The Roping Pen May 2016

$4.00

May 2016

Vol. 25 No. 5

Check out these features...

BLUEGRASS CHAMPIONSHIPS TENNESSEE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

Celebrating 25 Years!

Once again I sit here at the last minute scratching out this column. A whole lot has been kicked around both inside and outside the arena since April. Not only have I been busy with new efforts to take the magazine to new heights, but the team roping & rodeo scene have taken a few quick turns, as well.

To begin, The Roping Pen is now being sent to many more readers. Starting officially next month, every contestant at the 2016 Patriot Team Roping will receive a copy of the magazine.

In addition, while we send the magazine to these additional elite ropers, as well as all of the NTRL members throughout the country, we also will be sending the magazine to a whole slew of ropers in the central part of the country and part of the Rope the Ozarks production company. This is exciting for the magazine as more readers will be able to catch up on what the hard working associations, producers, and all of the great contestants are doing each month within the magazine. Additionally, ropers can stay tuned to what is happening with The Patriot throughout the year. They have already began hosting qualifier events, as well as negotiated a working relationship with the USTRC to invite more ropers to the 2017 Patriot Team Roping in Fort Worth next year. We will keep you updated beginning next month on all of the new events and unique format The Patriot is doing to make next year’s event bigger and better than ever before.

On the subject of team roping, look ahead in this issue and see what JX2 Productions is up to. They are spreading their wings and teaming up with a national team roping association that has grown out of the west and has quickly moved across the country towards the east. There are two events you can set your sights towards in the next few months, and you can bet JX2 and this new association continue to work together ropers will have more choices to rope and more chances to win. (Check out the new association: www.nationalteamropingleague.com) It has been a couple of months since the USTRC introduced several new policies to their events. The two that stand out are the limitations on youth roping together at USTRC sanctioned events, as well as the Gold Plus program. After talking with several producers, there are mixed feelings feeding back. On the subject of the Gold Plus, making it easier and more attractive for ropers to enter and win, the producers are enjoying being able to offer ropers more bang for their buck. This introduction from the USTRC, from all facets of producers, has seen an increase in roper participation and enthusiasm. On the matter of the new age limit on teams, some producers have not seen much of an impact, while others say their bottom line has been affected. Whatever the case, I can say it is still probably too early to make a judgment call on the situation. There are other factors that play a role in the outcome of a roping and in most cases, unless catastrophic, time will alleviate the problems and work out. I would like to see an overall comparison on winning times from events last year compared to this year to see if the impact of not allowing youth to rope together has lightened the levels of winning and evened out the playing field.

Finally, I have to be brief because I am running out of room already this month, but what about the ERA (Elite Rodeo Association)? They have started their qualification events and look to be on a role. They are no doubt hitting the mainstream rodeo audiences with their mass marketing, but obviously they have also capitalized at events as well. ERA events that have already been hosted hit a out-of-the-park home run! The summer is just kicking off and it will be quite a sight to sit back and see what happens next in the rodeo arena this year.

That has to wrap it up for May! In closing, I want thank all who have continued to read the magazine and a speical thanks to those who have sent me kind words of how much they have enjoyed the magazine since I took ownership. Until next month, remember ...

Dirt: keep it under your feet...

~Ryan Davis

4 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

Table of Contents Articles & Features 4 Dirt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis 10 Ariat Boots Review: The Sidekick. . . Ryan & Janea Davis

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F. . .

SRA

Southern Rodeo Association AHSRA

Alabama High School Rodeo Association FYRA

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association GHSRA & GJHRA

12 Bluegrass Championships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Results 14 Tennessee Championships, Event Recap. . Ben Clements 16 2016 USTRC Regional Finals. . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Clements 20 Ropers of the Round Table, The Fix. . . . . . Stuart Mitchell 21 Down the Line, Building STS Ranchwear. . . . Stran Smith 21 Remembering Dean Thorpe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Obituary 24 Pushing the Barrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speed Williams 25 Power Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rickey Green

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division

30 May’s Photo of the Month. . . . . . . . . . Frazier & Campbell

NTRL

35 Arkansas Championships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Results

National Team Roping League NEAFRA

Northeast Arkansas Family Rodeo Association NCHSRA • NCJHRA

North Carolina High School Rodeo Association North Carolina Junior High Rodeo Association SCHSRA • SCJHD • SCYRA

South Carolina High School Rodeo Association S. Carolina Jr High Div & Youth Rodeo Assoc

33 N. Carolina Classic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Results 46 In the Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dustin Egusquiza 50 Top Tips: Going Left!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bret Beach 52 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Rhudy 52 ERA Qualifying Series for 2016 . . . . . . . . . . Press Release 53 Rules, Rules, Rules! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lyons 56 The Other Half: Mr. Jared. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gracie Mae 57 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horses, Cattle, & More!

58 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertisers, A-Z

SWTRA - LA

Southwest Team Roping Association of Louisiana

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ON THE COVER GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION DURING THE BLAIRSVILLE RODEO PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN DYER ©JD PHOTOGRAPHY The Roping Pen is published monthly. Subscription rates are $20 per year for standard mail. First class and out of country subscriptions are $36 per year. New advertising should be received by the 10th of the preceding month to appear in next issue. Please call for advertising rates. Material may not be reproduced without permission from publisher. The opinions and views expressed in all editorial materials are those of the writer or person interviewed and are not necessarily those of The Roping Pen. Send all correspondence, change of address, etc. to: The Roping Pen • P O Box 328 • Tijeras, NM 87059

Associations 6+ Southern Rodeo Association ~ SRA 22 N Carolina High School Rodeo Assoc ~ NCHSRA 26 Alabama High School Rodeo Assoc ~ AHSRA 27 NE Arkansas Family Rodeo Assoc ~ NEAFRA 28 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA 36 Georgia HS & Jr Hs Rodeo Assoc ~ GHSRA & GJHSRA 40+ National Team Roping League ~ NTRL 54 South Carolina HS Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 55 Southwest Team Roping Assoc of Louisiana ~ SWTRA

Editor: Ryan Davis 505-407-2151 rdavis@theropingpen.com

The Roping Pen • Periodical Permit ISSN 1559-0224 USPS-023083 is published monthly. Published by RJ Five LLC

The Publication office is located at 28 Rincon Loop in Tijeras, NM. Periodical Postage Paid at Tijeras, NM and additional Mailing offices.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 5

SUMMER RODEO SEASON IS HERE! Photos courtesy of Ed Wase www.saycheez123.smugmug.com

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“We have new rodeos and more rodeos this year,” said SRA presiay welcomes the unofficial Summer rodeo season. Memorial Day rodeos and a slew of other throughout the month kicks dent Dennis (Strawberry) Pruitt. “We have new members coming out off the long summer rodeo season filled with the thrills and spill of of Georgia and Tennessee as we host new rodeos in those areas and the oldest, most entertaining sport in the country. The SRA (Souththat is helping grow our membership base.” ern Rodeo Association) has seen a lot of rodeos throughout its long The SRA has been hard at work building the association for the history, being the oldest rodeo association in the Southeast, but you past several years and this growth is apparent as more and more can bet not many will compare to this year. More contestants, more contestants are becoming SRA members and getting their chance rodeos and more producers bringing their flare of professional rodeo to compete in SRA arenas. In addition, the association continues to to new venues has athletes from all corners of the Southeast ready to add rodeos to their schedule throughout the year bringing in more compete and win! events and adding to their list of professional rodeo producers to The SRA has always been a leader in the sport and continues to help them grow and succeed. With twenty-one SRA sanctioned rodeos still left on this year’s list of events, in which 6 of these rodeos grow and build its brand. With an exceptional Finals event hosted at are new to the season schedule. More rodeos produces more ways the end of every year and top-notch rodeos throughout the season to win and earn points allowing contestants more chances to earn a that are not only entertaining to the mass crowds, but allows the spot in the season-ending best of the best a fair Finals rodeo. Growth is chance at competing. The contagious and the SRA is association is leading FEATURING NEW RODEOS & Incentive Rodeos right in the mix of buildthe charge in promoting Date City Production Co. ing and expanding at all the sport of rodeo in the May 6-7, 2016 Gates, NC Double Creek angles!

Southeast. The summer May 13-14, 2016 Dublin, VA - NEW! Ernie Treadway “I want to thank all of often finds contestants May 20-21, 2016 Franklin, NC - NEW! Bar W the hard working board burning up the asphalt May 27-28, 2016 **Hayesville, NC** Bar W attending events in many members who have May 27-28, 2016 Cleveland, TN Outlaw different states, chasing helped make this all hapJune 3-4, 2016 Wilson, NC Double Creek their dreams of winning pen,” added Pruitt. We are June 10-11, 2016 **Chesapeake, VA** Double Creek big. With co-sanctions all excited as the assoJune 10-11, 2016 Cleveland, NC 5L Rodeo and new producers flying ciation grows. With this June 17-18, 2016 Dahlonega, GA - NEW! 4L Rodeo the SRA banner this year, growth we are working June 24-25, 2016 Spartanburg, SC Double Creek more and more of the on adding more associaJunly 2, 2016 Hayesville, NC Bar W country’s best competition and final sponsors July 3-4, 2016 Old Fort, NC NEW! Ernie Treadway tors will be on the road and look forward to it getJuly 15, 2016 **Newport, NC** Double Creek chasing their rodeo ting bigger and bigger.”

July 16, 2016 Newport, NC Double Creek dreams. Including all coThe SRA rodeo seaJuly 22-23, 2016 Chatsworth, GA Outlaw sanctioned events, SRA son ahead will no doubt Aug 12-13, 2016 Cleveland, TN Outlaw cowboys and cowgirls continue to be exciting Aug 19-20, 2016 Danville, VA - NEW! Ernie Treadway have a total of forty-six as many will continue to Sept 9-10, 2016 **Royston, GA** Double Creek rodeos to compete in chase their rodeo dreams Sept 16-17, 2016 Greenwood, SC Double Creek throughout the season. at some of the biggest and Sept 16-17, 2016 Dacusville, SC - NEW! Ernie Treadway These rodeos decide who best rodeos of the year, as Sept 23-24, 2016 Benson, NC Double Creek will make the cut to this well as many new rodeos showcased n the SRA year’s SRA Finals Rodeo schedule. The remainder of the season will be charged with all of the scheduled for November once again in Ashville, North Carolina. The Finals will host the top contestants in every event to match their excitement of the sport, tough cowboys and flashy cowgirls who will skills in a head to head battle to see who will walk away from this hit the arena floor giving their all for a taste fo victory and the thrill season as SRA Champions. of entertaining the thousands that will come to watch!

SRA FIRST SANCTIONED RODEOS **

6 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

**

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SRARODEO.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING OF POINT STANDINGS, INDIVIDUAL RODEO RESULTS & MORE NEWS.

SRA 2016 RODEO SCHEDULE

*Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series = must compete in 5 rodeos in series to be eligible. **see www.srarodeo.com/membership for details on rodeos not selling SRA MEMBERSHIPS.

2016 POINT STANDINGS As of 4/14/16, Excluding Nicholls GA & Greenwood SC • Visit

srarodeo.com for Point Standings, Individual Results & more news.

RANK & NAME................POINTS ALL AROUND COWBOY 1 Daryl Matthews................5183.64 2 Chet Kidd.........................1631.52 3 Jacob Dagenhart...............1382.38 4 Austin Stewart..................1092.90 5 Garrett Keeter....................822.27

ALL AROUND COWGIRL 1 Heather Sherrill................3076.06 2 Hayley Knox.......................827.72 4 Kaycee MacGibbon..............352.40

BAREBACK RIDING 1 Harold Miller....................1864.10 2 Josh Cragar......................1409.10 3 Robert Messer.....................879.75 4 Chris Smith........................738.00 5 Nelson Miller......................239.20 6 Shelton Murphy...................92.25

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 Austin Stewart....................768.90 2 Bud Humphries..................643.86 3 Hayden Phipps...................479.32 4 Dennis Rossignol.................339.48 5 Chance Broadway...............257.60 6 Travis Deal........................209.76 BULL RIDING 1 Rowdy Rice.......................2998.47 2 Eli Miller...........................2013.42 3 Wesley Buckner..................967.50 4 Tristen Marshall.................607.20 5 Hunter Rogers....................603.52 6 John Leinaweaver...............460.35 7 Trace Brown........................455.40 8 Justin Wood........................452.64 9 Bradney Tart.......................387.00 10 Shane Carver......................282.90 11 Tripp McKee........................282.90

CALF ROPING 1 Cory Kirk.........................2308.54 2 Daryl Matthews................2139.39 3 Cliff Hammond.................1468.94 4 Dillon Wooten...................1246.18 5 Ben Carroll.......................1125.67 6 Earl Bradley.......................741.89 7 Jacob Dagenhart.................704.88 8 Garrett Keeter....................692.55 9 Robbie Murdock..................532.50 10 Josh Killian.........................478.40 11 Thomas Linton....................345.00 12 Bradley Bullard.................345.00

STEER WRESTLING 1 Will Griffin.........................966.00 2 Joshua Hefner....................711.00 3 Chet Kidd..........................601.20 4 Brian Barefoot....................496.80 5 Hunter Styles.....................472.50

8 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

6 Bennett Dove......................432.00 7 Robbie Vanholten................405.00 8 Austin Stewart....................324.00 9 Jake Thomasson................313.56 10 Johnny Asher......................286.20 11 Justin Thigpen....................241.20 12 Tyler Willis..........................171.00

TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1 Daryl Matthews................3044.25 2 Jason Tucker....................1880.67 3 Will Batchelor...................1507.70 4 Cody Mousseau.................1193.70 5 JD Young.........................1104.00 6 Chet Kidd.........................1030.32 7 Langdon Pleasant...............997.41 8 Eliott Hooper......................815.67 9 Casey Hilley........................788.15 10 Shane Garrison...................718.83 11 Jacob Dagenhart.................677.50 12 Lance Thrift.......................632.42

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1 Clay Futrell.......................2490.41 2 Ross Blakeney..................2278.37 3 Tyler Kile..........................2130.75 4 Caleb Anderson.................1348.76 5 Adam Plyler......................1302.66 6 Stephen Britnell..................879.12 7 Ty Lewis..............................815.67 8 Deny Ashley.......................796.72 9 Ross Lowry.........................787.85 10 Brett Sears.........................710.37 11 Josh Humphries..................632.42 12 Alex Brooks........................574.08

BARREL RACING 1 Lauren Smith....................2585.39 2 Heather Sherrill................2456.44 3 Megan Lyerly....................1918.29 4 Mary Alice Tuttle...............1790.02 5 Mary McGee.....................1561.30 6 Rebecca Owens.................1549.30 7 Hannah Warlick...............1062.00 8 Kenzie Cook.......................941.82 9 Vanessa Madison................902.70 10 Brittany Bell.......................799.20 11 Lacey Thompson.................722.98 12 Carrie Putnam....................696.29

BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Amanda Stewart...............1356.30 2 Callie Garrison..................1236.50 3 Kiley Arrington.................1196.73 4 Kolby Whitesell...................987.16 5 Maggie Lamb......................919.54 6 Hannah Kirk.......................898.20 7 Lucinda Fletcher..................830.80 8 Mary Ethridge.....................661.77 9 Heather Sherrill..................619.62 10 Robin Pruitt........................500.48 11 Jamie Ellsworth...................409.50 12 Karla Dagenhart.................390.10

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

ARIAT BOOTS:

TheSidekick

Reviewed by Ryan & Janea Davis

O

nce again Ariat has opened their factory up to us at The Roping Pen for a chance to try out a new pair

of boots. Without a doubt, we jumped at the opportunity. We have already done a few boot reviews for

men’s boots and thought we would give the ladies a chance to read about Ariat’s line of cowboy Boots. So

I ordered a pair for my wife, Janea, and actually got a two-for-one deal as I gave them to her for a birthday

present, chalking up a few extra points. That was more than several months ago, and since then she has had time to wear them out and around, so we thought it was time to give them an honest review.

More information from www.ariat.com

THE SIDEKICK WOMEN'S BOOT STYLE # 10017360 • RETAIL: $209.95 Distressed and embroidered goat leather along with quality construction make our new Sidekick a great choice for working, riding and living. Features include...

ATS Technology provides all day stability and comfort Duratread™ outsole provides maximum wear resistance and flexibility.

Wide Square Toe Distressed goat leather foot, upper and wingtip.

Four-row stitch pattern with embroidery.

To begin, the boot we received was the Sidekick. It features a wide square toe, distressed

leather foot and upper wigtip and four-row stitch pattern with embroidery on shank. (See the sidebar for all the specific features.) In addition the boots

included the ATS (Advanced Torque Stability) technology from Ariat to supply stability and comfort. I personally

think they look cool. Not so much for a man, but it looks

great on a women’s foot. They are flashy, but not too dra-

matic, setting a nice even tone between flash with a western flair. However, I was not the one wearing them. To get

the real review, I went to the source, my wife Janea, who has worn them out on the town, in the dust and dirt, and then cleaned them up to wear them to the office.

“These boots are hands down more comfortable than any

boot I have worn in the past. They feel like a good tennis

shoe,” she said. “I love wearing them out and have had many people stop me and compliment my boots and inquire about them. Thanks, Ariat, for a great pair of boots.”

As far as boots go, Ariat passed the test for my wife, and gets a thumb's up for women ev-

erywhere to give them a try. Their boots are more than just a stylish piece to be worn out and about, but offer true craftsmanship and durability for any occasion. You can use them to ride, work and look good doing it, not to mention experience the comfort of Ariat.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

W H AT I S AT S ® T E C H N O L O G Y ?

Stability and Comfort from Ariat’s® Innovative Mid-Level Technology: Ariat’s® exclusive Advanced Torque Stability (ATS®) Technology supports and cushions the foot as you move, promoting good posture and reducing fatigue so that you can work or play all day. Moisture-wicking footbed provides cool, dry comfort.

Gel-cushioned footbed with heel stabilizer delivers support, rebound, and stability.

Lightweight, ergonomic composite forked shank enhances stability.

Works with a variety of use-specific outsoles.

10 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

11

BLUEGRASS

Championships

APRIL 1 – 3, 2016 • USTRC SANCTIONED QUALIFIER EVENT CASEY COUNTY AG EXPO CENTER • LIBERTY , KENTUCKY #12 GOLD PLUS JOSEPH SOUTHERN JORDAN SOUTHERN SNEEDVILLE, TN

#13 WINNERS JIM BOB FRAZIER FRANKLIN, TN

LUCAS CAMPBELL MOULTON, AL

#12 Gold Plus Average: 1. Southern & Southern 39.97, $1,920 2. Mike Woolven (Nettleton, MS) Corey Barnett (Scottsburg, IN) 40.48, $1,150 3. Keith Hanna (Henryville, IN) Eric Maloney (Tupelo, MS) 44.87, $760

#13 Slide B Average: 1. Frazier & Campbell 36.64, $1,730 2. Robbie Nestlerode (Blacksburg, SC) Ryan Pratt (Shelbyville, TN) 45.53, $1,160

#11 WINNERS DAKOTA HARTFIELD

#12 WINNERS GARRETT SPRANKLE

RYAN PRATT

NICK DELEON

CHARLESTON, IN SHELBYVILLE, TN

COVINGTON, OH TOLEDO, OH

#11 Average: #12 Average: 1. Hartfield & Pratt 1.Sprankle & Deleon 39.7, $2,980 41.56, $2,000 2. Joseph Southern (Sneedville, TN) 2. Jacob Spears (Hustonville, KY) Ethan Tays (Crossville, TN) William McCraw (East Bend, NC) 40.89, $2,230 46.11, $1,200 3. Jim Bob Frazier (Franklin, TN) 3. Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) Ryan Shaw (Pekin, IN) Ryan Pratt (Shelbyville, TN) 41.4, $1,490 28.66, $800 #10 GOLD PLUS: CHRIS PAPOTNIK

#10 WINNERS: JACOB SPEARS

JARRETT MCLAUGHLIN

BRAD BOWMAN

CLAYSVILLE, PA

HUSTONVILLE, KY

DUNMORE, WV

NICHOLASVILLE, KY

#10 Gold Plus Avg: 1. Papotnik & McLaughlin 42.88, $3,220 2. Doug Ross (Oxford , OH) David Mitchell (Guilford, IN) 52.7, $2,420 3. Mike Bramlett (White, GA) Charles Shook (Leicester, NC) 54.53, $1,610

#10 Average: 1. Spears & Bowman 37.65, $3,510 2. Beau Tabor (Summer Shade, KY) William Evans (Union, KY) 38.25, $2,640 3. Bryson Tays (Crossville, TN) Charles Shook (Leicester, NC) 41.32, $1,760

#8 WINNERS: WESTLEY BILLINGSLEY

#9 WINNERS: CHARLES SHOOK

TONY WELLS

GREG MITCHELL

GLASGOW, KY

BURKESVILLE, KY

LEICESTER, NC

ADAIRSVILLE, GA

#8 PickDraw Avg: #9 Average: 1. Billingsley & Wells 1. Shook & Mitchell 37.77, $4,020 44.35, $5,600 2. Denny Lottman (Canton, SD) 2. Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) Jeff Turco (Tiffin, OH) Craig Hostetler (Madison, IN) 40.48, $2,680 44.37, $3,730 3. Casey Shaw (Pekin, IN) 3. Mike Bramlett (White, GA) Fawn Armstrong (Nicholasville, KY) Tommy Hand (College Grove, TN) 45.13, $2,120 48.61, $2,950 12 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

photos by Val Ford • © C Bar C Photography

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 13

TENNESSEE

Championships AG EXPO PARK • FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE MARCH 18 - 20, 2016 • PRODUCED BY JX2 PRODUCTIONS STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS • PHOTOS © C BAR C PHOTOGRAPHY

J

x2 Productions rolled into Franklin, Tennessee to produce the Tennessee Championships. The event took place March 18-20 just outside of Nashville, and it was a perfect place to rope.

The #15 Division kicked off the weekend and was won by Brantley Swofford from Gaffney, South Carolina and Lane Mitchell of Bolivar, Tennessee. They were 31.04 seconds on four steers and won $2470, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Swofford and Douglas Rich. Third place was Matt Griswell from Ramer, Tennessee and Derrick Crawford of Hermitage, Tennessee.

Tyler Boatwright from Marble, North Carolina teamed up with Ryan Pratt of Shelbyville, Tennessee to win first place in the average of the #13 Division. They finished the roping with a time of 36.05 second on four steers. The win gave them $4170, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Blair Kelley and Morgan Jones. Third place went to Brantley Swofford and Rick Scruggs.

In the #12 Division Tyler Boatwright teamed up with Mike Jones from Town Creek, Alabama to win the average. The pairing roped four steers in 35.54 seconds and received $4620, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings for their efforts. Second place in the average was the team of Mike McDonald from Tuscumbia, Alabama and Rick Scruggs from Duncan, South Carolina. Third place was Steve AllDay and Ty Ferrell. The McDonald and Scruggs

#11 WINNERS

also won the incentive average.

The second day of the Tennessee Championships began with the #12 Gold Plus Division. Mike Woolven from Nettleton, Mississippi and Eric Maloney from Tupelo, Mississippi teamed up to win first place in the average. They were 37.14 seconds on four steers.

The win earned them $5650 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Kyle Ware and Billy Lam. Craig Flowers and Mike Jones won third place while the incentive winners were Woolven and Maloney.

Riley Kittle teamed up with Matt Wilson to finish first place in the #11 Division. They were 34.07 seconds on four steers and won $6600, trophy Cowboy Gold saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was the team of Craig Flowers and Denver Ivester with a time of 34.71 seconds on four steers.

Third place was Blair Kelley and Lucas Campbell. Wyatt Allen and Eric Maloney won the incentive average.

The champions of the #10 Division were Jacky Barnett from Phil Campbell, Alabama and Paul Moore from Jasper, Alabama. They were 38.92 seconds on four steers to earn themselves a paycheck for $6720, plus trophy Cowboy Gold saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Tyler Boatwright and Denver Ivester with a time of 39.42 seconds on four. Third place was Slade Collins and Rorey Halliburton. The incentive average was won by Barnett and Moore.

#12 WINNERS

#8 WINNERS

RILEY KITTLE

TYLER BOATWRIGHT

KALI CARPENTER

MATT WILSON

MIKE JONES

TERRY MOORE

WOODLAND, AL MADISON, GA

MARBLE, NC

TOWN CREEK, AL

ALVORD, TX

Handicap, Average: 1. Brantley Swofford (Gaffney, SC) / Lane Mitchell (Bolivar, TN), 31.04, $2,470; 2. Brantley Swofford (Gaffney, SC) / Douglas Rich (Herrick, IL), 32.68, $1,480; 3. Matt Griswell (Ramer, TN) / Derrick Crawford (Hermitage, TN), 33.58, $990 Handicap, Average; 1. Tyler Boatwright (Marble, NC) / Ryan Pratt (Shelbyville, TN), 36.05, $4,170; 2. Blair Kelley (Florence, AL) / Morgan Jones (Leighton, AL), 40.55, $3,120; 3. Brantley Swofford (Gaffney, SC) / Rick Scruggs (Campobello, SC), 42.53, $2,080; 4. Jim Bob Frazier (Franklin, TN) / Rick Scruggs (Campobello, SC), 48.66, $1,040 Average: 1. Tyler Boatwright (Marble, NC) / Mike Jones (Town Creek, AL), 35.54, $4,620; 2. Mike McDonald (Tuscumbia, AL) / Rick Scruggs (Campobello, SC), 35.61, $3,460; 3. Steve AllDay (Shelbyville, KY) / Ty Ferrell (Sikeston, MO), 35.69, $2,300; 4. Kyle Ware (Henagar, AL) / Garrett Smith (Lebanon, TN), 36.45, $1,150

Average: 1. Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL) / Matt Wilson (Madison, GA), 34.07, $6,600; 2. Craig Flowers (Mineral Bluff, GA) / Denver Ivester (Clarkesville, GA), 34.71, $4,400; 3. Blair Kelley (Florence, AL) / Lucas Campbell (Moulton, AL), 35.27, $3,480; 4. Brandon Lauber (Franklin, TN) / Chad Roseberry (Puxico, MO), 36.28, $2,560; 5. Wyatt Allen (Dadeville, AL) / Eric Maloney (Tupelo, MS), 37.16, $1,280; 6. Greg Mitchell (Adairsville, GA) / Denver Ivester (Clarkesville, GA), 37.78, $480; 7. Wyatt Allen (Dadeville, AL) / Brent Kittle (Woodland, AL), 37.91, $480 Average: 1. Jacky Barnett (Phil Campbell, AL) / Paul Moore (Jasper, AL), 38.92, $6,720; 2. Tyler Boatwright (Marble, NC) / Denver Ivester (Clarkesville, GA), 39.42, $4,480; 3. Slade Collins (Livingston, TN) / Rorey Halliburton (Sparta, TN), 39.87, $3,550; 4. Brent Kittle (Woodland, AL) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 41.13, $2,610; 5. Mike Bramlett (White, GA) / Charles Shook (Leicester, NC), 42.94, $1,310; 6. David Hamilton (Tellico Plns, TN) / Bryer Hamilton (Tellico Plns, TN), 42.98, $720; 7. Justin McMillion (Covington, OH) / Robert Taylor (Marion, VA), 43.18, $720; 8. Cody Forrest (Jonesboro, AR) / Garner Holcomb (Houlka, MS), 45.62, $480; 9. Shaun Thomas (Elizabethtown, KY) / Jeremy Jones (Fountain Run, KY), 46.56, $480; 10. Regan Dalton (Tellico Plains, TN) / Bryer Hamilton (Tellico Plns, TN), 49.97, $480 14 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

#10 GOLD PLUS

#9 WINNERS

PHIL CAMPBELL, AL

SNEEDVILLE, TN

RANGER, GA

JACKY BARNETT PAUL MOORE JASPER, AL

JOSEPH SOUTHERN SHANE HOLDER

#12 GOLD PLUS

CLINT THOMAS RILEY KITTLE

STRAWBERRY, AR

Joseph Southern of Sneedville, Tennessee and Shane Holder from Strawberry, Arkansas took the top honors in the #10 Gold Plus Division. They won first place with a time of 36.85 seconds on four steers. They earned $6440 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Beau Tabor and William Evans and third place went to Scott Stoker and Kyle Ware. The incentive average was won

by Tabor and Evans.

Clint Thomas and Riley Kittle teamed up to win first place in the average of the #9 Division. They were 38.67 seconds on four steers and won $8020, trophy Cowboy Gold saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Curtis Crumbley from Watkinsville, Georgia and Todd Christian from Madison, Georgia.

WOODLAND, AL

Third place went to Walter Taylor and Tyler Holder. The incentive average was won by Mitch Rogers and Dawson Boswell with a time of 30.32 on three steers.

Kali Carpenter from Alvord, Texas and Terry Moore from Limestone, Tennessee won the average of the #8 Pick/Draw. They were 33.17 seconds on three steers and won $5000, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Julien Stewart from Corydon, Indiana and Ben Gruber of New Vienna, Ohio. Third place was Cannon Smith and Justin Parlett.

The Tennessee Championships came to a close and team ropers from all over the East headed their respective directions. The event was a success and is one you will certainly want to attend in 2017.

#13 WINNERS

#15 WINNERS

MIKE WOOLVEN

TYLER BOATWRIGHT

BRANTLEY SWOFFORD

ERIC MALONEY

RYAN PRATT

LANE MITCHELL

NETTLETON, MS

LIMESTONE, TN

#15 #13 #12 #11 #10

#10 WINNERS

TUPELO, MS

MARBLE, NC

SHELBYVILLE, TN

GAFFNEY, SC BOLIVAR, TN

#9

Average: 1. Clint Thomas (Ranger, GA) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 38.67, $8,020; 2. Curtis Crumbley (Watkinsville, GA) / Todd Christian (Madison, GA), 39.27, $5,340; 3. Walter Taylor (Opp, AL) / Tyler Holder (Strawberry, AR), 39.86, $4,130; 4. Tucker Alberts (Howell, MI) / Justin Parlett (Imlay City, MI), 40.46, $2,920; 5. Regan Dalton (Tellico Plains, TN) / David Hamilton (Tellico Plns, TN), 43.63, $2,180; 6. Kyle Ware (Henagar, AL) / Tommy Hand (College Grove, TN), 46.49, $1,700; 7. Cody L Johnson (Dublin, TX) / Tristian Gillespie (Petal, MS), 48.29, $720; 8. Greg Floyd (Sparta, TN) / Devan Gilbert (Henagar, AL), 48.45, $720; 9.

Mike Bramlett (White, GA) / Dawson Boswell (Adairsville, GA), 48.68, $480; 10. Craig Smith (Gallatin, TN) / Steve Cook (Lascassas, TN), 51.88, $480; 11. Cody L Johnson (Dublin, TX) / Lalo Govea (Elkhorn, WI), 52.3, $480; 12. Julie Parlett (Imlay City, MI) / Dustin Link (Holly, MI), 55.07, $480; 13. Justin DeHaven (Winchester, VA) / Eddie Epperly (Bedford, VA), 55.34, $480; 14. Roger Smith (Thompsons Station, TN) / Jack Lawrence (Franklin, TN), 56.41, $480; 15. Wes Roberson (Cookeville, TN) / Billy Jolly (Sparta, TN), 57.9, $480

#8

PickDraw Average: 1. Kali Carpenter (Alvord, TX) / Terry Moore (Limestone, TN), 33.17, $5,000; 2. Julien Stewart (Corydon, IN) / Ben Gruber (New Vienna, OH), 33.95, $3,330; 3. Cannon Smith (Monroe, TN) / Justin Parlett (Imlay City, MI), 35.6, $2,640; 4. Keith Bevins (Big Stone Gap, VA) / Denver Robinson (Franklin, TN), 37.15, $1,940; 5. Colt Calloway (Franklin, TN) / Shane Swire (Mc Ewen, TN), 38.05, $970; 6. Chad Childers (Fairmount, GA) / Greg Mitchell (Adairsville, GA), 38.75, $450; 7. Mikhayla Graham (Henagar, AL) / Shane Collins (Simpsonville, KY), 39.29, $450; 8. Daniel Sullivan (Primm Springs, TN) / Adam Burke (Jonesville, VA), 39.33, $300; 9. Nathan Holliday (Nashville, TN) / Greg Mitchell (Adairsville, GA), 40.04, $300; 10. Holly Childers (Fairmount, GA) / Andrew Hunt (Iron City, TN), 42.14, $300

#12 #10

Gold Plus Average: 1. Mike Woolven (Nettleton, MS) / Eric Maloney (Tupelo, MS), 37.14, $5,650; 2. Kyle Ware (Henagar, AL) / Billy Lam (Canton, GA), 37.37, $4,240; 3. Craig Flowers (Mineral Bluff, GA) / Mike Jones (Town Creek, AL), 39.05, $2,820; 4. Steve AllDay (Shelbyville, KY) / Ryan Pratt (Shelbyville, TN), 39.85, $1,410 Gold Plus Average: 1. Joseph Southern (Sneedville, TN) / Shane Holder (Strawberry, AR), 36.85, $6,440; 2. Beau Tabor (Summer Shade, KY) / William Evans (Union, KY), 38.69, $4,290; 3. Scott Stoker (Canton, GA) / Kyle Ware (Henagar, AL), 41.93, $3,400; 4. Mark Corzine (Dongola, IL) / Scott Baumbach (Gerald, MO), 42.43, $2,500; 5. Sam Beasley (Allen, MI) / William Evans (Union, KY), 43.77, $1,250 The Magazine for America’s Roper • 15

I

t seems like each and every year the time passes by and the USTRC Regional Finals are here before we know it. Yesterday was January and tomorrow is Memorial Day Weekend. With that here is a prelude about the USTRC Regional Finals.

The USTRC has strategically placed six Regional Finals events across the country; located in unique venues where ropers and their families can enjoy the trip to the roping as if it were a vacation.

The USTRC also incorporates awesome prizes and huge payouts in the Shoot Out Divisions. This year there will be a guarantee of at least $1.43 Million in USTRC Flex Earnings awarded at each Regional Finals Event, or the equivalent of 160 National Shoot-Out positions and 220 Regional Shoot-Out positions. The prize line is also amazing; featuring Martin saddles, Gist buckles and Ritchie ColdSaver Coolers. All totaled ropers will have a chance to compete for an estimated cash and prize payout of more than $2 million at the six Regional Events.

Regional Event Locations, Dates, and Entry Postmark Dates

REGIONAL FINALS ROPING SCHEDULE MIDWEST REGIONAL FINALS MULVANE, KANSAS MAY 27-29, 2016 Entries must be postmarked by May 13, 2016

EASTERN REGIONAL FINALS MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE JULY 8-10, 2016

REGIONAL FORMAT – OPEN DIVISION:

Any current USTRC member or current member of WSTR may enter the Regional Finals, however, ropers do have to qualify to enter any of the Shoot Out divisions. Eligibility to enter a Shoot Out division requires a roper to participate in a 2016 season Affiliate, Sanctioned qualifier or WSTR qualifier, or participate in a Regional Qualifying round (#15-#12) or Preliminary division (#11-#9) prior to the Shoot Out entry in that division. Qualification also requires $2000 of Available Earnings, which may come from either partner or a contribution from both partners.

Entries must be postmarked by June 24, 2016

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL FINALS LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO JULY 29-31, 2016 Entries must be postmarked by July 15, 2016

LONE STAR REGIONAL FINALS WACO, TEXAS AUGUST 4-7, 2016 Entries must be postmarked by July 22, 2016

HIGH PLAINS REGIONAL FINALS LOVELAND, COLORADO SEPTEMBER 3-5, 2016 Entries must be postmarked by August 19, 2016

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FINALS TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI SEPTEMBER 3-5, 2016 Entries must be postmarked by August 19, 2016 16 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

18 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

BY STUART MITCHELL

Y

ou had your last one in late October. It was good for about six weeks, mid-December, by then Christmas was taking up a lot of your time; but you were starting to feel the itch (No amount of scratching would help). Your body starts to yearn for the effects of a new fix. You try alternative ideas but your body rejects them; too painful, too cold, too hot, too long, too short, or just plain boring.

www.STSRanch.com

Building STS Ranchwear

I

January comes with a few places that sell your personal requirement, but most are not within financial reach. Besides, your body has deteriorated so bad you don’t know if you could stand it. Your nerves might completely collapse.

February roles around and your only hope is an early Spring. March brings false hope for about four days and then reality hits; it’s still winter. If April doesn’t get here quick you’re going to go into full withdrawals.

Finally the day comes, it’s time for the cure. You load everything up (one neighbor asks if you’re moving) and travel to the nearest provider of the needed service, He’s a man everyone in town knows, at least your kind does. You arrive, unload the necessary items and pay the man for the cure. It’s good to have a little patience because you are not the only one in this condition and they have all come on the same day. As you wait your turn you can hardly stand still. Your breath gets short, hands shake, and usually your hearing leaves (you’re always asking “who’s next?”). Finally a pleasant voice calls out “team 31 third and final call!” You rush to the appropriate area for the first fix since October. Everything is right, you nod your head for your dose, your heart races as the process starts, you’ve waited all winter, you’re roping again! Win, lose or draw you are competing; feeling the excitement, enjoying the companionship, and just plain having fun. This is the beginning of a summer that you know will bring many more fixes; even if you have to beg, borrow, steal, or use the grocery money ‘til you win the big one!

This story may sound a little funny to the average person, but every team roper has experienced these feelings time and time again. Nothing can cure it, replace it, or substitute for it. It’s not a drug, but close. I’m glad it’s not or we would all be in rehab or attending TRA meetings. (team ropers anonymous)

20 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

Photo courtesy of Stran Smith

April finally brings a break in the weather and you decide it’s time. You sneak out to the barn for two weeks (so not to embarrass the family) and start to prepare for the coming fix. After the physical preparation you call your buddy and find out he’s in the same shape. Y’all get together for several nights and go through the procedures that you hope will cure the needs that winter has denied you.

have had so many questions about STS Ranchwear and how our vision has grown beyond that to be a successful brand. I kind of scratch my head too at times. We reached our 5 years goals and the end of 2 years, and just keep growing. It’s been an unbelievable journey and blessing to watch the brand explode and grow beyond our expectations.

All successful ventures in my life have been built around relationships. This has been no exception to the rule. I still remember Jen and I sitting at a table with our partner and friend, Chad Fairchild to create, brand, and write our mission statement for what is now STS Ranchwear. We all had a vision of creating a lifestyle brand true to our values of integrity, dedication, hard work, commitment, and built around tradition.

There have been a few things that I feel have really helped to catapult the brand.

Quality Product - ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS! I want something that can withstand long hours of work in and out of the saddle. Jen has worked for years now to make sure the leathers and serapes of

her bags are the highest quality. If they are not, we work to fix them.

Chad always tells people that he never knows what condition our samples come back from the ranch looking like. We test everything on the ranch before it goes into production.

A True Lifestyle Brand – I AM a 4th generation cowboy. We live this lifestyle everyday. It truly is more than the romance for me. It has to be authentic. People can smell a fake 2 miles away.

Partners and People – Everyone on our team believes in the brand, the product, and the lifestyle. Everyone throughout the entire chain, from development to shipping takes pride in the brand and what we are doing. I always joke and say that I am just a crash test dummy, but in reality I am very particular about everything we do, from display fixtures all the way to the kind of zippers we use. This is not something we hand off to someone to handle. We feel it is very important to be hands on.

I just want to personally thank everyone that has supported us on this venture. We are so grateful that you see the value in the western way of life. We love our customers because we believe you are our people.

Until next time, God Bless and I’ll see you down the line...

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

22 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

W

e just finished the ERA Rodeo in Nampa, ID, last weekend and will rope at the next one in Salt Lake City, UT next weekend. I thought the full-time competition part of my life had already passed.

I had figured out a way to make a living and be home most of the time.

A year ago, when I was invited to the meeting about the ERA I was hesitant because I did not want to go back on the road. Out of respect for the sport and my peers, I was willing to listen. I was blown away by the presentation, the concept, and the people involved. For all those cowboys and cowgirls to be in one room and willing to commit their time and effort, it made me change my mind.

Rich and I decided to partner for the ERA rodeos and it’s given them something to talk about. Now, with my recent move and having the opportunity to work on my roping and buy some horses, I’m kind of excited about the possibilities of what Rich and I might be able to accomplish.

Rich and I had a long talk after our second rodeo. As a team, we have a lot of weaknesses. He hasn’t been able to ride his horse in fast set ups because of injuries. I am riding a seven year old who is pretty green but has a lot of potential. I sold some of my better horses before I knew I would be going to these rodeos.

It takes being prepared and in sync. Rich and I both know what it takes to go fast. Now it’s time to start preparing and get to where we are competitive. So far we’ve run four steers. I’ve missed two by mere inches. I spun two very fast, like in the old days. I’ve been trying to make sure I catch because there are just eleven teams competing and they pay six monies. You can watch ERA rodeos on Fox Sports 2 on Wednesday nights.

I have to admit these rodeos have been exciting. At the first rodeo in Redmond, OR, the crowd was excited and full of enthusiasm. They open the arena one and a half hours before the performance and have a meet and greet where competitors can sign autographs. We are able to ride our horses in the arena thirty minutes prior to the rodeo and it gives us plenty of time to meet the fans. It’s much more personal.

It’s very relaxing for the cowboys and cowgirls because we don’t have to dash off as soon as we’re through. It’s a totally different atmosphere. Competitors have time to enjoy the crowd and cheer each other on. It’s nice getting to know competitors in the other events.

I am very thankful for what I’ve been able to accomplish during my career. Rich and I won eight world championships and I’m grateful for that opportunity. My goal is and always has been to promote the sport of rodeo. I would love to see our athletes have some of the same financial opportunities as other sports. I would like to think my kids would have a promising future if they chose to rodeo.

What’s new with me: We’ve been to two ERA rodeos and headed to our third this weekend. We placed at one. I’ve turned two and missed two. We have a lot of work to do and I’m currently on the hunt for some head horses.

My wife and kids are roping a lot. Gabe has been roping over 100 head a day between steers and the Hot Heels. Hali is roping and running barrels. We’ve moved to Center, TX, where I’ll be doing schools starting in May when the indoor arena is finished. You can watch videos of Rich and my practice sessions on speedroping.com and see the things we’re working on.

LEO ASKS: How do you heel a steer that goes under your horses neck and behind your header?

RICKEY'S TIP: (Get a new header?

Just kidding!)

The best thing to do is use your left hand, move your horses head so you can see to rope the left leg with the tip of your rope and you’ll usually get both feet.

24 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 25

DALLY UP

FOR THESE

SPECIAL SUMMER PRICES! I

can't believe our next rodeo is already the finals! This year has flown by. I am so proud of how well our team has done this year, not only in the arena but outside. We have supported each other through some very hard times and always been there to lend a hand or a horse. Rodeo family is the best kind of family to have, and I am in awe of the compassion we show for one another. Whether its honoring the fallen, encouraging each other, or raising awareness for a great cause, our association is always so quick help. Our finals is held in Andalusia June 9-12. Not only will we award state titles over two rounds, a short go, and an average, but we will have our Cowboy Prom! Last year was a blast and this year we plan to make it even better. Our competition is stiff this year, as everyone seems to be working so hard.

I wish everyone the best of luck as we practice, practice, practice this month! Safe travels and best of luck on the rodeo road! Love Always, Miss Lizzy Sexton

Lil' Kathy Kit $1,295 • Special $1,165 •

Sparky Jr. $3,695 • Special $3,325 •

Sparky's Spin to Win $1,095 • Special $995 •

Calf Tie Down w/Sled $1,275 • Special $1,147 • Breakaway w/Sled $995 • Special $895 • Plus S&H Calf Body $550

Sparky III $8,395 • Special $7,555 •

Lil' Marv Basic $199 • Special $179 • Lil' Marv Deluxe $349 • Special $314 •

Sparky Lead Steer $3,495 • Special $3,145 •

• 1.800.211.8575 • www.smartsteer.com •

T

he North East Arkansas Family Rodeo Association is in full gear and looking forward to the

summer time rodeo fun ahead. New to this year’s rodeo schedule is an event at the Green County Fair in September. The association has also added a load of mini bulls and mini broncs to their ro-

deo schedule. These are exciting to watch and will

give youngsters a head start at a career in rodeo.

Finally, the NEAFRA is not

charging

admis-

sion at their events this

year

allowing

more people to come out and enjoy a full Photos from the Priceville rodeo, courtesy of JD Photography© 26 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

day of great rodeo fun!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 27

Follow us on Facebook! • Check us out online at rodeofyra.com

• • • • • • • • • • • UPCOMING RODEOS • • • • • • • • • • •

All Entries must be call-Ins on the Mon prior to the rodeo 7-10, pm • Jr/Sr @ 864-906-0698 • PeeWee/Wrangler @ 864-680-8170 • Late Call-ins – See RULEBOOK! May 21: J/S 10am & P/W 7pm •• May 22: P/W 10am & J/S 3pm Stockman Farms •4507 Callison Hwy • Troy, SC 29848

Aug 20: J/S 10am & P/W 7pm •• Aug 21: P/W 10am & J/S 3pm Stockman Farms • 4507 Callison Hwy • Troy, SC 29848

June 11: J/S 10 am & P/W 7pm •• June 12: P/W 10am & J/S 3pm Latigo Farms • 3472 Hwy 414 • Landrum, SC 29356

Sept 3: J/S 10am & P/W 7pm • Sept 4: P/W 10am & J/S 3pm Sugar Ridge Arena • 481 Sugar Ridge Rd. • Inman, SC 29349

July 30: J/S 10am & P/W 7pm •• July 31: P/W 10am & J/S 3pm Cottonwood Arena • 8024 Park Place Rd. • York, SC 29745

FINALS: OCT 28-30 • TIMES TBA • www.doublejbarrelhorses.com Double J Arena • 501 Lockaby Rd • Pendleton, SC 29670

FYRA POINT STANDINGS

BRISTOL NORRIS FROM CLOVER, SC AGE 7 • PEE WEE DIV.

EVENTS: BARRELS, POLES, GOAT TYING, GOAT DOGGIN, MUTTON BUSTIN, BREAKAWAY ROPING HORSES: GINGER & AMIGO PARENTS: CHELSEA & NICK NORRIS

Special Accomplishments in FYRA: 2014 Pee Wee average pole bending champion & 2015 reserve All Around champion What is your favorite event and why? Barrel racing. I love going fast. I want to make it to the American one day.

What is your most memorable or embarassing moment in FYRA? I was pole bending & my horse, ginger, turned a pole to soon. She went one way and I went the other.

What is your most successful moment in FYRA? Winning the average in pole bending!

What are your future plans after FYRA? Make it to big shows with the pros.

28 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

AS OF 4-8-2016 • BRONCS: 1 Kenneth Glick 120 • CALF ROPING: 1 Caleb Traenkner 85; 2 Bennett Dove 81.6; 3 Jacob McGinn 51; 4 Chase Dyal 20.4 • TR HDRS: 1 Chase Dyal 90.1; 2 Eddie Rounds 81.6; 3 Blake Watt 76.5; 4 PT Styles 23.8 • TR HEELERS: 1 Jacob McGinn 136; 2 Spencer Tucker 119; 3 Blake Watt 51; 4 Bennett Dove 34 • STEER WRESTLING: 1 Eddie Rounds 68 • BOYS GOAT TYING: 1 Eddie Rounds 85 • SR BKWY ROPING: 1 Leah Blanton 119; 2 Kyra Lombardo 59.5; 3 Darby McLunkin 35.7; 4 Kylie Clark • SR GOAT TYING: 1 Kyra Lombardo 113.9; 2 Amber Tatham 76.5; 3 Maggie Wirchball 40.8; 4 Leah Blanton 30.6; 5 Cheyenne Douglas 27.2 • SR BARRELS: 1 Leah Blanton 158.95; 2 Monica Harmon 157.25; 3 Chanler Burgess 54.4; 4 Bailey Curtice 51; 5 Abby McCaw 32.64; 6 Darby Mclunkin 30.6; 7 Maggie Wirchball 21.76; 8 Cheyenne Douglas 20.4 • SR POLES: 1 Cheyenne Douglas 122.4; 2 Maggie Wirchball 76.5; 3 Leah Blanton 61.2; 4 Chanler Burgess 45.9 • SR CHUTE DOGGING: 1 Chase Dyal 136; 2 Bennett Dove 91.8; 3 Kenneth Glick 44.2; 4 Dakota Collyer 34 • SR BULL RIDING: 1 Blake Farley 238; 2 Dustin Blackwell 68 • SR AA GIRLS 1 Leah Blanton 369.75; 2 Kyra Lombardo 173.4; 3 Cheyenne Douglas 170; 4 Maggie Wirchball 139; 5 Chanler Burgess 100.3; 6 Darby McLunkin 66 • SR AA BOYS: 1 Chase Dyal 246.5; 2 Eddie Rounds 234.6; 3 Bennett Dove 207.4; 4 Jake McGinn 187 JR BKWY ROPING: 1 McKenzie Brown 68; 2 Olivia Dove 40.8; 3 Ethan Lobardo 27.2 • JR GOAT TYING: 1 Sally Poteat 96.9; 2 Josie Trotter 76.5; 3 Olivia Dove 68; 4 Maddie Per 34; 5 Madison Knight 30.6; 6 Macayla Carr 17 • JR BARRELS: 1 Spencer Timms 158.95; 2 Amber Massey 89.25; 3 McKenzie Brown 78.2; 4 Olivia Dove 71.4; 5 Georgia Caroline Kay 51; 6 Courtney Eubanks 23.8; 7 Sally Poteat 20.4 • JR POLES: 1 Rebecca McClinton 127.5; 2 Olivia Dove 76.5; 3 Riley Sutherland 61.2; 4 Ethan Lombado 40.8; 5 Aleaigh Brewer 30.6; 6 Courtney Eubanks 20.4 • JR CHUTE DOGGING: 1 PT Styles 51 • JR BULL RIDING: 1 Clary Spires 34 • JR AA GIRLS: 1 Olivia Dove 256.7; 2 McKenzie Brown 146.2; 3 Sally Poteat 117.3; 4 Courtney Eubanks 44.2 • JR AA BOYS: 1 PT Styles 74.8; 2 Ethan Lombardo 68 WR BKWY RPG: 1 Colby Yarborough 102 • WR GOAT TYING: 1 Wess Hawkins 132.6; 2 Colby Yarborough 120.7; 3 Mayleigh Chapman 37.4; 4 Bryce Stockman 30.6; 5 Dalton Boyter 18.7 • WR BARRELS: 1 Wess Hawkins 142.8; 2 Bryce Stockman 107.1; Ayden Rounds 71.4; 4 Lexie Clark 18.7; 5 Savannah Caston 17 • WR POLES: 1 Wess Hawkins 136; 2 Madysen Baker 81.6; 3/4 Savannah Caston & Ayden Rounds 27.2 • WR BULL RIDING: 1 Walker Crowe 53 • WR AA GIRLS: 1 Savannah Caston 44.2 • WR AA BOYS: 1 Wess Hawkins 411.4; 2 Colby Yarborough 222.7; Bryce Stockman 137.7; 4 Ayden Rounds 98.6 PW GOAT TYING: 1 Bristol Norirs 91.8; 2 Luke Guy 59.5; 3 Trinity Cooke 40.8; 4 Jacob Fix 35.7; 5 Eli O’Shield 27.2 • PW GOAT TYING: 1 Briston Norris 119; 2 Trinity Cooke 71.4; 3 Gabbe Metta 47.6 • PW BARRELS: 1 Bristol Norris 91.8; 2 Tinity Cooke 34; 3 Gabbe Metta 27.2 • PW POLES 1 Bristol Norris 91.8; 2 Gabbe Metta 61.2 • PW AA GIRLS: 1 Bristol Norris 394.4; 2 Tinity Cooke 146.2; 3 Gabbe Metta 136 • (PW AA Boys: None) STOCK BUSTING: 1: Brock Burton, Eli O’Shields, Kimber Vickers • 2: Abby Rea Stockman, Ally Farr, Alyssa Hopper, Anna Tayer, Brayden Mosler, Bristol Norris, Brooklyn Norris, Colton Hill, Ethan McGahee, Jacob Fix, Rayna Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Sarah Miranda, Seth McCuen, Teally Rein Gray

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FYRA & DONNA FARMER

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 29

Jim Bob Frazier & Lucas Campbell #13 CHAMPIONS USTRC BLUEGRASS CHAMPIONSHIPS PHOTO COURTESY VAL FORD © C BAR C PHOTOGRAPHY

30

31

THE NORTH CAROLINA

Classic

USTRC SANCTIONED QUALIFIER EVENT JX2 PRODUCTIONS • H&H INDOOR ARENA

TAYLORSVILLE, NC • APRIL 16 – 17

#13 SLIDE AVG: 1. Cole Hartsell (Mt Ulla, NC) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 32.59, $2,740; 2. William McCraw (East Bend, NC) / Clay Futrell (Union Grove, NC), 34.24, $1,640; 3. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 39.17, $1,100 #12 AVG: 1. Coleman Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Josh Little (Mebane, NC), 36.65, $2,820; 2. Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 40.48, $2,110; 3.

Lance Thrift (Gaffney, SC) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 45.24, $1,410; 4. David Lewis (Mount Ulla, NC) / Josh Little (Mebane, NC), 45.53, $700 #11 AVG: 1. Zack Toberer (Mount Ulla, NC) / Cory Honeycutt (Mooresville, NC), 37.33, $3,680; 2. Dale Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 42.23, $2,760; 3. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 43.02, $1,840; 4. Lynn Fisher (Knoxville, TN) / Ty Lewis (Glade Spring, VA), 43.95, $920 #10 AVG: 1. Jacob Calloway (Fletcher, NC) / Ty Worley (Leicester, NC), 39.78, $4,800; 2. Clay Chapman (Senecca, SC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 42.43, $3,200; 3. Lance Thrift (Gaffney, SC) / Paul Gibson (Cowpens, SC), 43.61, $2,540; 4. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Jody Heyward (Prosperity, SC), 44.41, $1,870; 5. Derrick Bass (Statesville, NC) / Anthony Armstrong (Salisbury, NC), 46.83, $940

#9 AVG: 1. Dale Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Charles Shook (Leicester, NC), 40.87, $6,320; 2. Tommy Belton (Dobson, NC) / Luke LeMaster (Gaffney, SC), 47.53, $4,210; 3.

Bob Tanner (Simpsonville, SC) / Joby Cole Garrison (Fountain Inn, SC), 48.95, $3,330; 4.

Brantley Swofford (Gaffney, SC) / Cody Gosch (Jonestown, PA), 50.97, $2,460; 5. Chuck Buist (Greenwood, SC) / Jeremy Gault (Fountain Inn, SC), 26.05, $1,230; 6. Tommy Belton (Dobson, NC) / Josh Jones (Dublin, VA), 29.94, $720; 7. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Clayton Wright (Taylorsville, NC), 31.68, $720; 8. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Anthony Armstrong (Salisbury, NC), 33.53, $480; 9. Trey Herman (Taylorsville, NC) / Marty Strickland (Richburg, SC), 33.82, $480; 10. Stephanie Anderson (Clemmons, NC) / Matt Dyer (Melrose, NY), 35.24, $480 #8 PICKDRAW AVG: 1. Ogden Potter (Buena Vista, VA) / Rhys Parker (Lowgap, NC), 31.6, $5,380; 2. Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Sean Bass (Statesville, NC), 31.87, $3,580; 3. Justin DeHaven (Winchester, VA) / Sean Bass (Statesville, NC), 33.21, $2,840; 4. Bob Pledge (Charles Town, WV) / Cody Gosch (Jonestown, PA), 34.72, $2,090; 5. Jennifer Lawless (Fountain Inn, SC) / Kimberly Breyo (Galway, NY), 41.23, $1,040; 6. Ogden Potter (Buena Vista, VA) / D L Potter (Buena Vista, VA), 42.88, $450; 7.

Doug Horton (Anderson, SC) / Chris Phillips ( ), 43.8, $450; 8. Logan Bunn (Dublin, VA) / Josh Jones (Dublin, VA), 44.09, $300; 9. G W White (East Bend, NC) / Teri Best ( ), 46.22, $300; 10. Bob Tanner (Simpsonville, SC) / Denise LaBeck (Greenville, SC), 48.66, $300

#12 GOLD PLUS AVG: 1. Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 35.73, $2,240; 2. Coleman Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Josh Little (Mebane, NC), 40.56, $1,340; 3. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / Kevin Brown (Keedysville, MD), 45.26, $890

#10 GOLD PLUS AVG: 1. Jonathan Gillespie (Leicester, NC) / Marty Strickland (Richburg, SC), 39.83, $3,640; 2. John Johnson (Piney Flats, TN) / Jarrett McLaughlin (Dunmore, WV), 44.72, $2,730; 3. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Robert Taylor (Marion, VA), 44.88, $1,820; 4. Jonathan Gillespie (Leicester, NC) / Charles Shook (Leicester, NC), 44.89, $910 32 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

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Championships ARKANSAS

USTRC SANCTIONED QUALIFIER EVENT

FT. SMITH, AR • APRIL 16 – 17 #13 SLIDE AVG: 1. Cody West (Stilwell, OK) / Cody Carlin (Carthage, MO), 40.22, $1,750; 2. Clayton Beavers (Dardanelle, AR) / James Miller (Dardanelle, AR), 42.54, $1,050; 3. Johnny Lyle (Fort Smith, AR) / Cody Carlin (Carthage, MO), 32.41, $700

#12 AVG: 1. Jack Hewett (Ratcliff, AR) / Ty Moore (Charleston, AR), 35.02, $2,160; 2. Mark Wedel (Centerville, AR) / James Miller (Dardanelle, AR), 37.48, $1,300; 3.

Gage Freeman (Carthage, MO) / Cody Carlin (Carthage, MO), 46.2, $860

#11 AVG: 1. Leith Burkhalter (Atoka, OK) / Blayne Horne (Mcalester, OK), 35.47, $4,440; 2. Kevin Williams (Berryville, AR) / Bradley Newberry (Huntsville, AR), 35.52, $3,330; 3. Trevor Howard (Pocola, OK) / David Killebrew (Mcalester, OK), 38.2, $2,220; 4. Colton Whitlow (Ola, AR) / James Miller (Dardanelle, AR), 38.37, $1,110

#10 AVG: 1. Kenneth Colson (Broken Bow, OK) / Todd Camp (Broken Bow, OK), 36.85, $5,090; 2. Jeff Kenslow (West Plains, MO) / Cole Smith (Paris, AR), 36.95, $3,390; 3. Leith Burkhalter (Atoka, OK) / Dean Johnson (Ardmore, OK), 40.55, $2,690; 4.

Gage Freeman (Carthage, MO) / Chip Cortez (Carthage, MO), 42.81, $1,980; 5. Tyler Sanders (Charleston, AR) / Gary Doster (Amity, AR), 48.16, $990

#9 AVG: 1. Gary Howard (Sallisaw, OK) / Rick Shockley (Mulberry, AR), 31.83, $7,000; 2. Jason Burch (Hamburg, AR) / Gaylon Riddels (Sherman, TX), 35.32, $4,660; 3.

Jordan Johnson (Summers, AR) / Jon Johnson (Summers, AR), 35.35, $3,690; 4. Matthew Boyers (Gentry, AR) / Vic Doyle (Talihina, OK), 39.57, $2,720; 5. Greg Neighbors (Heber Springs, AR) / Cole Roberson (Bee Branch, AR), 42.01, $1,360; 6. Huk Blackbird (Springdale, AR) / Virgil Moore (Springdale, AR), 43.2, $720; 7. Kenneth Colson (Broken Bow, OK) / Jackson Sharrock (Broken Bow, OK), 45.73, $720; 8. Jeffrey Mahan (Damascus, AR) / Brent Hudson (Russellville, AR), 45.81, $480; 9. Stephen Lux (Mulberry, AR) / Stephen Allen Lux (Fort Smith, AR), 49.47, $480; 10. Dillon Lowe (Purdy, MO) / John Carlin (Stella, MO), 52.28, $480 #8 PICKDRAW AVG: 1. Benny McReynolds (Lexington, OK) / Larry McAlester (Leflore, OK), 29.52, $5,390; 2. Justin Sanders (Lavaca, AR) / Dusty Dove (Big Cabin, OK), 31.27, $3,590; 3. Tyler Wright (Wright City, OK) / Junior Holland (Greenwood, AR), 33.77, $2,840; 4. Jared Daubs (Warner, OK) / Tanner Campbell (Checotah, OK), 34.63, $2,100; 5. Dexton Lively (Van Buren, AR) / Luke McNabb (Hattieville, AR), 35.05, $1,050; 6. Raymond Campbell (Bristow, OK) / Bobby Peel (Sedan, KS), 36.36, $450; 7. Dalton Fargo (Gans, OK) / Ray Owens (Red Oak, OK), 37.55, $450; 8. Brander Maverick Smith (Rose Bud, AR) / Daniel Strain (Quitman, AR), 40.47, $300; 9. Lucas Gee (Clayton, OK) / Matt Bryant (Claremore, OK), 42.41, $300; 10. Bryson Berry (Battiest, OK) / Brandon Morse (Mulberry, AR), 46.02, $300;

#12 GOLD PLUS AVG: 1. Eddie Mark Edwards (Harrison, AR) / Donnie Ward (Leflore, OK), 64.52, $2,670; 2. Mark Gordon (Alpena, AR) / Jesse Goforth (Berryville, AR), 24.81, $1,600; 3. Houston Townsend (Russellville, AR) / Clayton Beavers (Dardanelle, AR), 31.96, $1,070

#10 GOLD PLUS AVG: 1. Stevie P King (Alma, AR) / Perry Patterson (Greenbrier, AR), 40.64, $5,890; 2. Bobbie Nelson (Alvord, TX) / Cory Nelson (Alvord, TX), 40.73, $3,920; 3. Dean Woody (Stotts City, MO) / Roy Cox (Spiro, OK), 41.84, $3,110; 4. Caleb Kirby (Heavener, OK) / B J Clark (Spiro, OK), 42.75, $2,290; 5.

David Burns (Watts, OK) / Jeremiah Miller (Siloam Springs, AR), 46.5, $1,140 34 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

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GHSRA

• • • • • • • • RODEOS IN MAY • • • • • • • • HIGH SCHOOL: RINGGOLD, MAY 6 & 7 • PERRY, MAY 27 - 29 JR. HS: RINGGOLD, MAY 6 & 7 • PERRY, MAY 26 & 27

T

he April GHSRA Rodeos in Blairsville and Gay were a blast! The competition was amazing, and everyone came together to put on a great show. We had several fund raisers to benefit the College fund, and enjoyed a benefit Team Roping for the GJHSRA. A big thanks to everyone for making them all a success. Please visit our website at ghsra.com for more information about our association and the upcoming rodeos on our schedule. We invite everyone to join us and see how we love the sport of Rodeo. In God we Trust! ~ Ashley Hawkins, GHSRA Queen

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Blairsville Rodeo Photos courtesy of © JD Photography

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DUSTIN EGUSQUIZA

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t 20 years old, Dustin Egusquiza already has an impressive resume when it comes to headers. The reining world champion and rookie of the year of the International Professional Rodeo Association is fresh off the biggest win of his career to this point, the George Strait Team Roping Classic.

That win alone, when you add up the cash and prizes, made Egusquiza over $300,000 richer. That win was also further proof that he could be faster than anyone in the team roping world. Egusquiza and partner Kyle Lawrence roped their two qualifying steers in 9.68 seconds, then returned to the finals to finish off three head in 13.99 seconds.

Egusquiza, from Marianna, Florida has earned about $6,500 on his PRCA permit this season and purchased his card this spring. He started his rookie year at the Walker County Fair and Rodeo in Huntsville, Texas, with new partner, veteran Brad Culpepper, turning in a 4.4 second run to win over $1,700. “It was a great way to start,” Dustin said. “I won the first rodeo I entered on my card.”

Thanks, in part, to his payday at the George Strait Team Roping Classic, Egusquiza is hauling two head horses on the rodeo road. In addition to his bay horse he rode to his GSTRC win, he purchased a new gray stud horse, giving him one for short set-ups and one for long scores. “Both of these horses are

14 years old,” said Dustin. “The gray horse can really run and is better on longer scores, but it’s hard to beat my bay horse on a short score.”

Dustin was in California when we caught up with him and when asked about staying tuned up on the road, he replied, “It’s tough out here. I like to rope every day and we haven’t had a chance to practice since we got here. We’ll just have to find places along the way to run a few steers and stay tuned up.”

We look for big things from the rookie this year as he has already proven he is a winner. And by winning, he means first place. “I don’t have a very good mindset when it comes to just placing,” said Dustin. “I like to win first.”

That first place mindset will come in handy this summer as Dustin embarks on fulfilling his goals and dreams. “My goal this year is to make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo...and maybe PRCA Rookie of the Year, that would be awesome,” he said.

If his focus on team roping is any indication, Dustin is well on his way to achieving his goals. Roping is just about all he wants to do. “I like to fish,” he said. “But I really don’t do it very much.

When I’m home, I just want to rope all the time.”

Dustin is part of the Lone Star Ropes team and prefers The Storm in a soft lay. “The Storm is my favorite out of all the ropes I’ve ever used,” he said. “This rope has such a smooth feel and last a really long time without kinks. I like it for running close or reaching, it’s great.”

If you’ve got a question or comment for “In The Loop”, submit it to lonestarintheloop@gmail.com.

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GOING LEFT! • TIPS FROM BRET BEACH

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ASCAR, baseball and team roping have one thing in common: GOING LEFT. NASCAR drivers do it lap after lap, baseball players turn left at every base, and team ropers go left to make a qualified run. However, what do you do when the steer you are about to rope goes left before you want him to? This is not only detrimental to a run, but it can be dangerous for a header. A steer that breaks and runs left must be identified early in the run and be taken advantage of as your rope it. According to Bret Beach, TotalTeamRoping.com professional, often times ropers who are a #6 and above can use a steer that breaks left, but for those who are a #5 and below it can be have a negative impact on a successful run. That's because the higher numbered ropers understand what to do to stay in good position when a steer goes left.

“Headers need to watch how a steer breaks and reacts,” said Bret.

“You should be able to know what the steer is going to do when he is 15 to 20 feet out of the box. Many times a header does not move their horse over when a steer begins to run left. This puts them right behind the steer, where it is not only dangerous if the horse happens to trip over the steer, but it is hard to rope the horns from directly behind a steer, and they are also very hard to handle.”

For headers with more experience this may be easy to do and react to, but for many, that first jump out of the box is quick and reading a steer at that first second of a run is often hard to do.

“First thing headers need to do is LEARN TO READ A STEER,” added Bret. “Sit back near the head box and practice reading every steer that leaves the box. It is something a header can and should learn so they can see what a steer does and know how to react to it.”

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Reacting and knowing what to do with any steer and being able to approach and rope each steer correctly will allow a header to get the steer through the corner and set up for their partner faster.

Bret added, “Reading a steer allows a header to get into position faster whether the steer goes left, right or straight. A steer will show you what it is going to do, run left, straight or to the right when they clear the alley or chute. It will happen pretty quick, so know what to do, react and stay in your lane.”

It seems more and more headers have a hard time roping a steer that moves left down the arena.

“The majority, probably 75% of steers that go left pretty hard get a lot of headers,” Bret said. “This is simply because the header does not see it soon enough. Also, steers will tend to go left after it breaks if a header gets in too tight. This happens a lot when there is a heeler barrier. The steer goes right, right, right and then step left because the header is too tight and the steer sees the heeler coming up. This often traps the header and puts them out of position. Again - Learn to read the steer and and react!"

Pick up more tips like this and watch some of today’s professional team ropers break down runs at TotalTeamRoping.com. There are several different levels of membership for ropers to take advantage of including the chance to be able to send in your runs and have one of the pros dissect it and help you improve. TotalTeamRoping.com is the total package for ropers to use. Take it with you and let Bret Beach, Clay OBrien, Cesar De La Cruz and Charles Pougue take you through lesson after lesson! Be sure to also catch TotalTeamRoping TV on RFD-TV!

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COACH

I am the head coach of a 9-12 yr old girls’ softball team. I was smart enough to get a good friend and veteran softball dad to be my assistant, and I know when to defer to him. To say I enjoy it would be a huge understatement. Also, to say I’m apprehensive and feel out of my element is another one. As of now, we’re 0-4 on the season.

I drafted several inexperienced girls, as did the other coaches, for we have few returning older girls. Every time I feel I’m not up to the standards of being a coach, one of the girls will make a breakthrough, or a player or parent will tell me how much they appreciate have a tendency to get into things over my head. When I was me. That’s all it takes to keep me going. younger, I was a hunting fanatic, as I’ve mentioned before. GadI’ve helped a few people learn the basics of roping as well. As a #3 gets, articles, videos, it all was about hunting. The same could be said roper, I feel there’s others more qualified than me, yet in our area, when I started team roping. I put all of my extra time into everything there’s really no ropes at all. So, again, I get all I have, then let them roping. With my family, I’ve had to slow down on my hobbies. Yet, I know if they’re really serious about competing, they need to find once again find myself up to my neck. an experienced roping instructor. Again, the appreciation I receive My oldest two children have been active baseball and softball makes it worthwhile. players in our local little league for a few years. I’ve assisted their I guess the point I’m trying to make is, you don’t have to be the coaches and have been a very involved volunteer. I was added to the best at whatever it is you do to teach, coach, and help others along. league board of directors, and was asked to coach this year, wherWe’re all here to help one another. Give what you have. By the same ever needed. I agreed, thinking my children would be playing. Half token, throw pride out the window and know your limitations. Don’t way through the winter, I learned neither wanted to play this year. be afraid to say, “I don’t know”, but also, don’t be afraid to find the My son chose soccer, and my daughter is sticking with gymnastics. answer. Surround yourself with knowledgeable, helpful folks, the Most people would have had a good excuse to bow out of coaching; not me. I felt since I had made a commitment, then I should honor it, kind that will only make you better. Give those folks room to help you, and defer to them when you reach a spot where you feel your not just for my integrity, but also as a life lesson to my children how abilities are lacking. one’s word is a bond.

As I once said, it’s easy to coach when someone else is doing it.

Now, I know very little about coaching sports. I never had the opThe rewards, however, are so much greater when you step up and portunity to play in my youth, so a lot of things those who did take help others, especially the youth. Rewards such as appreciation, refor granted, I have to struggle to learn. With this common knowledge spect, the knowledge you’ve helped improve someone’s life. Get out in the league, I figured I would be asked to assist a much more expethere and get involved. rienced and capable coach. Wrong again.

I

E

lite Rodeo Athletes (ERA) recently announced a partnership with the historic Mesquite Championship Rodeo (MCR), which will give rodeo athletes an opportunity to earn a spot on the 2016 World Championship Roster. The 2016 ERA Qualifying Series at the MCR Arena will take place every Saturday night July 2-October 1 and feature a win to advance format familiar to many sports fans.

“We want the ERA to be about the very best talent, so we designed the 2016 qualifying system so that all rodeo athletes have a way to earn a place at the World Championship based on their ability,” said Ryan Motes, ERA Athlete and Qualifying System Committee member.

Brady Wilson, MCR Corporate Sales Director said, “Mesquite Championship Rodeo is excited to do our part in writing history with the ERA. For 59 years, fans have been coming to Mesquite to see both the Legends and Rookies make their mark in Professional Rodeo. Many of the cowboys and cowgirls currently on tour with the ERA got their start at Mesquite, and we look forward to watching the next generation of competitors pursue the title of Elite Rodeo Athlete.”

In 2016, 2 qualifying contestants in each discipline will advance from Mesquite and go up against the ERA Premier Tour seeded athletes to vie for a 3 million dollar purse during the 5-day World Championship event in Dallas at The American Airlines Center, November 9-13, 2016.

Prize money isn’t the only thing they will be battling for at the ERA World Championship. Athletes finishing in the top 7 of the 2016 ERA World Standings, will secure a position on the 2017 ERA Premier Tour. Any contestants that find themselves outside the top 7 in the 2016 ERA World Standings will “fall off” and have the ability to rise again through the 2017 ERA Qualifying Series.

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Rules, Rules, Rules!

BY

CRYSTAL

Much like in other professional sports, the 2016 ERA Qualifying Series & the ERA Premier Tour will be point based, with heavier point values associated with winning at a higher level of competition. The 2016 ERA Qualifying Series at MCR will consist of a bracketed format where athletes will advance through a series of events over the 14-week schedule.

SERIES A, B, C: July 2 – Aug 27 The first nine weeks is divided into three separate qualifying series.

For timed event entries, there will be an open tryout (slack) held for each series (A, B and C), where the top 24 athletes in each discipline will advance to one of the three performances within that particular series. Rough stock entries will be filled by preference for the three performances within each series. Eight athletes in each discipline will compete in one of the three performances within that series (A, B and C). The top 3 athletes (from each discipline, performance, and from each series) will advance to the semifinals.

SEMIFINALS: September 2 – 24 A total of nine athletes will compete in one of four performances during the four-week ERA Qualifying Series Semifinals. The top 2 athletes (from each discipline, performance, and from each Semifinals) will advance to the ERA Qualifying Series Finals.

QUALIFYING SERIES FINALS A total of 8 athletes will compete in the 2-round ERA Qualifying Series Finals at MCR on October 1-2, 2016. The top 2 athletes from the ERA Qualifying Series Finals will join the ERA Roster for the $3 Million Dollar purse at the ERA World Championship in Dallas, Texas Nov. 9-13, 2016 which will be televised LIVE on FOX Sports 2.

I

’ve enjoyed several state parks over the years, but this was the first time I was ever kicked out of one. I was riding in the Smokey Mountains, and headed out with Camo (my dog) running alongside. After a fairly long ride, I came to the top of a gorgeous, several tiered waterfall and headed on down the road to where I could see it from the bottom up. Well, I came upon this place where the road looped way on around, and down below you could see the road looping back. Well heck, why take the road waaaaay around when you can simply bail your horse over the side and go straight down the hill? Made perfect sense to me! I DID see a sign saying that wasn’t allowed but, I just figured that was there for those who can’t ride. So off the hillside we went and happy to be that much closer to the desired destination.

I did happen to hear a man’s voice hollering something, but since I HAD seen the sign that read “NOT to do" what I just did, I figured it best to pretend I didn’t hear. (You know, like some men do to us women!) Well, I enjoyed the ride, the waterfall, and all else I could explore on horseback. As I was walking my horse down the road, a Park Ranger drove up and got out of his truck. He seemed particularly agitated as he approached me and I could hear a couple other guys on his radio, saying that they “couldn’t find the girl.” He first wanted some I.D. I don’t carry ID on me when I ride! Then he wanted to know my license plate number. Was he kidding? I didn't have a CLUE what it was, other than being a Texas plate. So, instead, I politely told him where my truck was parked, that it had Texas plates, and was a 2-ton Freightliner. I assured him there was no other rig like it in the parking lot. Well, it seems several

LYONS

Park Rangers had been scouring all over the park trying to find me because of all the rules I broke... 3 to be exact! (I could only think of 1... ok, 2, if you counted that it was PROBABLY NOT according to their rules that I could carry a gun in my boot.)

The Park Ranger who had me captured started off with rule #1: my dog wasn’t on a leash. You are KIDDING me! Talk about a setup for a wreck! He assured me that all the other trail riders rode with their dogs on a leash. I responded that I had dogs that MINDED. Camo was perfect proof of that, as I had told her to sit and stay right beside my horse, which she did.

He then proceeded to Rule #2: “Do not ride over the hill.” Yep, I figured that one already. As we continued to visit, I asked “why all the rules”? He answered my questions, and I understood. All this malarkey had to be done because of the volume of people coming through the park.

After talking a while, I then asked him about my 3rd broken rule.

He said, “I forget... you got me all flustered!” I could see him visibly relaxing, though, as we talked and he discovered I wasn’t a troublemaker. I was just a Texas cowgirl used to riding in places where there weren't so many ridiculous rules.

Well, even though we had an enjoyable visit, I still got kicked out of the park, but only for that day. I actually think he was protecting me from getting a ticket from some of the other agitated Park Rangers. But, I made a Park Ranger lighten up and laugh, and had a nice ride. (Thank goodness I had the good sense NOT tell him about the pistol in my boot.) Dadgum rules... they can take so much of the fun away!

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& Junior and Youth Divisions

A

fter a winter break, the SCHSRA resumed the rodeo season in February in Cassatt, South Carolina at the home of Mrs. Adele Truesdale. She graciously hosted a cutting, and as always everyone enjoyed her hospitality.

As March rolled in, Buddy and Stacy Smith hosted the second annual Conway Rodeo at their farm in Conway, SC. For weeks before the rodeo, Facebook was filed with articles promoting the two-day event. Stacy Smith called on SCHSRA alumni to give the public their personal testimony on what being a part of our association meant to them and to show where they are now.

From our ranks of former cowboys and cowgirls, we were so proud to hear what being a part of the rodeo meant to them and to hear the influence it had on shaping their lives. The areas in and around Conway, SC certainly showed their support of our sport. The stands were filled both nights and the local news featured Stacy Smith on their morning show as a promotion.

Easter weekend, the contestants gathered in Saluda, SC for another rodeo and once more the producers didn’t disappoint our cowboys and cowgirls. The stock was strong and fast; the ground was smooth and even; and the competition was fierce. Tina and Stacey Rogers along with Ashley and Julia Rankin worked tirelessly to assure our contestants and their families had a great weekend. Even the rain on Saturday didn’t deter the fun. There was a brief break in the Junior rodeo due to lightening and thunder, but once it passed, we rode hard to the finish. We left Saluda with more than just red clay in our clothes. Some left with disappointment from low scores; some left with points added to their race to the finals; but we all left with gratitude for a job well done by the Saluda rodeo committee.

As this article goes to press we will be competing in Lowrys, South Carolina at a rodeo sponsored by the Chester County Sheriff’s Foundation. The following week, the Reining Cow Horse competition will find us in Lumberton, NC, and the month of April will round out in Aiken, SC at a rodeo sponsored by the Aiken High School FFA. Ahead of our contestants is an exciting points race with hopes high for a grand finish at our state finals at the Garrison Arena in Clemson, SC on May 26-28.

The month of May will be very competitive and important to all.

~ J Justice

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THE

Other Half

Mr. Jared...

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© 2016 The Other Half , Melinda Clements melinda@clements.net

t never ceases to amaze me how kids and team roping just kind of fit together like a well oiled machine. For some reason team roping brings folks together and benefits us all. I know I complain and gripe all the time but then I watch how some events unfold and I’m in awe and amazed and blessed all at the same time.

Such was the case when an elderly gentleman moved onto a place not far down the road from our house. At the time I didn’t realize he was a widower but we all noticed right off he was an avid horseman. Come to find out he was not a roper and certainly didn’t know all that much about it. That might have been a blessing for him but for Buzzy and June Bug it was an open door to make a new friend and set the stage to hook the poor man on what my kids love to do the most and that is rope.

I knew the kids had been going down to his house on a regular basis. The entrance to Mr. Jared’s place was less than quarter of a mile from ours so it proved pretty handy for them to mosey on down there especially if they saw the man working his horses. He had three horses and you could tell right off the man knew what he was doing.

I guess the thing that really brought it all into focus was the afternoon after school when Buzzy and June Bug asked if I would help them haul the Jakesteer and the Heel-O-Matic Bones down to Mr. Jared’s house. Boss was gone and I noticed the kids gathering up old ropes.

“What is going on?” I asked. They were very busy putting ropes in the back of the Ranger.

“We are taking all this stuff to Mr. Jared’s house,” June Bug said with distinct purpose in her voice. “We are going to teach him to rope.” Mmmmmm! I couldn’t help but wonder where this was headed.

Anyway, to make a long story short I helped them haul the ropes and the roping dummy’s and introduced myself to Mr. Jared. He was a kind man, friendly and didn’t seem to mind the intrusion of my kids on his otherwise quiet life.

“I honestly don’t know much about team roping,” Mr. Jared said.

“I’ve ridden for years but cannot say I’ve ever been to a team roping.” My gosh, I wondered how you could be a horseman and not know about team roping. Anyway, I told him if he needed anything to call and if the kids got to be a bother to send them home.

As the days progressed I would look off down the road and see Mr. Jared and my kids roping the dummy. They showed him how to swing a rope, coil a rope, feed his loop, pull his slack and pretend to dally. The afternoon June Bug wanted to take her horse to ride with Mr. Jared I figured something was really brewing. I noticed Mr. Jared sitting on June Bug’s horse behind the roping dummy and watched as the elderly gentleman threw at the motionless dummy, caught two horns and dallied, all the while June’s horse standing very patiently through the process.

I told Boss what was happening and he began to notice also. We both were a bit in awe but kept our distance. The afternoon that Buzzy asked if Mr. Jared could come rope with us we were surprised.

“Does Mr. Jared have a roping horse?” Boss asked curiously.

June Bug was quick to answer. “He’s going to ride my horse and Pepper will show him what to do. Pepper is going to help Mr. Jared and I know he will work for him. Remember, how I used to steer stop. That is what Mr. Jared is going to do.” Mmmmm, the longer this situation went on the more interesting it became. It was like Buzzy and June Bug had their own protégé.

56 • The Roping Pen • May 2016

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse...

by Gracie Mae

Of course, Boss was game and agreed to help. We invited Mr. Jared down for an afternoon of roping. Boss helped Mr. Jared saddle Pepper and wrapped his saddle horn with rubber. By this time, Mr. Jared had picked out a couple of ropes from the ones Buzzy and June Bug had donated. Boss frowned a little because they were his discards and rejects but he didn’t say anything. He wanted to help any way he could but Mr. Jared was a good student and he doted on the kids so they were his first avenue to information. He was going to listen to them first and foremost.

I guess what amazes me is the fact the kids, this elderly gentleman and team roping had merged together and what was happening before my eyes was no less than a small miracle.

The first day we went to the arena with Mr. Jared Boss and I stood in awe. The kids had done an unbelievable job. The fact that Mr. Jared was a natural horseman was in his favor. We had a gentle Holstein steer that June Bug practiced on and when Pepper and Mr. Jared loped up on it Mr. Jared made an awesome head catch and Pepper set on the brakes. Mr. Jared dallied and turned the steer around.

Boss and I were impressed. June Bug was elated and cheered from the chute and Buzzy hurried down the area to congratulate Mr. Jared. “See, isn’t that the most fun?” The smile on Mr. Jared’s face said it all.

As the days passed Mr. Jared came almost every day to rope and steer stop. He brought his own horse and to give credit his horse adapted quickly to the rope. He wasn’t boogered or crazy and didn’t mind the jerk when Mr. Jared stopped and dallied.

Boss would contribute when he could but sometimes he didn’t say much especially when he got an evil eye from Buzzy and June.

There was no doubt Mr. Jared was their student and they loved spending time with him. He loved the kids and listened intently to their advice, asked legitimate questions and absorbed all they had to say. They were good teachers, patient and in teaching Mr. Jared they, too, were learning more than Boss or I could teach them.

When the day came that Buzzy suggested Mr. Jared head a steer and Buzzy would heel it I was a bit nervous. I looked at Boss and he looked at me and we just kind of hoped it would be ok.

How surprised we were when Mr. Jared came out of the box and made the head catch. Buzzy scooped up the heels and Mr. Jared turned to face. June Bug was elated.

As the days progressed Mr. Jared would come rope and he got better and better each time. Buzzy and June Bug were almost like proud parents. Mr. Jared praised them and gave them all the credit for his roping and continued to learn and listen.

Today, Mr. Jared is a Century Roper. He ropes with us and on occasion goes to local ropings. He loves the sport and loves the kids.

He tells everyone how he learned to rope and he also tells everyone you are never too old to learn something new. He has a new focus and continues to get better and better.

Mr. Jared and my kids are a pretty tight knit little group. When Buzzy or June Bug gets down or discouraged Mr. Jared is the first one to tell them, “If I can do this you can too!”

I just never cease to be amazed how team roping works. It isn’t about winning every roping. It isn’t about making a lot of money. It isn’t about hauling or any of that stuff. It is all about patience, sharing, fellowship and spending quality time.

Mr. Jared, Buzzy and June Bug are an awesome trio. Roping brought them together and it is the tie that binds. They have created a memory that will be with them the rest of their lives. That part of team roping, I cannot argue with.

Keep Ropin’ ... Love Gracie

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