#10 Invitational NFTR Thurs Oct 27 2016 Woolven and Kelly

#10 Invitational 

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 27 2016

Mike Woolven and Glenn Kelly

By Melinda Clements

        

         What is the old adage? When you’re hot you’re hot!!  Hot was certainly the label attached to Mike Woolven and Glenn Kelly.  For a couple of days the pair had been on fire.  However, it seemed as the saying goes, “Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride!”

         That scenario changed in a heartbeat.  Woolven and Kelly were the high team coming back in the short go round of the #10 Invitational.  The pair had fresh on their minds being the high team back in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out the evening before where they ended up in second place.  They had been here and they had done that but this time they wanted to finish at the top of the leader board. The pair was wired to fire and they wanted the win. Maybe they had a little more motivation or a little something more to prove.

         “We really didn’t change anything,” Kelly commented.  “We just kept roping like we had been roping.  I guess the playing field changed but, from our point of view, we didn’t make any changes.”

         Jason Obrien and Scott Clark made a good run.  They were 8.23 on their short round steer to take the lead from the ninth high team of Jason Heath and Joe Macoubrie. The roping would pay the eight top teams and Woolven and Kelly were comfortable with making a good solid, mistake free run.  They had to be 10.38 to move Obrien and Clark.  It was a good solid “doable” practice run and there were no nerves involved.

         “I don’t really struggle with roping,” Woolven said. “I don’t really think or plan. I just rope. We didn’t change anything from last night going into this roping today. 

         Kelly commented that if he struggled with anything it was being really careful to not catch before his header catches.  “I get a little anxious to say the least,” he laughed. Woolven agreed.

         When Woolven nodded for the steer it was almost dejavu! The pair knew what they wanted and how to get it.  When the clock stopped it read 8.69. The pair left the arena and the large weight on their shoulders evaporated.  It was finally, a done deal.

         “Winning a roping like this is a possibility for everyone with a lot of hard work and practice,” Kelly explained. “We just go rope.  You know, my heart is full.  I’m blessed. We were the high team back two times in a row.  That makes my heart full and I am blessed.”

         “It takes a lot of heart, a lot of practice and a lot of support,” Woolven concluded. “You learn to work hard, practice hard and do what you need to do.  I’m proud of these saddles. I think we will ride them. It is the first USTRC Finals Saddles for both of us. I have access to a lot of good horses and I guess that makes them all winners.  Without a doubt, I’ll use my saddle.”

         Kelly grinned, “Yep, you bet I’m riding this saddle.”

Century Championship NFTR Thurs. Oct 27 2016 Smith and Jacobs

Century Championships

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Thursday October 27 2016

Mel Smith and Gary Jacobs

By Melinda Clements

         There is just something very special about the Century Ropers.  They come with a flair, finesse and style derived from life experiences and wisdom.  They have a quiet reserve and respect that is class in the truest sense of the word. 

         As I watched the Century Championships at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping my heart was full. They rope with a dedication and commitment that comes from years of knowing what they like, where they stand, and why things transpire the way they do.

         Twenty teams were coming back in the short go round of the Century Championships.  The ropers were vying for $30,000 for first place and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  The roping would pay eight places in the average.

         The Century Championships is an easy roping to watch.  The teams are focused and have a commitment to fun and success that speaks as no other.  The short go round was competitive but more than competitive it was a roping where each team held the other in quiet reserve wishing the best to everyone involved. 

         Nick Driggers and Gerald Watson held the lead in the average with a time of 35.57 on four head of steers.  It was Mel Smith and Gary Jacobs’ turn to rope.  The pair needed a time of 10.07 to take the lead in the average.

         “I have a lot of confidence in Gary,” Smith commented. “We wanted to just put a run on the board and let them come get us.” The pair certainly did put a run on the board.  The pair had a time of 8.11 to take the lead in the average of the Century Championships. 

         “I just needed to be in the right place at the right time,” Jacobs explained. The seventy-two year old roper had become accustomed to the idea that sometimes slower is faster. He wants to be focused and deliberate in his delivery.  “I have an eleven year old paint mare that let’s me win. She puts me where I need to be.”

         When the high team back legged their steer Smith and Jacobs nailed down the win in the Century Championships.  It was an awesome win for the pair.

         “I won the Century Championships saddle in 2000,” Jacobs elaborated. “That was sixteen years ago.  I’m elated with this win.”

         “I think these saddles are going in the living room,” Smith commented. “Although we do not practice together I think we each practice to get a short go run. It’s an awesome feeling to win this Century roping today.”

         The pair would split $30,000 and take home Martin Championship Trophy Saddles.  With a quiet demure and a respectful demeanor it was fun to watch the reserve and class both men exhibited.  Their character and integrity was not only evident in the awards area but it was evident in the roping arena as well.  They held a quiet respect for each other and for the other ropers as well. They spoke with a manner and conduct of respect that’s an example for the coming generations. 

         They embrace roping like they embrace life; with a classic composure of charm and appeal.  My hat is off to the Century Ropers. I love who you are and the generations you represent.  You have an integrity and appeal we all should embrace and learn. 

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out NFTR Wed. Oct. 26 2016 Hafenstein and Hoelting

#10 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 26 2016

Pat Hafenstein and Eric Hoelting

By Melinda Clements

         There is no doubt that $71,000 is a lot of money.  Add to that a Case IH Farmall Tractor and a 2016 Ram Diesel Dually Crew Cab truck and you have the ingredients of an almost perfect team roping.  First through sixth place would receive Gist Championship Trophy Buckles and the top thirty teams would advance to the short round.  All thirty teams would get a paycheck.  It was no wonder ropers were fired up and excited about the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

         It was fast paced, hot and competitive roping and every team was on a mission to win.  There was no doubt the short go round would be exciting and full of anticipation.  Everyone was interested in the total payout of $305,600.  It just whets one’s appetite to be aggressive, rope right and win.  It was nothing to scoff at.

         When the twenty-eighth high call team took the lead in the short go round with a time of 41.4 on four they had not idea how things would unfold.  Michael Nash and David Perry roped their short go steer with a time of 6.92 and took the lead in the average.  After that it seemed teams struggled or fell into a case of nerves.  Regardless, it proved to be a very interesting short go round. 
         Nash and Perry watched and waited to see how things might turn out.  As the fourth high team rode into the box Nash and Perry were still holding onto the lead.  Four teams remained.

         Pat Hafenstein and Eric Hoelting was the fourth high team back.  Hoelting is a fierce competitor and he wasn’t about to let a sleeping dog lie.  The pair rode into the box with one thing on their minds. They wanted this win in the worst possible way. 

         Both ropers were focused and committed.  It was a win/win situation.  There was absolutely nothing wrong with fourth place. It paid $25,400.  The pair needed a 12.49 to take the lead in the average away from Nash and Perry. 

         “I wanted to go make a good practice run,” Hafenstein said. “We had a good steer.  It was one of those days where you slow down to be fast.  You are roping with family and if it is meant to be it will come together. I just wanted a good solid run.  We were going to win any way it went.”

         Hafenstein and Hoelting posted a time of 8.63 to take the lead in the average with three teams to rope.  Therefore, it became a waiting game.

         “You don’t wish anyone ill will but I was so hoping our time would hold,” Hoelting said as he waited to see how things would pan out. “I wanted the win in the worst way.”

           Two teams failed to make qualified runs and the high team back of Mike Woolven and Glen Kelly posted a time of 12.71 on their short go round steer but it was not fast enough to move Hafenstein and Hoelting. They would take the win in the average with a time of 35.33 on four head.

         Both ropers were ecstatic.  They made a victory lap as USTRC bookkeepers tallied the numbers to see who would win the truck and who would win the tractor.  Hoelting turned out to be the High Money Winner, having earned $36,000, and he would take the truck.  Hoelting beat Hafenstein by $500 due to a fast time in Rotation so there was no need for a rope off.

         Hafenstein and Hoelting have a long history in team roping.  They are like extended family.

         “Eric bought his first horse from me at least fifteen or maybe sixteen years ago,” Hafenstein explained. “There is just a huge family involved when you rope. I’m so thankful for that family and my wife, Sandy, is such a huge support to me.  I knew being the fourth high team back was a good thing because four is my lucky number.  I’m so excited and this win with Eric means everything.”

         “I was just hoping the cards would fall in our favor,” Hoelting said. “I’m a fierce competitor and I wanted this roping so bad. To be very honest I don’t like loosing.  I have four boys and we are all very competitive. I usually rope with my oldest son, Camden, but he has a football game Friday night and I’ll go home to get him toward the end of the week.”

         Hoelting’s, ten-year-old son, Dexton, commented that he was very nervous. “I didn’t want my dad to be nervous.  I didn’t want him to fall apart.”  Dexton would like nothing better than for dad to take him to school in that new truck when they get home. Both son and dad were elated as they carefully examined the Ram truck.

         The #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out is a team-roping favorite.  With the payout and the prize line it is every roper’s dream to take part of that kind of action.  Pat Hafenstein and Eric Hoelting will not soon forget one October evening in 2016 when their team roping family came together to take the huge win in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  Couple some awesome team roping with family, prizes and a chunk of change and you have all the ingredients that come together to change lives.  It is no wonder we are all drawn into a sport like USTRC Team Roping.

        

# 12 Invitational NFTR Wed. Oct. 26 2016 Trujillo and Michaelis

#12 Invitational

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 26 2016

Gabe Trujillo and Jeremy Michaelis

By Melinda Clements

         “Oh my gosh, I’m soaking all this up. I’ve nothing else to do. I cannot believe it. Just keep it coming,” his excitement and demeanor was contagious.  He was like a cricket hoping to escape the fly swatter. He could not be still and he could not focus.  To say Gabe Trujillo was ecstatic was the ultimate understatement.

         Gabe Trujillo and Jeremy Michaelis had just won the #12 Invitational at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping and the true irony was they had never roped together until today.  They were draw partners.  Who would have thought? Regardless, there was no containing Trujillo and Michaelis was as overwhelmed and wasn’t really sure how to react.

         Trujillo and Michaelis were the fourth high team back coming in the short go round of the #12 Invitational.  $42,200 was on the line plus Gist Championship Gold Buckles and Martin Championship Trophy Saddles. It would make anyone giddy and a bit out of control.

         Kyle Dailey and Junior Myers held the lead in the average with a time of 42.36 on four head of steers with four teams to go.  Trujillo and Michaelis didn’t really have a game plan they just knew they were close to something big.

         “We just met today,” Trujillo said. “I mean like when we rode in the box. Is that not crazy? I’ve been here three times before and this is the first time to even make the short go. I cannot even believe this. I’m about to start water and chicken so I can lose weight and wear this buckle so everyone can see it.”

         The pair roped their short round steer with a time of 7.44 and held on tight as the round finished up.  Two unqualified runs and a 10.96 failed to move them out of the lead.

         “It is awesome to win this roping,” Michaelis said. “It is kind of bittersweet.  “My regular partner cut his thumb really bad yesterday and Trujillo was a draw partner.  We actually met when we rode into the box to rope.  My partner from 2011 was out and it surprised me. The USTRC worked it out and Trujillo turned out to be my draw partner.”

         Michaelis wasn’t really nervous.  “The short go steer is just one more steer.  It is about those three before the short go that matter. I was more nervous about those other runs.”

         Trujillo seems to struggle a bit as a header. His biggest problem seems to be scoring and getting out of the barrier. He works on it in the practice pen.  Practice and practice some more he explained. “I rope and practice with John and Sterling English. Can you believe this? I’m losing some weight so you can see this buckle and I’m setting this saddle in the living room and I’m going to dinner on this money. I’m going to keep practicing.”        

         The excitement was contagious.  Trujillo was animated and Michaelis seemed a bit awestruck.  The pair had a lot to be proud of.  It was almost an alignment of the stars for them to be able to rope together.  One October afternoon a new friendship had blossomed. Team Roping had paired two distant stars and united them in a heading and heeling box at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  Who knows what will happen next or where it all might lead?  Regardless, it will be something neither roper will ever forget. Strangers in passing and united in a way one would never have guessed.

        

Cruel Girl Championships NFTR Wed Oct 26, 2016 Guy and Small

Cruel Girl Championships

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Wednesday October 26 2016

Lari Dee Guy and Courtney Small

By Melinda Clements

         If you ask Lari Dee Guy how you compete in a man’s sport she will tell you emphatically to “rope like a girl!”  When Guy and partner, Courtney Small, got it together during the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping they put together some runs that would make any roper sweat, male or female.

         The pair sizzled as they came back third high team in the Cruel Girl Championships.  The roping had been tough all morning and the top nineteen teams came back for a shot at the short round and Martin Championship Saddles, a Cruel Girl Wardrobe and a $1000 cash bonus.  The roping would pay five places in the average plus the prize line. First place would pocket $16,600.  It was no wonder the ladies were aggressive and quite competitive.

         When the fifth high team back posted a time of 9.21 to take the lead in the average the pace quickened and it was anybody’s game.  Guy and Small needed a time of 11.31 to move Shannon McCright and Becky Cannizzaro.  The last four teams were on a mission.  The pressure was on to take the win with an all or nothing frame of mind.        

         Ordinarily, you will find Guy on the heel side but this time she rode into the box with heading on her mind. 

         “We just got together today,” Guy explained about roping with Small.  “We’ve known each other and seen each other rope but just never have roped together until today.

         “I just wanted to focus and catch,” Small added. “We literally just got together. Heeling is a hard job and I just wanted to catch and complete the run.  It was important to wrap it up right.”

         “I have won this roping heeling but this was my first time to head,” Guy said.  “For once I was glad I wasn’t heeling.”

         When the pair rode into the box they each had “catch” on their minds.  Both ladies wanted to do what was needed to win the average.  They had roped well and this was one more steer to deal with.

           The pair made a smoking run of 7.84.  It was the fastest time in the short go round with two teams left to rope.  Guy and Small rode out the back gate and waited to see how things would shape up.

         Lydia Martin and Whitney Deslavo posted a time of 9.43 but it wasn’t enough to move Guy and Small.  The high team back failed to make a qualified run.  Both Guy and Small took deep breaths and discreetly applauded their win.

         Both ladies gave their horses a lot of credit.  Guy rides a mare she has had about a year and is partners with Trevor Brazile on the horse.  She is proud of the mare and glad she was able to win on her. It is Guy’s first heading saddle at the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

         Small has had her horse since he was a two year old.  She gave him a lot of credit for winning her first National Finals saddle.  The ladies plan to pair up again later in the week.

         Small offered this advice to any young ladies wanting to rope. “Stay dedicated and work hard.  Heeling is a hard job and it takes doing what needs to be done. It is all about hard work and a good horse.”

         Despite the pair never having practiced together they make a good team.  Guy advised for others to follow their heart and “rope like a girl!” Roping like a girl is how you compete in team roping.  I think the advice is solid.  Guy now has a heading and heeling saddle from the NFTR.  Evidently there is some truth that adage about roping like a girl. Then again, both ladies rope as tough as any ropers I have ever seen.  Don’t be misled. They are a force to contend with at any roping.

        

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out NFTR Tues. Oct 25 2016 Coffman and Cox

#12 Gold Plus Shoot Out

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Tuesday October 25 2016

Jim Coffman and Larry Cox

By Melinda Clements

         With a total payout of $258,400, a Ram Tough Dodge Truck and a Case IH Tractor the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out held during the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping is probably one of the most popular events held during Finals Week.

         Ropers love the prizes, the payout and all the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out involves. 

         “This is a great roping to attend,” commented Heeler, Larry Cox from Weatherford, Texas.  “I was pretty sure if I didn’t enter anything else I was going to enter this one.  I insisted my partner, Jim Coffman, practice and we decided at the last minute to enter.  Jim isn’t really much in to practice but we did practice and entered at the very last minute.”

         “I’m glad we entered,” Coffman said, “but I’m one of those guys that just wants it all over with. I came this morning, roped in this one roping and I’m headed home tonight.”

         Coffman and Cox were the second high team back going into the short go round of the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  Evidently their practice paid off and the pair was on a role. 

         “I didn’t really want to come,” Coffman elaborated with a smile, “but you know heelers; they think they know everything.  He insisted we practice so I let him tell me what to do so here we are.”  He grinned and cast his eyes toward Cox to see if he really was listening and paying attention.        

         The pair needed a time of 11.32 to take the lead from the fifth high call back team of David Gaddis and Brent Kittle.  Gaddis and Kittle were leading the average with a time of33.18 on four steers.

         “We had about eleven seconds to make on our run,” Cox commented. “We have roped together for a long time.” Sweating nervously, Cox was more nervous than he wanted anyone to know. “We didn’t really have a plan for today.  I guess we sort of got lucky.  We had to just go and make a good solid practice run.  It certainly came together.”

         It did, indeed, work for the pair.  They posted a time of 7.40 to take the lead in the average with one team left to rope.  Gary Allen and Butch Whitten posted a time of 7.69 to cinch second place and give the win to Coffman and Cox. 

         First place would claim Gist Gold Buckles and put $54,000 in their pockets.  The High Money Winner would take home a Ram Truck and 2^nd High Money Winner would be awarded a Case IH Tractor.  It was phenomenal prize line. 

         When the numbers were tallied it was determined that Coffman would take home the tractor and Cox would win the Ram Truck. Cox bested Coffman by $1000 due to winning a Rotation Fast Back.  Ironically, it was with Coffman’s wife, Shaneece, which broke the “money won” tie. Coffman and Cox have been friends for a lot of years.  Coffman roped with Cox’s dad for a lot of years so it seemed second nature that Coffman and Cox would form a lifetime friendship.  They know each other really well.

         “I just wanted to focus and be consistent,” Coffman commented. “I want to shape everything up so Larry can catch.  I think a lot, too, about not beating myself.  I guess our strategy was to make it good and not beat ourselves.  The best thing is that we made a good run and then made the high team back come try and beat us. I like it when it works that way.”

         Both men give their horses a lot of credit.  They feel horsemanship is essential.

         “I’ve had my horse about three years,” Coffman commented. “He fires hard and I wanted to be sure on getting out.  This horse will buck you off if he isn’t warmed up properly so I always have to take the time to do that.  I knew I had the speed and I knew Larry would be there.”

         Coffman was headed home as soon as he could wrap up some loose ends following the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out.  It was fun and exciting that some of those loose ends involved a chunk of change and a new Case IH Tractor.  Despite the cameras, the interviews and the notoriety of the win Coffman seemed a little in awe about the whole thing.  He loved the attention but he had already voiced he wanted it done and over.

         There would be little doubt as he pulled away from the coliseum in Oklahoma City he would have a lot on his mind.  He and his partner had just won the #12 Gold Plus Shoot Out at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.  That was a lot to think about as he headed to the house.  It was certainly something he wasn’t going to forget any time soon.  Both ropers would remember this particular moment for a lot of days to come.

         Team Roping with good friends, savoring a memorable win and trying to put it all in perspective; it was a lot to think about. Admit it or not it had probably been a good idea to practice.  It had also been a good idea to enter even if it was at the last minute. 

         Coffman had to smile as he reflected on the fact that “heelers think they know everything.”  Larry was his good friend and he was more than glad he had made the trip.  He would not have roped with anyone else. I guess it is okay if heelers do, indeed, think they know everything. Guess you have to give credit where credit is due.

        

#12 SHOOT OUT NFTR Tues. Oct 25 2016 Hall, Bledsoe and Larmon

#12 Shoot Out

2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping

Tuesday October 25 2016

Brenten Hall and Buddy Bledsoe

By Melinda Clements

         Do not ever let anyone tell you team ropers are not a versatile and talented group.  They have been known to exchange horses or not, use heel ropes to head and rope up and back just to challenge themselves and or their peers.  I suppose that is what makes team roping fun, challenging and exciting.  When we are so serious we loose the fun of what team roping is then we miss the point and lose out on what really matters.

         I labeled them the three B’s in my mind. They made me smile as they needled each other and played around.  The seriousness coupled with the jabs of humor indicated their love for the sport of team roping and a camaraderie that is very special. They naturally had something to celebrate and I was pulled in by their unique way of expressing themselves as we discussed the #12 Shoot Out at the 2016 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

         All three called themselves “Cowboys” with emphases on cowboys. They were an awesome threesome and between the three of them they were sorting out about $140,000.  When it was all said and done Brenten Hall would pocket $50,000. Buddy Bledsoe would pocket $70,000 and Blake Larmon would pocket $20,000. 

         “It was a little nerve wrecking toward the end,” Hall commented. “I rode my back up horse today and I just wanted a good start. This is all pretty overwhelming.”

         Hall and Bledsoe were the 5^th high call back team going into the short go round of the #12 Shoot Out at the NFTR in Oklahoma City.  Thirty teams were coming back in the short go round and they were paying fifteen moneys. Add to the money a prize line of Martin Championship Trophy Saddles, Gist Championship Gold Buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Western Horseman Collector’s Prints and it didn’t get any better than that.

         The phenomenal thing was that Bledsoe and heeler, Blake Larmon just happened to be the sixth high team back in the short go round and they were leading the average with a time of 32.54 on four head.  As Hall waited for Bledsoe to ride back up the arena he couldn’t help but wonder how all this was going to work.  Hall and Bledsoe needed to be 8.44 to move Bledsoe and Larmon.  Now, if that isn’t confusing enough Bledsoe never even changed horses.  He merely differentiated the boxes and rode in to rope again.

         When Hall nodded he was committed, focused and on track and he had absolutely no doubt Bledsoe would be there despite it being the pairs first time to rope.  Sure enough the pair posted a 7.18 to take the lead with four teams left to rope.

         “Buddy has no fear,” Larmon commented. “We are regular partners and it is always fun and interesting. I knew Brenten and Buddy would make an awesome run.”

         “Today was our first time to rope together,” Hall explained. “It was exciting.”

         It took me a minute to realize there was more going on with these three guys than meets the eye and I felt as if I’d missed an inside joke.  They were frivolous, light hearted and ecstatic over the results of the roping.

         “I do all I can,” Bledsoe said seriously. “I try to drag every steer into Blake’s loop.”

         “He has no fear, never changes horses and rarely changes ropes,” Larmon jabbed back. “I begged him to, at least, please change ropes.”

         What was it with these guys? Perhaps the payoff had, indeed, made them giddy.

         All three guys watched as the short go round played out.  To make a long story short Hall and Bledsoe won the average with a time of 31.27 on four steers and Bledsoe and Larmon placed second with a time of 32.54 on four steers. 

         As cameras clicked and cell phones rang and relatives congratulated the threesome I discovered camaraderie and a fellowship that describes all team roping is.

         Hall, at seventeen years of age rode his backup horse in the #12 Shoot Out.  Bledsoe used the same horse to head and to heel and Larmon, despite being a bit nervous, was having a good time. He felt comfortable giving all the money to his wife knowing, without a doubt, it was safe in her hands.

         “My family is at home watching this on the internet,” Bledsoe said with a serious look on his face.  All three ropers were very serious in front of the camera’s and yet, it appeared, only they knew the inside joke.

         “This was the third short go round this week,” Hall’s mom commented. “I guess you just learn to deal with the ups and downs of team roping and know it works or it doesn’t but that is team roping and it is okay.  Hall handed his mom his checks and buckle and did all he could to maintain a serious composure.  I wondered how any of them could not want to shout out loud and shout with glee to the heavens. 

         The #12 Shoot Out is in the history books.  Watching these three ropers is indicative of the versatility of the cowboy culture.  They are talented, committed, discipline and fun loving spirits.  They are tough, competitive and embrace each other with a spirit that defies definition.  They are replicas of the cowboy culture and they express and define that in this sport we call team roping.  It is, indeed, America’s favorite cowboy sport.  If roping is the most fun then watching is at least second most fun.