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
