hernandez and Rene Cervantes take the lead in the average with a time of 41.74 seconds.  York and Keller needed a time of 14.11 to move Hernandez and Cervantes.  It was certainly something they could do.  It was merely a good mistake free practice run.

          When York and Keller backed into the box they just wanted to rope this last steer clean and mistake free.  Roping together for the last five or six years proved to be an advantage because the pair knows each other’s mindset and they have the same goals.

          “You tend to operate on adrenaline in a roping like this one,” Keller said. “Pressure is good and helps you stay on track.”

          As the pair took their place in the box to rope there was little time to worry.  It was what it was.  The point was to utilize the opportunity they had been given.

          When the clock stopped the numbers read 10.17 with one team left to rope.  York and Keller had secured second place in the average with a time of 37.79 seconds on their four steers.  Whatever happened next was out of their hands.

          The surprise came when the high team back failed to make a qualified run.  Who would have thought?  York and Keller were ecstatic. 

          As the pair posed for pictures and did interviews one thing became obvious.  The pair had committed to each other and roped well.  It just plainly takes hard work.

          “I guess as a woman I do have to work a little harder,” York said. “I’m not as strong, my horse is not as strong but you never ever give up. You keep trying and you keep working at it. You have to keep working at winning.”

          “I love the roping, I love the format, I love what the USTRC is doing and I’m excited about this win,” Keller laughed. “I’m going to use this win to make sure all my runs are paid for. It is a good way to do things and I’ll continue to rope.”

          It appears there is a new trend out there. It is popular, fun and competitive.  The #10 Invitational seems to have kicked off with a promising start.  Regardless, winning is a good thing especially combined with a bit of pressure to keep you on your toes.  Team roping is a high beyond description.

         

         

 

Cruel Girl Championships Thurs Oct 31 2013

Cruel Girl Championships

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 31 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          Do not ever underestimate their ability to rope.  More than that do not ever underestimate their ability to win.  The ladies of the USTRC are a group that is highly competitive and extremely focused on what they want and why.  They rope with a serious edge that will surprise you.  As the Cruel Girl Championships came to a close it quickly became evident there was a pretty tough bunch coming back in the short go round.

          Twenty teams would give their best shot in the average of the Cruel Girl Championships.  All of the ladies involved were proven winners in the sport of team roping and it would be some fast paced action to determine who would take home the cash, the Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and the Cruel Girl Wardrobe.

          As the short go round unfolded it was the sixth high team back that latched on to the lead in the average with a time of 38.60 on four head of steers.  Emily and Katie Nolan were focused and honed in on taking the win.  As the top five teams prepared to rope pressure smoldered and nerves were on edge.  The win was still up for grabs as the top five teams beaded in on the action.  No one knew or could predict how things would unfold.

          As the last five teams scrambled the Nolan girls tried to remain calm.  When the second high team back rode into the box it was very evident this team was in tune with the action. Even their demeanor illustrated win!

          Mary Stubblefield and Tammy White knew they needed a time of 14.92 to take the win in the average.  They had roped well all day.  Anything under fourteen would be a promise. 

          “I wanted to catch all my steers today,” Stubblefield said. “I didn’t change anything with the short go round run.  I wanted things to turn around with this roping.”

          When the pair posted a time of 7.36 on their short go round steer the whole complexion of the roping changed.  There was one team to go.  Stubblefield and White were at least assured of second.  It was a good place to be.  When they rode out the back gate they were confident they had done the very best they could.

          Surprisingly, the high call back team failed to make a qualified run and it suddenly dawned on White and Stubblefield the win in the Cruel Girl Championships was theirs for the taking.  What a sweet revelation it was!

          “I’m glad we won,” Stubblefield said confidently. “It has been a long trip here and I just felt good thinking about catching all my steers.” 

          “I just wanted to catch,” White commented. “It was a tough roping and I just focused on the feet.  I just wanted to be sure I caught everything.  This is actually our first time to rope together. Mary actually ropes with my husband most of the time. I just wanted to focus on catching everything.  I’m glad it worked out for us.”

          There is a lot to be said for the ladies of the USTRC.  They are as committed and focused as any ropers in the business.  They work hard, rope hard and win with a focus and intensity that defies description.

          The Cruel Girl Championships at the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping is a good example of the diversity of the sport.  Be it men or women you will find a discipline and focus that defies description.  One thing is evident it is team roping at its best.

         

         

 

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out Wed Oct 30 2013

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 30 2013

By Melinda Clements

 

          It is a long long drive from Florida to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is a haul you may not want to make on an ordinary day.  However, it is a haul that is essential if you have one specific goal in mind. 

          “I came out here to win a truck,” said Florida heeler, Jay Johnson. “That has been my goal for a long time.  I came out here to do exactly this and I guess we got it done.”

          Bob Herrington and Jay Johnson are partners.  They rope a little in Florida. 

          “I’ve wanted to do this in the Gold Plus for a long time as well,” Herrington elaborated.  “The money and prizes always bring you to Oklahoma City.  How can you not come rope in a roping of this magnitude?”

          Johnson had been hungry for a win in this roping since he has been coming to Oklahoma City.  He roped well all day.  He and partner, Brady McCormick was the twenty-fifth high call team going into the short go round.  Johnson and Herrington was the first high call back team.  With any kind of luck Johnson had a good shot at the prize line.  

          The #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out offered an awesome prize line.  The high money winner in the roping would drive home in a 2013 SLT Crew Cab Ram Dually Truck plus $64,700.  The second high money winner would receive his choice of a Case IH Farmall Tractor or a Case IH Scout Utility Vehicle.  It was enough to make your mouth water.  No wonder the competition was fierce.

          When the twenty-first call back team of Darwin McGowan and Jake Fillmore took the lead in the average with a time of 38.61 they had no idea it would hold.  They did, however, maintain the lead until the last two teams came back to rope.  It seemed the roping was at a stress level no one but those involved understood.  When the second high team back rode into the box they wanted to change the trend.  Gordon Coble and Jeremy McIntyre did exactly that with a run of 10.05.  There was one team to go.

          Jay Johnson wanted this win.  He trusted Bob Herrington would do what was needed to give him a shot.  It was like shuffling cards, you never knew where the ace would appear.  As Johnson rode into the box he took a deep breath.  Everything Johnson and Herrington wanted depended on this one run.  One steer, one run, all hinged on focus, commitment, and promise. Nothing mattered but one steer, the last steer in the short go round of the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out!

          The pair needed a 10.78 to take the win.  For a brief second the world stopped and the pair left the box with nothing but a basic team roping run on their minds.  When the dust cleared and the clock stopped it read 8.20.  It was all the pair needed to win the average in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out. 

          As it turned out for Johnson he had enough winnings to lay claim to the 2013 SLT Crew Cab Ram Dually.  With emotions flowing Johnson found his hands shaking and his emotions fragile.

          “Be careful,” he said so filled with emotion his voice quivered. “I may cry! I came from Florida to get this truck and it finally happened. It is unbelievable.”

          Herrington mirrored Johnson’s emotions.  “This is my biggest win ever,” he said. “You cannot imagine what it feels like to win a roping like this.  I have wanted this roping for a long time.  I just wanted to see what I needed to see, stay aggressive but not be overly safe.  There are so many people I owe this roping to. My boys, RT and Charles and Deb are so supportive.  There are so many people who have put up with me and helped me.  My dear mother who is still alive is so special. I owe them all so much.”  In all the reflection Herrington’s voice choked with emotion. “God is good all the time.”

          Johnson, as the high money winner, received $43,150 and Herrington would put $32,300 in his pocket.  The pair certainly agreed it was worth the drive from Florida to Oklahoma for the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  It had been a life altering experience.  They would never ever forget it or the feeling.  It was exciting, unbelievable and yet a most humbling revelation.

          Team Roping changes lives in a heart beat.  There is nothing like the highs and lows the sport brings.  Nothing matches its impact on emotions and feelings.  Herrington and Johnson will never forget one afternoon in OKC where roping made a difference. They will not ever forget the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out or the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  It will be imprinted in their hearts for many days to come.

 

 

 

 

#12 US Invitational Roping Wed Oct 30 2013

#12 US Invitational

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 30 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          It was a new addition to the 2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  The #12 US Invitational held in the Oklahoma State Fair arena took center stage as it made its NFTR debut.

          “I loved the roping.  Three full go rounds works well with me,” New Mexico header, Junior Hernandez commented. “I wish all the ropings were like this.  I’ll be entering one like this every single time.”

          “When you rope in the same arena in an average like this it makes it easier to stay in the groove.  It is all in one arena and it helps you stay motivated and aggressive,” said heeler Jeff Medlin.  That seemed to be the general consensus with all the participating ropers.

          The money was good, the prizes exceptional and the flair for excitement was ecstatic.  Every roper wanted his part of the action.

          Hernandez and Medlin were the third high team back going into the short go round of the #12 Invitational.  It was a good place to be.  A good solid run of fourteen would assure them of third place and a check for $21,000 plus a beautiful Gist Championship Trophy Buckle.

          “It was a great roping,” Hernandez said. “Despite being a really tough roping I have all the confidence in my partner.  I knew if I caught Jeff would come in and do his job.  A roping like this one keeps you competitive and aggressive.”

          “Junior called and asked me to rope and I thought it was a great idea,” Medlin collaborated. “I haven’t been roping much because I’ve been hauling my kids to junior rodeos so this was a good place to get back in the groove. Junior called and had a spot.  The cattle were good, the format was good and any win is good. I was excited to get to come and rope with him.”

          When Hernandez and Medlin made their run in the short round they had a time of 9.02 on their steer.  It was enough to take the lead away from Chris Cox and Brennan Harmon.  With two teams left to rope Medlin and Hernandez were content with third place.  Pressure had just been replaced by good roping.

          “I don’t play into pressure,” Medlin said. “I try to keep pressure at bay.  The top teams were close and you always want to win but anything you win is good so I was not worried about the other two teams to go.  Junior and I had roped well all afternoon.”

          As the last two teams made their runs there were some bobbles and some mistakes and fortunately for Hernandez and Medlin the pair stayed solid.  They would take the win in the #12 Invitational.  It was a sweet and well earned victory. The pair would take home $48,500, Gist Championship Buckles and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  It was an awesome prize line in anyone’s books.

          “I like the fact the roping was in one arena,” Hernandez elaborated. “This kind of roping makes it easier to win more money, to stay focused and you tend to rope more aggressive.  That is the way a roping should be.”

          It certainly appears there is a genuine interest in the newly added #12 US Invitational.  Hernandez and Medlin have set the trend for things to come.  More money, better cattle and the opportunity for more prizes is a real appeal for any team roper.  Perhaps this is a new movement for things to come.

 

Century Championships Wed Oct 30 2013

Century Championships

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 30 2013
by Melinda Clements

 

          There is an unseen hero who sits in the wings of every team roping.  In most cases he is quiet, still, reserved, focused and one hundred percent committed to his job.  He never falters, he never fails and knows more than anyone else, all that roping means and entails.

          He gets one hundred percent of the credit one hundred percent of the time and the older the roper the more important his job is and the more he matters. 

          “Your horse always gives 110% all the time,” said Century header Janet Mickelson. “I have a great horse, he scores, and he always gives me a shot. My horse is the big picture and makes my job so easy.”

          “Arnold is the absolute greatest heel horse,” Jim Williams concurred. “Arnold is special. He does everything right and I just stay out of his way.”

          There isn’t a team roper anywhere who won’t tell you his horse is the biggest part of his success.  Both ropers agree you have to start with a good horse.

          Mickelson and Williams were the high team coming back in the short go round of the Century Championships.  They had roped well all day and their equine partners had done a terrific job making it happen.

          “You always worry about the barrier and getting out but when you have a great horse and he scores all you have to do is stay focused and think about roping,” Mickelson said. “Jim and I have been roping together for about four years and we both have great horses.  That makes us rope our best because we know our horses and our partners will do their jobs.”

          Mickelson and Williams needed a time of 9.99 to take the lead away from the second high call back team of Bob Herrington and Bronc Fanning.  Martin Championship Trophy Saddles and $24,000 was on the line and the competition was fierce.  As the pair rode into the box they were on track, disciplined, focused and ready to take the win.

          Everything came together and fell into place when the pair roped their short round steer in 8.85.  It was all they needed to take the win in the Century Championships.  It was a sweet win and you could feel the excitement and exhilaration as the pair made a victory lap.

          “You have to find out what works for you and be willing to utilize it,” Williams advised. “Horsemanship is one hundred percent of the picture. I mean in my case, Arnold, he’s the man. To win this roping here, like this, is ‘Wow!’ I’m going to put this saddle in the office awhile and just savor this victory. Arnold came through like a champion.”

          “This is my first USTRC Finals Saddle,” Mickelson concurred. “I think I’m going to have to just set it aside and show it off for awhile.”

          An unseen, unnoticed hero is tied somewhere in the arena, at a trailer, in a stall.  He’s quiet, reserved, and patient and knows his job better than anyone around.  He reads you well, dictates your moves and designates your wins.  He is irreplaceable and no amount of money can touch him.  In his heart he touches your soul.  Janet Mickelson and Jim Williams know that without their unseen hero there is no win, no saddle, and no money.  It is a partnership designed in heaven.

 

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out Tues Oct 29 2013

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2013 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Tuesday October 29 2013
By Melinda Clements

 

          It is great advice.  It comes from the pros but it is implemented consistently by those who make team roping their sport of choice.  You have to want to win but most importantly you have to know how to win and four eight second runs is about the best game plan any roper can have.

          “We wanted to win,” said South Dakota heeler Darren Lammers. “Everyone else spends $5000 on a vacation. Coming to the Cinch USTRC National Finals is mine. This is my first time here and we just wanted to make some good eight second practice runs.”

          Kirk Kooiker concurred, “If we had a game plan it was just to make four solid eight second runs. I wanted a nice steer, one we could win on but we were focused on four good solid runs.”

          Kooiker and Lammers were the fourth high call team coming into the short go round of the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  A lot was on the line.  The prize line was awesome. $58,400 cash plus a 2013 SLT Dually Ram Truck to the high money winner and a choice of a Case IH Farm All Tractor or Scout Utility Vehicle to the second place high money winner kept every roper on top of his game.

          Thirty teams were coming back in the short go round.  They were all on top of their game and they all wanted to win.  A mere three seconds separated the first and tenth place teams. 

          Lammers was pretty sure it was an awesome way to spend a vacation and he intended to savor all it was worth.  It was his first time here and he would never forget it no matter how it turned out.

          When the pair rode into the box they knew they needed a time of 8.87 seconds to take the lead in the average.  The advice still stood solid.  Four eight second runs echoed in the depths of their minds.  It was tangible advice.

          When the dust cleared and the clock stopped the digital read 6.89.  Not bad for a couple of ropers focused on a win.  They took the lead in the average of the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out with a time of 31.32 and there were four teams left to rope. 

          “It was a long four steers to watch,” Lammers said. “We were good but it was tedious watching the last four teams go. I didn’t know how it would turn out.”

          “I was the high call back in the #12 last year and didn’t do any good,” Kooiker commented. “I want this one to be my redemption.”

          A run of six in the short round was going to be hard to beat and the waiting game was stressful.  When it all came to a head Lammers and Kooiker were able to maintain their lead and did, indeed, take the win in the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out.

          “I’m so lucky so very fortunate,” Kooiker said. “It is such a blessing to win a roping like this.”

          As it turned out the pair were tied as the high money winners so a rope off was used to determine who would take the truck and who would take the Case IH Utility Vehicle or Tractor.  Using a unique concept the pair decided they would rope with each other in the rope off.  Using an odd even system they would rope four steers together and unknowingly either the odd team or the even team would win.  The rope off determined that Kooiker would be awarded the truck and Lammers would have his choice of the Case IH Utility Vehicle or Tractor.

          “We won it together so we will rope it off together,” the pair agreed.  What a great way to make a decision.  It worked well for the partners.

          As the pair posed for pictures and completed interviews cell phones buzzed and emotions were high. Kris Lammers, Darren’s wife, was ecstatic. 

          “Darren was riding my barrel horse and it worked out awesome,” she said with a huge grin on her face.  “This is great.  My phone has not stopped ringing.  This is our first time here and it is such a great thing.  Darren has some trouble with hip dysplasia and we wanted to come while he could still ride and rope.  We will never ever forget this trip.  Darren’s brother was here but he already headed back. He is already wishing he had stayed. This is so exciting.”

          If you have a game plan going into a roping like the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out the advice is solid.  When you can make four eight second runs there is a pay day looming in your future.  A little luck a lot of roping, good partners, good family and great horses all make up team roping what it is.  It is no doubt good things come to those who wait and have a winning game plan.