#9 Preliminary
2013 Cinch USTRC National
Finals of Team Roping
Saturday Nov 2 2013
By Melinda Clements
There
is just something about making a trip to Oklahoma to the 2013 Cinch USTRC
National Finals of Team Roping that does your heart good. It is a good time, it is some great team
roping and the fellowship and time spent with friends and family makes the
miles worth the effort.
Sanford
King and Clay Mitchell are from Alabama.
They love team roping and making the haul to the NFTR in Oklahoma City
just seemed like the thing to do.
“We’ve
been roping together all my life,” Mitchell said. “It just seemed natural we
would come to the Finals.”
It
was a good thing the pair made the trek to the Finals. The pair was fourth high team going into the
short go round of the # 9 Preliminary.
There was $142,200 on the line and first place would collect $24,400 and
Martin Trophy Championship Saddles.
Thirty teams were coming back to rope at the four head average.
“We
just wanted to catch four steers,” King commented. “Ending up fourth place was
not a bad place to be.”
When
the fifth high team roped their steer in 9.41 to take the lead King and
Mitchell knew they had to be a ten flat or better to take the lead in the
average.
“I
wanted to be clean and make a good consistent run,” Mitchell said. “I rehearsed
in my mind all the coaching my dad had given me and I wanted to do well in the
short go round.”
The
pair did exactly what they needed to when they posted a time of 9.74 on their
steer with three teams left to rope. As
they rode out the back gate it became a waiting game to see how things would
end up. Regardless, the pair was assured
of fourth place and at least $10,000. It
was a good place to be.
“I
tried to stay calm,” King said. “We were just counting the last three steers
down as they roped. Staying calm and counting them down isn’t an easy thing to
do.”
“We
had a clean run,” Mitchell commented. “I was glad of that. Now it was a waiting game as we waited for
the other teams to finish up. Yea, I was a little nervous.”
With
some baubles and mistakes the last three teams failed to do what was needed to
move King and Mitchell. As it turned out
the pair from Alabama won the # 9 Preliminary.
Their excitement could not be contained as the pair made a victory lap around
the arena. The Alabama ropers had taken
the win and their excitement and exhilaration was almost contagious.
This
was the first USTRC National Finals saddles for both Mitchell and King. The pair would take home a little over
$12,000 each. No wonder they were
excited.
“My
friends and family are so supportive,” King said with emotion in his voice. “Winning
this roping means everything to me. Actually I was roping with a purpose today.
There is a little boy in Alabama who is waiting for a liver transplant. His name is Deeson Cornelius. I was roping for Deeson. That is what it is
about. I’m praying for a liver transplant
for Deeson and this roping is for him.”
As
friends shouted congratulations in the prize area both King and Mitchell were a
bit overwhelmed. It was an unbelievable
win and the pair was thankful they roped together for the win.
“You
just have to be patient,” Mitchell said.
It is about timing and getting everything roped. Those slow controlled
practices make a big difference. I’m glad we made the trip here to rope.”
Team
Ropers cover a lot of miles. They not only
put in the miles, but the time and the effort for little moments of glory that
make a difference in their lives.
Mitchell and King love team roping.
They also love the family and support system they have. This was one roping that proved to be a
blessing for all involved. Deeson, this
one is for you!
