The Roping Pen - February 2017 by Ryan Davis

$4.00

Feb 2017

Vol. 26 No. 2

Patriot It’s Here! SRA Champion Review USTRC/NTRL kicks off Season South Georgia Classic

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 1

2 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 3

ebruary is here and I don’t know about you, but for me this is the hardest time of year. The fun of the Holidays are past, its cold and summer won’t come fast enough. However, this time of year is much better than it used to be for me. For starters, by the time you read this the NTRL Finals have just concluded and over the past several years that I have attended that event, I can’t say enough about it. I have known John Johnson for a long time and even though I knew he produced great events, or he would not be in the business this long, I did not know they were that good. Not until I went to the NTRL Finals. From the hard work he and his staff puts into the production, the cattle, the prizeline and all that goes along with the team roping, to the overall entertainment of the Jacksonville roping, it is one of the best. I have had the privilege of going to some great ropings and the NTRL Finals is no doubt one of my favorite. Many of the ropers who attend the event have no idea how lucky they are to have an event of this scale to attend. Maybe that is why folks from all across the country head to it year after year. Like I said, this is a great event and IP personally want to thank John for the task of producing ropings for guts and gals all year and to cumulate it with the NTRL Finals. In more recent years, February has brought with it The Patriot. This too is a great event and one that Kevin and Andrea Hall can hang their hats one. They too have seen the struggle of producing professional ropings that ropers have enjoyed, but The Patriot is their baby. This event showcases the ever popular big money ropings that are the rage of the sport and they continue to tweak and add to the event to make it one of the biggest and best of the year. In addition to the roping, the barrel race, the timed events and the mounted shooting, all of which take place at the same facility in Fort Worth, in addition to being the same week as The American Rodeo gives The Patriot a different vibe. Not only can you rope and load up on big payouts in the team roping, but you can bring the entire family where everyone can compete. With incentives such as the Young Guns ropings, as well as the All-girls, and new to this year, the muley ropings, The Patriot has evolved into an event like no other and one I enjoy heading to each February. With that in mind, I have to say the sport is nothing like it used to be and it is because of people like John and the Hall’s who don’t produce ropings to get rich, but do it because they truly enjoy the sport and want to continue to see it grow. You can ask either of these producers and probably any producer if they have ever lost money at an event and you are sure to get the same answer – More than once. But they are in it for the long haul and want to see people find and enjoy the sport as much as they do. Team roping has made leaps and bounds over the past 20 years and even though we may all love where it is today, imagine what the sport will be like in 5, 10 or even another twenty years from now. You cannot stop evolution and change and it is producers, who are ever challenging themselves and looking for new and better ways to produce events to make them. Until Next Time... Dirt, Keep it under your feet!

4 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dirt, by Ryan Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 In the Loop, with Kaleb Driggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ropers of the Round Table, by Stuart Mtichell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sweat & Balin’ Twine, by John Rhudy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Patriot Welcome . . . . .32-33

The Other Half, by Gracie Mae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 The Way, by Ryan Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

PATRIOT EVENT ADS...

What Was I Thinking? by Crystal Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Tie Down Roping, Ft . Worth, Tx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

FEATURES

The Patriot in February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-35 YJ Qualifier, Dodge City, KS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Fire it Up, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Hare Memorial, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

EVENTS & ADS - COMING UP . . .

Mississippi Classic, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

News & Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40-41

NTRL South Georgia, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31

NTRL Big Ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45

Oil Capital Classic, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

NTRL Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42, 43 NTRL Bluegrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 NTRL Florida Championships . . . . 46 NTRL Tennesee Champ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Index, Advertisers & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Classifieds, Buy/Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Let us help your Association GROW! Want to have your association in The Roping Pen? We will print your schedule, current standings, results, officer information, member of the month, and what everyone wants to see... PICTURES! Just ask any of our featured Associations and they will tell you their members love being in The Roping Pen. It’s easy - just call and find out all the details. You’ll see your Association take off with the best magazine in the NATION!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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

The Roping Pen • Periodical Permit ISSN 1559-0224

ASSOCIATIONS PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS!

AHSRA, Alabama HS Rodeo Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 FYRA, Foothills Youth Rodeo Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23 NCHSRA/NCJHRA, N Carolina HS & JH Rodeo Assoc’s . . . . . 24 SCHSRA/SCJHD/SCYRA, S Carolina Rodeo Assoc’s . . . . . . . 26 SRA, Southern Rodeo Assocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9

ON THE COVER: Dillon Hardwick & Rick Scruggs at USTRC South Georgia Classic Photo Courtesy of C Bar C Photography

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.

Editor: Ryan Davis

505-407-2151 • rdavis@theropingpen.com

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 5

Keeping it Pure Casey Hilley

he SRA (Southern Rodeo Association) produced another great crop of champions this past year with the conclusion of the SRA Finals. Within the group of cowboys and cowgirls who topped the year and earned one of the 2016 SRA Champion titles was an individual who is full of life and continues to push ahead in the sport oft team roping. Casey Hilley of Statham, Georgia is no stranger to the pay window and has been a dominate force across the Southeast, as well as ropings and rodeos across the country for many years. Hilley and his family enjoy the rodeo life and the cowboy traditions that the sport endures. Hilley, the current SRA champion, made roped roping at SRA rodeos with several different partners last season. He mainly edged his mark on the championship with partners Adam Pryler and Alex Brooks, roping at the Finals event with the later, but said he owed all of the partners he roped with last year a thanks for helping him reach the goal. Hilley wrote his name for the first time in the SRA history books with his year-end championship, joining close to 4 decades of others who have claimed that title. 6 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

Outside of the arena, Hilley stays busy as a farrier, an occupation he has enjoyed most of his adult life. At 33-years-old, the horse shoeing business has awarded him the time and money needed to enjoy his passion for team roping. However, Team roping is not Hille’s only passion as anyone who knows him can justify that he and his wife, Gretchen of 10-years still seem like newlyweds. However, most often, Hilley can be found with his 7-year old son, Colt nearby or bouncing around at the arena. The father son duo is inseparable. Hilley enjoys taking the family with him to rodeos and most recently he can often be found near Gretchen’s boutique booth that she sets up at events. “That is what I really enjoy about rodeos,” said Hilley. “They are really family oriented. That is why I work for a living, so the family and I can rodeo for fun.” As far as team roping, Hilley is addicted. Growing up with a father that roped, Hilley said he grew up in the sport. Although you can find him at all kinds of events, he enjoys the rodeo atmosphere and is looking forward to another year of SRA events, as well as qualifying to the IFR again this year. He has also added PRCA events to

his schedule and hopes to make the Circuit Finals this year. “The SRA host some of the best and most professional events in the Southeast,” Hilley added. “I also enjoyed the IFR over the past several years. They both appreciate you coming to their events and are good to us.” Hilley said he would also like to attend the WSTR (World Series of Team Roping) Finale this year in Las Vegas. He has been a regular at the USTRC Finals over the years and wants to expand on that and rope at some of the bigger events across the country. As for favorite rodeos or ropings, he admits that it is harder for guys in the Southeast to rope at every event on the rodeo or roping schedule. “There are so many great ropings and rodeos, but it is hard for a guy to attend them all. We have to travel a long way to some of the bigger events and sometimes we just can’t make them all.” One of his favorite events is the Perry, Georgia USTRC event. “Not only is this roping closer event for me to go to, but it is always big and worth going to.” Casey Hilley is a testament to what team roping is all about. Passion, competition and a place where the entire family can

have a good time, the sport has evolved and welcomes more great cowboys like Hilley to compete and enjoy doing it. The wholesome values of the sport are held high by ropers like Hilley who not only come to win, but continue to establish the standards of the American cowboy that enlist the true spirit of rodeo and team roping.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 7

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

SRA RODEO SCHEDULE February 10-11, 2017 • FLORENCE SC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Feb 6, 8am-5pm CST Slack will only be offered after Friday perf Location: Florence Civic Center, 2200 W Radio Dr Ticket Info: www.florenceciviccenter.com or 843-679-4525 Vendor Info: 864-809-2630 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co February 17-18, 2017 • WILLIAMSTON NC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 1:00pm & 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Feb 13, 8am-5pm CST Location: Senator Bob Martin Ag Center, 2900 NC HWY 125 S More Info: 252-946-9780 Old Ford Fire Dept Rodeo Stock Contractor: Rafter 3 Rodeo Co February 24-25, 2017 • GAFFNEY SC • SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BR $1200 ADM, $80 EF, $5 SCF BB SB CR SW TR CBR CBA $700 ADM, $60 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Feb 20, 8am-5pm CST Location: 1524 Hwy 150 Grassy Pond Arena Championship Rodeo Stock Contractor: Rafter 3 Rodeo Co March 3-4, 2017 • PENDLETON SC • IPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Feb 27, 8am-5pm CST Location: T Ed Garrison Livestock Arena (Indoor Arena) 1101 W Queen St Coggins required for all horses and out of state horses must have health certificate Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co March 17-18, 2017 • ASHEVILLE NC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm Bull Riding $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF each performance (you may enter both days) Barrel Racing $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (enter only one performance) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Mar 13, 8am-5pm CST Location: WNC Ag Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher NC More Info: 864-809-2630 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

April 7-8, 2017 • GREENWOOD SC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm Bull Riding $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF each performance (you may enter both days) Barrel Racing $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (enter only one performance) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 3, 8am-5pm CST Location: Lander University Equestrian Center, 2611 Hwy 72E More Info: 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co April 21-22, 2017 • GAINESVILLE GA • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm Bull Riding $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF each performance (you may enter both days) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 17, 8am-5pm CST Location: Chicopee Woods Ag Center, 1855 Calvary Church Rd More info: 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co April 21-22, 2017 • STATESBORO GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Apr 12, 8am-5pm CST Call backs: Thur, Apr 13 & Fri, Apr 14, 9am-4pm CST All events draw for perf - Tradeouts Location: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 16942 Hwy 67 Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co April 28-29, 2017 • EVANS GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR $1200 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Apr 19, 8am-5pm CST Call backs: Thur, Apr 20 & Fri, Apr 21, 9am-4pm CST All events draw for perf - Tradeouts Location: Columbia Co Fairgrounds, 5462 Columbia Rd, Grovetown GA Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co May 5-6, 2017 • WALTERBORO SC • IPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 TBA All events draw for perf, Tradeouts Location: DD Arena Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co May 5-6, 2017 • NICHOLLS GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $750 ADM, $60 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Date TBA Location: Indoor Arena, Wiregrass, 416 Flying Hawk Rd Stock Contractor: T-T Rodeo Co

March 30-31, April 1, 20107 • ATHENS GA • IPRA/SRA Thursday 8:00pm, Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Mar 22, 8am-5pm CST Call Backs: Thur, Mar 23 & Fri, Mar 24, 9am-4pm CST All events draw for perf - Tradeouts No slack to be run after Sat, Apr 1st perf All perfs must be filled before slack There will be 8 contestants in each event, except CBR will be 10 & BR will be 12 Coggins required, Hospitality room for contestants Location: Indoor Arena, UGA Livestock Inspection Facility, South Milledge Ave Stock Contractor: Southern Rodeo Co

May 12-13, 2017 • GATES NC • SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 8, 8am-5pm CST Location: 158 Paige Riddick Rd More Info: 252-209-1473 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

March 31-April 1, 2017 • BRUNSWICK GA •IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR $1000 ADM $70 EF, $10 SCF CR SW TR CBR $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002, Mon, Mar 27, 8am-5pm CST Location: Brunswick Fairgrounds, 101 Emory Dawson Rd Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co

June 2-3, 2017 • WILSON NC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 29, 8am-5pm CST Location: 2331 Hwy 301 South More Info: 252-209-1473 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

8 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

*Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series = must compete in 5 rodeos in series to be eligible.

2017 POINT STANDINGS AS OF 01/19/17 (EXCLUDING SALEM VA)

RANK & NAME .............................. POINTS RANK & NAME ..............................POINTS

June 9-10, 2017 • CHESAPEAKE VA • SRA INCENTIVE RODEO (double points) Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 5, 8am-5pm CST Location: 645 Woodlake Dr More Info: 757-478-2828 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co June 9-10, 2017 • CLEVELAND NC • SRA Stock Contractor: 5L Rodeo Co June 23-24, 2017 • INMAN SC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 19, 8am-5pm CST Location: Sugar Ridge Arena, 481 Sugar Ridge Rd More Info: 864-809-8968 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Rodeo Co July 21, 2017 • NEWPORT NC • SRA INCENTIVE RODEO (double points) Friday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jul 17, 8am-5pm CST Location: Newport Flea Mall & Event Grounds, 196 Carl Garner Rd More Info: 252-223-2085 or 252-223-4019 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Rodeo Co July 22, 2017 • NEWPORT NC • SRA Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jul 17, 8am-5pm CST Location: Newport Flea Mall & Event Grounds, 196 Carl Garner Rd More Info: 252-223-2085 or 252-223-4019 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Rodeo Co September 8-9, 2017 • ROYSTON GA • SRA INCENTIVE RODEO (double points) Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Sept 4, 8am-5pm CST Location: 1516 Diamond Lane More Info: 706-498-2769 Frankling County Rodeo Stock Contractor: Double Creek Rodeo Co September 15-16, 2017 • GREENWOOD SC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Sept 11, 8am-5pm CST Location: Lander University Equistrian Center, 2611 Hwy 72 E More Info: 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co September 22-24, 2017 • BENSON NC • SRA Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

**See www.srarodeo.com/membership for details on rodeos not selling SRA MEMBERSHIPS. THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 9

p U t i Fire g n i p o R k c Tru Athens, TX

December 31 - January 1

#6 Roping

hat a better way to kick off a new year, than with a weekend of team roping! Athens, Texas always proves itself in bringing in the teams. Athens brought the teams, and we brought the good cattle, big money, great prize line, and brand new Dodge 1 ton! Our morning was kicked off with the #6 in which we gave out a prize line of 10 saddles, 10 sets of trophy spurs, and some cash to make it sweeter. Taking home the first place prize was Luke Gee and Jesse Hopson, giving them saddles and $2,700 cash. What a way to get going! Then we moved into our #7 roping where Logan Guerin and Colby Elias snagged them a couple saddles and $5460 cash. That wasn’t all, saddles went down to 5th

10 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

place, and 10 more sets of trophy spurs along with a nice sum of cash down to 10th place ended our #7. That was a pretty good warm-up to move into our #8 truck roping! Taking the top honors in the #8 were Kyle Crow and John Michael Elliot which awarded them fully tooled Cactus trophy saddles and $7500 cash. Nice job guys! Our prizes continued with buckles+ cash to the 2nd-4th winners; breast collars +cash to the 5th-6th place winners, and spurs+ cash from 9th -10th place. Highest point youth, senior, and girl also received saddles. That all led up to the grand prize of a 2016 Ram Crew Cab Diesel Dually to the high point roper of the #8. After tallying up those points, Brantley Allen was

going home in a brand new truck! Way to rope, Brantley! As always, we want to thank everyone who came out to support us. Your support is what keeps us going. If you haven’t yet made it to one of our ropings, we encourage you to come out and rope with us. We do our best to put on the ropings you won’t want to miss. As we move into a new year, let us leave you with this verse that comes to mind of how we could all prosper this year; Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Hopefully, we will see you all at the next one.

#8 Roping

#7 Roping

Photo Credit Burninsky Photography

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 11

MISSISSIPPI Classic

December 9-11, 2016 • Tunica, Mississippi

Tunica Arena and Expo • Produced by Rope the Ozarks • Story by Ben Clements

ope the Ozarks headed to Tunica Mississippi for the Mississippi Classic. The event took place at the Tunica Arena and Expo and was held December 9-11, 2016.

Mitchell from Bolivar, Tennessee and Cole Curry from Liberty, Missouri. Third went to Ross Mitchell and Jordan Reynolds. Blaine Maxwell and Tyler Holder won the incentive average.

The Alabama team of Morgan Jones and Zack Mabry took first place in the Open Division. They were 41.09 seconds on five steers to claim the victory. Second went to Marcus Theriot from Poplarville, Mississippi and Douglas Rich from Herrick, Illinois. Third was Casey Hicks and Rich.

The second day of the Mississippi Classic began with the #12 Gold Plus. Bryan Ray Freeman from Doniphan, Missouri and Justin Gossett from Pollard, Arkansas were the winners of the roping. They were 41.67 seconds on four steers and earned $3400 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Michael Patterson and Cody Warner both from Mississippi. Third went to the incentive winners Cody Burrows from Tennessee and Tim Roberts from Mississippi. They earned $3100 plus $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Missouri and Oklahoma teamed up to win the #15 Division. Coy Rahlmann from Ellsinore, Missouri and Casey Hicks from Sperry, Oklahoma were the champions. They were 26.99 seconds on four steers and won $2120, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Morgan Jones and John Alley with a time of 28.43 seconds on four steers. Third place went to Quentin Sawyer and Zack Mabry. Blane Maxwell from Bertrand, Missouri and Jason Stroup from Cape Girardeau, Missouri were the winners of the #13 Division. They were 31.07 seconds on four steers to secure $3100, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Blair Kelley from Iron City, Tennessee and John Alley from Adams, Tennessee. Third was Dillon and Clay Green from Louisiana. Blair Kelly hit again in the #12 Division. This time heading for Jordan Reynolds from Ellsinore, Missouri. The team was 29.81 seconds on four steers to win $2900, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Gem 12 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

The champions of the #11 Division were Xavier Ivory from Mountain Home, Arkansas and Hadley DeShazo from Salem, Arkansas. They were 36.15 seconds on four steers to take home $4200, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Bryan Ray Freeman and Kaleb Boos. Luke Tyree and Andrew Hunt finished in third place, while the win of the incentive went to Mike Woolven and Glenn Kelly. Shane Holder from Strawberry, Arkansas and Bruce Barnett from West Plains, Missouri were the winners of the #10 Division with a time of 38.90 seconds on four steers. The win earned them $3940, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Bryan Ray Freeman and Tyler Holder and third place was the team of Wade Derryberry and Brad Montgomery. David Bell from Middleton, Tennessee and Coty

Coles from Russellville, Kentucky were the incentive winners. On the final day of the Mississippi Classic Gem Mitchell and Dan Twisdale started the day off with the win of the #10 Gold Plus. They were 42.40 seconds on four steers and won $3480 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Steve Hinson from Jonesboro, Arkansas and Kevin Hall from Rogersville, Missouri. Third place went to Wayne Pope and Russell Gibbs both from Alabama. Claude Lowery from Wesson, Missouri and Randall Gillespie from Huntingdon, Tennessee won fourth in the average and first in the incentive average. Tommy Thompson from Middleton, Tennessee and Cade Cowan from Lamar, Mississippi won the average of the #9 Division. They won $5380, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the team of Jay McCaskill from Lexington, Mississippi and Jimmy LaDale White from Hazlehurst, Mississippi. Third place was Mike Batterton and Tom Bridges from Arkansas. Dylan Elkins and Joshua Delee from Louisiana won the incentive average. Connie Grindstaff from Marble Hill, Missouri and Carson Stroup from Cape Girardeau, Missouri teamed up to win first place in the #8 Pick/Draw. They were 33.44 seconds on three steers to secure $3760, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Matt Moore and RW Lanier. They won $2500, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place was Jay McCaskill and Paul Reel. They received $1980, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

OIL CAPITAL Stampede

December 2-4, 2016 • Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa Expo Ford Truck Coliseum • Produced by Rope the Ozarks Story by Ben Clements

he Tulsa Expo Ford Truck Coliseum in Tulsa, Oklahoma is the home of the Oil Capital Stampede. The event is produced by Rope the Ozarks and took place December 2-4, 2016. The first roping of the event was the Open Division. Blake Hughes from Sulphur, Oklahoma and Jake Smith from Broken Bow, Oklahoma teamed up to win first place in the average. The pairing was 33.11 seconds on five steers and earned $3230 in cash. Second place was Cale Markham from Vinita, Oklahoma and Stitches Stanley from Wagoner, Oklahoma. Third place went to Jesse Stipes and Buddy Hawkins. The win of the incentive went to Cody Bailey from Mulberry, Arkansas and Jordan Sullivan from Branch, Arkansas. The roping was also a qualifier for the American Semi-Finals. Butchie Levell from Omaha, Nebraska and Chad Mathes from Lawson, Missouri won the qualifier. They took home $3380. Second was Mike Bacon from Boswell, Oklahoma and Martin Lucero from Stephenville, Texas. Third place went to Eric Flurry and Stitches Stanley. Ky Bray from Stephenville, Texas teamed up with Hunter Koch from Vernon, Texas bested the field of ropers to win first place in the #15 Division. The team was 24.98 seconds on four steers and won $3830, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver Coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Billy Peters from Sublette, Kansas and Chase Boekhaus from Alva, Oklahoma. Third was Colt Braden from Dewey, Oklahoma and Rocky Ross from Weleetka, Oklahoma. Billy Peters continued his roll in the #13 Division with heeler Dane Reed from Sumner, Texas. The duo was 26.11 seconds on four steers and took home $3560, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver Coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second

place was CJ Schicke from Independence, Kansas and Frank Padilla from Nowata, Oklahoma. Lane Reeves and Padilla won third place. In the #12 Division, the win of the roping went to Trevor Howard from Pocola, Oklahoma and Levi Pettigrew from Keota, Oklahoma. They were 27.52 seconds on four steers to claim the win. They received $3100, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver Coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Reese Buster from Paris, Texas and Eric Williams from Bagwell, Texas. They were 28.35 seconds and won $2330 plus $2000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place was Tanner Bowden and Blayne Horne. Paul Hefner and Griffin Passmore won the incentive average. The second day of team roping began with the #12 Gold Plus Division. Brent Boevers from Mustang, Oklahoma and Randy Harmon also from Mustang teamed up to claim the victory. They were 41.40 seconds on four steers. They took in $2230 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Dave Wingo and Tim Victory. Third went to Robert Fudge and Ralph Williams. Danny Ruggles and Tyler Pollard won the incentive average. Kyle Kreder from Ochelata, Oklahoma and Griffin Passmore from Rose, Oklahoma were the winners of the #11 Division. They were 27.86 seconds on four steers and won $3600 plus trophy Ritchie ColdSaver Coolers. Second place was Tanner Bowden and Levi Pettigrew. Third went to Mick Foreman form Rose, Oklahoma and Jordan Johnson from Summers, Arkansas. Billy Sharber from Konawa, Oklahoma and Brandon Taylor from Ada, Oklahoma were the winners of the incentive average. Sharber and Taylor struck again in the

#10 Division as they teamed up to win first place in the average. They were 34.23 seconds on four steers and won $4740, trophy USTRC Saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Casey and Trey Adams both from Junction City, Kansas. Third place was David Whitlock and Gaylon Riddles. Casey and Trey Adams also won the incentive average. Mike Bridges from Mounds, Oklahoma and Eddie Daggett from Beggs, Oklahoma were the winners of the #10 Gold Plus. The team also won the incentive average. They roped four steers in a time of 36.62 seconds, and thus won $7340 plus $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Jack Foreman from Bixby, Oklahoma and Kevin Hutchins from Coweta, Oklahoma. Third place was Heath Harding from Erie, Kansas and Clay Mackey from South Coffeyville, Oklahoma. In the #9 Division the win of the roping went to Jerry Rogers from Sallisaw, Oklahoma and Rick Shockley from Mulberry, Arkansas. The team was 38.98 seconds on four steers. First place paid $7060, trophy USTRC Saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Ty Larson from Council Grove, Kansas and Trey Adams. Third place was the team of George Bunyard and Joe Harris. Tyler Crawford and Gus Myers won the incentive average. The finale of the Oil Capital Stampede saw Keith Hood from Hulbert, Oklahoma and Kelley Calvert from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma take first place in the #8 Pick/ Draw. They team won $4460 plus trophy Gist buckles. Second place was Wyatt Van Orsdol and Shannon Ben, while third place was secured by Nick Weber from Nixa, Missouri and Trent Wright from Wright City, Oklahoma. THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 13

Courtesy of TheSaleHorse.com

otalTeamRoping.com has a lot to offer and ropers everywhere are using the training website to grow their roping skills and progress in the sport. In order to see what TotalTeamRoping.com is all about, our friends at TheSaleHorse.com talked to Bret Beach and gracefully presented the website and all that it incorporates. Take a look at what they had to see and find out for yourself how easy you can begin to improve your roping sills. What Is It? TotalTeamRoping.com is a monthly subscription service managed by Bret Beach, Clay O’Brian Cooper and Charles Pogue. TTR provides access to a giant library of educational roping videos on just about every topic. If YouTube is the Honda Civic of roping videos, this is the Ferrari. Yet, that’s not even the cool part. The coolest part is the ability to send a video of yourself roping and get thoroughly coached on exactly how to get better. You do it on your time, in your pen, at your pace. Easy, breezy, beautiful…team roping.

14 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

Personal Team Roping Training

Why You Should Care: You basically get to practice with the pros. It’s easy to plateau when you rope with the same people over and over again. This service gives you professional tips from people who are A LOT better than you, which is exactly how you improve. Plus, hauling miles to a clinic and paying some $300+ for what can feel just like a group lesson sort of sucks. This is especially true if you are shy or inconveniently located near zero roping schools. How It Works: This site is truly set up for self-learners and ropers who are comfortable analyzing their flaws (duh, that’s the only way to get better). Once you sign up, you’ll have access to over 1,500 super helpful instructional videos. The videos are divided into easy-to-search categories and have solutions for common problems. Each component of the video is slowly broken down using easy to understand terminology, so you’ll have no trouble implementing the tips.

How To Use It: One-On-One Video Coaching – In our opinion, this is the best part of this service. Basically, you upload a video of yourself roping steers (or even just roping the dummy) and you receive a fully analyzed TTR video. They will literally draw on top of your video — like a sports replay — to show exactly what is happening while providing constructive feedback on ways to improve. The Library – The best way to take advantage of this library is to take 10-30 minutes before you rope to watch a couple videos. Get inspired, get educated and set up a plan for yourself based on your personal training goals. By the time you hit the practice pen you’ll be equipped with at least a couple new tools that will seriously improve your game. Q & A Arena – Members may ask questions about specific scenarios and get real answers in the Q&A Arena. No wasting time trolling the internet for results.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 15

LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A PUP

By Crystal Lyons

HIM! Instantly he left the proximity to me that closely related to Velcro, and began moving away, terrified by the cow’s size and obvious ability to squash him! love how God reveals His love for us I quickly moved to his aid and grabbed through our animals, truths that we can him up before momma could act out what be so blind to, though they are open before was clearly in her mind to do. But the funny our eyes. An 8 week old American Bulldog thing was. His response to my voice and his came into my hands and I took him with name was so instantaneous UNTIL he felt me as I walked on my neighbor’s ranch. imminent danger….and suddenly, he became I’ve named him Ruger and as pups do, he deaf! How well that pictures what we do! I followed right on my heels….so close that I can hear God’s voice until FEAR takes over often had to watch not to step on him. Ruger and then I become oblivious to anything was raised in town and up until now, had only but the object of my fear! I thought about experienced being inside a house or a small all this as I carried my precious little guy yard. I was walking out into a world he didn’t to the other side of all the cows. It was so know existed! easy to put myself in his place and realize his I took care to walk where he didn’t probable thought process through experience prickly pear or other painful this experience. things, but before long we encountered…… He has only been with me for a hand COWS. Up until this time, Ruger didn’t full of days. That cow looked WAAAAAY give enough space between him and I that bigger and more powerful than me. How you could hardly put 2 fingers between….. was he to know that I am so much more but when he saw that GIANT in our superior to cows? He hasn’t walked with midst……..!!! All of a sudden, Ruger’s me long enough to know! What he doesn’t attention left me as his vision was glued to know yet is, at this point, his ONLY defense this alien thing towering over us, and more is to stay in my shadow. The WORST thing terrifying than that….it was honed in on

16 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

he could do in that situation was exactly what he DID…..move away from me! Aren’t we just like this? We allow distance to come between us and the Lord because we don’t fully trust Him and our eyes have become overwhelmed by the largeness of our enemy. Our perception always gets distorted when we lose sight of the Master, not to mention how “deafness” seems to come with a distorted view. The smartest thing we can learn in life is…the ONLY safe place to walk through this world….is where Jesus is LEADING! This world is a DANGEROUS place and Ruger’s destiny (as well as our own) can NOT be experienced in the safety of a small back yard. He’s gotta learn about skunks and snakes, horses, wild hogs…..and cows! That’s why he’s got to grow in his relationship with me. And in like manner, that’s exactly why we’ve got to grow in our relationship with the Lord! Are we gonna experience bumps, bruises and get chili rolled a few times? Certainly! But through it all…. we learn to stay on the right path and trust the One Who is superior to anything that seeks to take us out!

of the By Stuart Mitchell

itting here watching the tenth round of the NFR is fun, exciting, and nerve racking. A great friend of mine has a kid, who is also a great friend, roping on the biggest stage there is for a team roper. He has a chance to win two titles: heading and the all-around. He needs the perfect steer and a perfect run to make it all work. As he nods his head the steer doesn’t start like it should. He pulls at the line and gets out late. The steer steps right and things go down hill from there. He’s too long to place in the round, no titles and no money in round ten, it all comes undone...not really. Anticipation can build for a certain outcome and can make you feel down if the outcome is not what you expected. This is not the case with this cowboy. That one steer does not define him or his career. He still won over a hundred thousand at the finals, finished fifth in the world, and had a great year. To him its just the next last steer. He gets to enjoy the moment and relax for

a week or two and then the anticipation starts again for 2017. Denver is in January and that’s where it all started last year. With a good run at Denver, then Odessa and San Antonio, the anticipation will start to build again. Will they make the NFR? The anticipation is for everyone that watches him compete and keeps up with how he’s doing. Anticipation doesn’t come into play with him. He’s just looking for the next steer. Anticipation is part of everyone’s daily life. We anticipate things at work; will we sell more items, produce more product, fix more cars? Will that one student catch on to the concept in class? Will that horse you’re training take a positive step forward or resist today’s training? Anticipation brings on many emotions; worry, depression, anxiety, joy, happiness, etc. What you do with the energy from your emotions will lead to success or failure. How we handle these things will help define our daily life and each day after that. If we could all learn to use

anticipation as a positive motivator we would all be more successful and happy. I’ve had the opportunity to use anticipation in many different situations. Playing football, one must anticipate the snap count. The steer leaving the chute will definitely make you anticipate. My latest adventure training border collies has definitely caused me to experience anticipation. We all anticipate things in life; new jobs, changing schools, life events like weddings, births, deaths, etc. This time of year we anticipate what the new year will bring. As we start 2017 with anticipation I hope we will all learn to channel that energy and emotion in a positive way and focus on the task at hand. So if you’re anticipating the next steer, situation, or tomorrow; slow down and look at the present. Prepare yourself to be successful. Work toward your goals, seize the moment, make the most of today, and don’t let anticipation control your current situation.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 17

with Kaleb Driggers February brings us the middle of winter and for Kaleb Driggers it will be a winter he won’t soon forget. Kaleb has recently joined an elite group of rodeo cowboys, surpassing the 1-million dollar mark in career earnings. Roping with Junior Nogueira again this year, Kaleb, a Georgia native who now resides in Texas has kicked off the new season and the duo have been regulars at the winter rodeos, winning their share of money along the way. They have their eyes cast towards a return trip to next year’s NFR and continuing to enjoy the good times of the rodeo trail along the way. “It’s always been a goal of mine to

18 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

pass the million dollar mark it’s kind of a milestone if you will. I haven’t been paying it much attention just trying to do my job and work at my roping and get better each day. It’s definitely cool to reach a goal you have had when starting but now it’s time to get back after it and try to pass 2 million. ” With the winter rodeos in full swing, you can never count on what the temperature will be at the next event. Ropers know that a change in temperature can play a big part in how your rope handles. With that in mind we asked Kaleb if he has any secrets that he uses to keep that consistent feel with the Lone Star Rope’s he packs with him. “Throughout the winter and

summer I keep my ropes in a controlled temperature, rather it be in my house or my trailer. It seems to help them with their consistency when not going from hot to cold.” In addition to ropes, Kaleb also had words of advice on how he keeps his horses in shape and ready to compete when the weather is unpredictable during this time of year. “I always try to keep my horses exercised and tuned up. It is harder during the winter as the environment isn’t as nice as other times of the year. It is important though to keep them on a good schedule and legged up as good as you can. A solid feeding schedule is a must also. Good feed and clean, fresh water is important in the winter.”

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 19

anuary sure has been a roller coaster ride when it comes to weather! Within a week, we went from record lows to record highs. Who knew it could be seventy degrees in January? Well, that’s Alabama for you. Anyhow, our holiday break is almost over, and we’re picking back up with Bama Challenge in Andalusia, Alabama. We’re all really excited for our Georgia friends to join us, so student officers are working hard to provide entertainment and socials. (They even mentioned a dog race and a sweetheart barrel race. This should be interesting!) But before we get into all that entertainment, I would like to entertain you so I am going to share my lovely goat tying experience at the last rodeo! I warmed up my horse, fixed my goat string, and was ready to go just like normal. I was pretty excited about my run and felt pretty good about it. I entered the arena, ran down, and dismounted without a problem and ran to my goat. This is where it got interesting. Running hard down the rope, I broke down just like I am supposed to then BAM. Somebody punched me in the face, or at least that’s what it felt like. This nice, cute little goat had ever so kindly stood up and rammed his head into my mouth. I guess he was trying to be nice by giving me some bigger lips and red lipstick aka blood. After taking a moment to realize exactly what

had happened, I hurriedly flanked and tied my goat. I stood up and looked around to find directors checking on me and once they found out I was okay had a good laugh, and hopefully you are too right right about now. Believe me, you hate you missed it. Well, that’s all for now. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this. I hope you enjoyed it and actually laughed a little! God bless, Hannah Rogers. We would like to thank the Alabama National Guard for being our newest sponsor of the Alabama High School Rodeo Association. Visit them online at: https://state.nationalguard.com/alabama and like them on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/JoinALGuard

The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. And for 377 years,

the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you. Contact a recruiter to find more specifics about your opportunities in your Alabama Army National Guard. A PATH WITH PURPOSE. You will hurdle obstacles physically and mentally. You will learn skills that translate into civilian jobs and gain experience that can’t be taught in a classroom. You will face challenges and learn to overcome them. With your well-earned sense of pride and selflessness, people will look to you in the moment of need. You will rebuild the lives of friends and neighbors after a devastating disaster, or travel the globe to bring basic human needs to a third-world village. Your sense of purpose and impact on the world around you will never waver again.

Alabama High School Rodeo Upcoming Events February 3-5, 2017 Bama Challenge -Andalusia, AL – Multi State w/ GHSRA (3 Day – 2 Go Rodeo) February 25 & 26, 2017 Milton, FL (2 Day 2 Go w/ shooting) March 11-12, 2017 Montgomery, AL (Tentative Plans) (2 Day – 2 Go) April 8-9, 2017 Priceville, AL (2 Day – 2 Go) April 29 – April 30, 2017 Bay Minette, AL (2 Day 2 Go w/Shooting) State Finals – June 7-10, 2017 – Andalusia AL to include Cutting, RCH, and Shooting 20 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 21

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association

oothills Youth Rodeo Association (FYRA) is a non-profit youth rodeo organization. Our vision is to be the best sanctioned Junior Rodeo Association in the Southeast. Our association is built on integrity, honesty, and dedication. We affirmatively promote, preserve, and protect the safety of our participants, volunteers, staff, and livestock. We foster sportsmanship, leadership, and professionalism in our youth. We are dedicated in teaching cultural awareness and diversity, self-worth, and self-esteem while providing wholesome family entertainment. Get your 2017 Membership, Permit, or Exhibition Application at http://www.rodeofyra.com To Participate you will need to purchase either a Annual Membership, a one rodeo Permit Card (allowing you to compete for prize money), or you may

Exhibition Only (No Prize Money Awarded for the less competitive) as a Member or Non Member! All Age Division Membership Fees: $85.00 *Only $75.00 on or before March 1st each year** Memberships may be purchased at any rodeo & entitles kids to all member activities, Finals, and Year End Point Standings & Awards! Permit Fees: $20.00 per rodeo entered (This does not apply to members! This is a one rodeo participation card to compete for money but will not receive membership benefits, nor apply to point standings.) Exhibitions:(Essentially a Practice Run) Members may not exhibition if entered in that same event. Non Member Exhibitions are allowed. There is No card fee, but must have a signed Participation Application. And must be Called In for.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 23

24 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 25

South Carolina High School Rodeo Association

26 1 / FEBRUARY •• 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 27

Michael Hare Memorial

#15 Champions Tyler Boatwright and Denver Ivester

#12 Champions Jody Hayward and Matt Wilson

#10 Champions Jody Hayword and Ricks Shelton

#8 Champions Taylor Kuntz and Tim Watt

he 10th annual Michael Hare Memorial Roping ended around 4:45 a.m. Yep, 17 long hours....needless to say there were a few glitches, and problem areas, but the event had a big turnout, saw a lot of old friends and in the end several walked away with some Money in their pockets, a buckle, and two championship saddles. Production wants to thank everyone who attended the event and hope

28 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

all the ropers made it home safely and come back. They promise it won’t last 17 hours next year! This is an event and started out small in memory of a good, honest, hard working man who would’ve been proud of the man his son’s Colton Hare and Chance L Hare turned out to be. He taught us life’s too short, Thank God for every day you have,

even the 17+ hour days! We continue to miss his laugh every day. Thanks to all that came out to rope and have a good time. Special thanks to Wayne Dutton Livestock, Samantha Ann Mealer, Marvin Blanton and Hal Alexander! Photos Courtesy of C Bar C – Val Ford

LACEY ASKS: How can I stop cattle from coming in behind me? RICKEY'S TIP: When you rope a steer make sure and keep your steers head bent to the inside a little to keep control. Make sure you’re slowing down enough to keep him between you and the catch pen in the corner of the turn.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 29

South Georgia

December 2-4, 2016 • Perry, Georgia

c i s s Cla

Georgia National Fairgrounds • Produced by NTRL • Total Cash Payout - $224,137 USTRC Sanctioned Qualifier Event High Money Saddle Winners Friday

Saturday

#12 Gold Pus Champions, Kacy Cronan (Clermont, GA) / Randy Moore (Luverne, AL)

#10 Gold Pus Champions, Kenneth Allen (Alma, GA) / Matt Jarriel (Collins, GA) Open Cory Kidd V (Statesville, NC) Adam Plyler (Pageland, SC)

#11 Brent Kittle (Woodland, AL) Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL)

#12 Dillon Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC) Rick Scruggs (Campobello, SC) #15 Jaxson Tucker (Mount Ulla, NC) Caleb Anderson (Charlotte, NC)

#8 Joey Crews (Keystone Heights, FL) Bryce Hart (Keystone Heights, FL) #13 Dean Wilson (Louin, MS) Glenn Davis (Salem, AL)

#10 Jaret Nobles (Barnwell, SC) Doyle Nobles (Aynor, SC)

30 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

#9 Eliott Hooper (Whittier, NC) Todd Christian (Madison, GA)

lts Resum fro

c i s s South Georgia Cla

December 2-4, 2016 • Perry, Georgia

Georgia National Fairgrounds • Produced by NTRL • Total Cash Payout - $224,137 Open

Average 1. Cory Kidd V (Statesville, NC) / Adam Plyler (Pageland, SC), 38.12, $1,840; 2. Cory Kidd V (Statesville, NC) / Caleb Anderson (Charlotte, NC), 42.46, $1,220

#15 Handicap

Average 1. Jaxson Tucker (Mount Ulla, NC) / Caleb Anderson (Charlotte, NC), 31.09, $3,860; 2. Cory Clark (Ridge Spring, SC) / Blaine Courson (Lake City, FL), 31.62, $2,900; 3. Ross Lowry (Summerville, GA) / Mark Gentry (Vincent, AL), 32.8, $1,940; 4. Dean Wilson (Louin, MS) / Zack Mabry (Anderson, AL), 36, $960

#13 Handicap

Average 1. Dean Wilson (Louin, MS) / Glenn Davis (Salem, AL), 32.97, $5,780; 2. Jaxson Tucker (Mount Ulla, NC) / Cory Clark (Ridge Spring, SC), 33.52, $3,850; 3. Jaxson Tucker (Mount Ulla, NC) / Bradley Massey (Perry, FL), 35.02, $3,050; 4. Russ J Gibson (Manor, GA) / Mark Gentry (Vincent, AL), 36.68, $2,240; 5. Zack Cargle (Armuchee, GA) / Tyler Thornton (Hoboken, GA), 37.99, $1,120

#12

Average 1. Dillon Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC) / Rick Scruggs (Campobello, SC), 31.25, $5,840; 2. Bradley Ammons (Fort Myers, FL) / Derrick Davis (Baldwin, FL), 33.61, $3,890; 3. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / Clay Futrell (Union Grove, NC), 34.62, $3,080; 4. David Gaddis (Canton, GA) / Denver Ivester (Clarkesville, GA), 34.76, $2,270; 5. Zack Cargle (Armuchee, GA) / Glenn Davis (Salem, AL), 35.57, $1,140; 6. T J Allen (Dadeville, AL) / Ed Allen (Dadeville, AL), 35.68, $480; 7. Charles Shook (Leicester, NC) / Steven Farmer (Cartersville, GA), 36.52, $480

#11

Average 1. Brent Kittle (Woodland, AL) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 32.6, $7,000; 2. Dillon Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC) / Jaret Nobles (Barnwell, SC), 33.8, $4,660; 3. Scott Bone (Calhoun, GA) / Tate Thomas (Ranger, GA), 33.89, $3,690; 4. Faith John (Punta Gorda, FL) / Derrick Davis (Baldwin, FL), 33.92, $2,720; 5. Faith John (Punta Gorda, FL) / Rick Scruggs (Campobello, SC), 34.06, $1,360; 6. Garrett Keeter (Blackspur, SC) / Brandon Callen (Lake City, FL), 34.6, $720; 7. Wyatt Allen (Dadeville, AL) / Ed Allen (Dadeville, AL), 35.06, $720; 8. Will Springer (Ocala, FL) / Ryon Springer (Ocala, FL), 35.09, $480; 9. Matt Thomas (Ranger, GA) / Matt Wilson (Madison, GA),

35.16, $480; 10. Christopher Peebles (Kite, GA) / Rick Scruggs (Campobello, SC), 35.55, $480

#10

Average 1. Jaret Nobles (Barnwell, SC) / Doyle Nobles (Aynor, SC), 33.95, $7,090; 2. Walter Taylor (Opp, AL) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 37.77, $4,730; 3. Joe Capps (Gallion, AL) / Logan McNeill (Lapine, AL), 37.89, $3,650; 4. Coltin Nobles (Barnwell, SC) / Joby Cole Garrison (Fountain Inn, SC), 41.32, $2,580; 5. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 41.47, $1,930; 6. Tish Luke (Yeehaw Junction, FL) / Glenn Davis (Salem, AL), 43.36, $1,500; 7. Jeremy Rector (Pelzer, SC) / Jeremy Gault (Fountain Inn, SC), 44.67, $720; 8. Scott Bone (Calhoun, GA) / Matt Thomas (Ranger, GA), 45.02, $720; 9. Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL) / Logan McNeill (Lapine, AL), 45.53, $480; 10. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / Ryan Lee (Edgemoor, SC), 46.47, $480; 11. Greg Graden (Newberry, FL) / Keith Heritage (Archer, FL), 46.56, $480; 12. Bob Herrington (San Mateo, FL) / Scott Seiler (Ocala, FL), 47.52, $480; 13. Dillon Lawless (Fountain Inn, SC) / Jeremy Gault (Fountain Inn, SC), 47.7, $480; 14. Wyatt B Winstead (Tamassee, SC) / Bryer Hamilton (Tellico Plains, TN), 27.57, $480; 15. Mike Woolven (Nettleton, MS) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 28.38, $480

Average 1. Eliott Hooper (Whittier, NC) / Todd Christian (Madison, GA), 37.41, $9,560; 2. Mitch Rogers (Claxton, GA) / Matt Jarriel (Collins, GA), 37.82, $6,060; 3. Wyatt Allen (Dadeville, AL) / Cole Harmon (Lafayette, AL), 40.01, $4,140; 4. Joey Denney (Carrollton, GA) / Tate Thomas (Ranger, GA), 40.71, $3,500; 5. Jade Nobles (Barnwell, SC) / Matt Jarriel (Collins, GA), 41.28, $2,860; 6. Micah Gaines (Jacksonville, AL) / Zane Ham (Menlo, GA), 42.98, $2,550; 7. Ryanne Heath (Bowdon, GA) / Tate Thomas (Ranger, GA), 43.97, $1,920; 8. Dustin Reid (Piedmont, AL) / W L Wortham (Roanoke, AL), 46.15, $1,280; 9. Billy Helton (Warthen, GA) / Dalton Hanlon (Gainsville, GA), 47.44, $720; 10. Logan Taylor (Taylorsville, NC) / Cody Ariola (Mcalpin, FL), 47.72, $720; 11. Stacy Burney (Emelle, AL) / Chad Green (Roanoke, AL), 48.04, $480; 12. Cody Graham (Henagar, AL) / Greg Mitchell (Adairsville, GA), 48.39, $480; 13. Brett Farmer (Gainesville, GA) / Heath Hanlon (Gainesville, GA), 50.38, $480; 14. John Shockley (Madison, GA) / Dillon Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC), 51.16, $480; 15. Debbie Wood (Rochelle, GA) / Darrell Bruce (Fort Valley, GA), 53.72, $480; 16. Caleb Jordan (Woodbine, GA) / Jerry Sercer (Rochelle, GA), 58.12, $480; 17.

Mikhayla Graham (Henagar, AL) / Dawson Boswell (Adairsville, GA), 26.19, $480; 18. Mikhayla Graham (Henagar, AL) / Devan Gilbert (Henagar, AL), 32.86, $480

#8 PickDraw

Average 1. Joey Crews (Keystone Heights, FL) / Bryce Hart (Keystone Heights, FL), 25.64, $6,690; 2. Natalie Nobles (Barnwell, SC) / Chad Ray (Gainesville, GA), 27.9, $4,240; 3. Joey Denney (Carrollton, GA) / Luke Denney (Carrollton, GA), 30.15, $2,900; 4. Eric Trent Parker (Elm City, NC) / Jesse Mayhew (Catawba, NC), 30.91, $2,450; 5. Nathan Gray (Tifton, GA) / Davis Sewell (Greer, SC), 33.73, $2,010; 6. Clint Copenhaver (Macon, GA) / Wyatt Allen (Dadeville, AL), 33.76, $1,780; 7. Chris Potts (Roanoke, AL) / Cody Stubbs (Odenville, AL), 33.91, $1,340; 8. Josie Layne Hussey (Montgomery, AL) / Dustin Reid (Piedmont, AL), 35.45, $890; 9. Jimmy Peele (Sanderson, FL) / W L Wortham (Roanoke, AL), 36.06, $450; 10. Tanner Mooney (Homer, GA) / Dalton Hanlon (Gainsville, GA), 39.7, $450; 11. Kip Smith (Haddock, GA) / Denise LaBeck (Greenville, SC), 41.8, $300; 12. Brett Farmer (Gainesville, GA) / Mike Bratton (Phenix City, AL), 17.08, $300; 13. Coleman Reid (Piedmont, AL) / Monty Nix (Blackville, SC), 17.1, $300; 14. Wyatt B Winstead (Tamassee, SC) / W L Wortham (Roanoke, AL), 17.58, $300; 15. Hunter Prince (Oxford, GA) / Chris Helton (Warthen, GA), 17.72, $300; 16. Bob Tanner (Simpsonville, SC) / Brady Peele (Gray Court, SC), 18.31, $300; 17. Bob Tanner (Simpsonville, SC) / Chad Ray (Gainesville, GA), 19.68, $300; 18. Chad Childers (Fairmount, GA) / Houston Childers (Fairmount, GA), 19.84, $300

#12 Gold Plus

Average 1. Kacy Cronan (Clermont, GA) / Randy Moore (Luverne, AL), 32.65, $5,230; 2. Seth Thomas (Greenville, AL) / Glenn Davis (Salem, AL), 34.66, $3,480; 3. Trey Miller (Mcdonough, GA) / Matt Thomas (Ranger, GA), 36.11, $2,760; 4. Matt Thomas (Ranger, GA) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 36.32, $2,040; 5. Tom Kelly (Clayton, AL) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 37.4, $1,020

#10 Gold Plus

Average 1. Kenneth Allen (Alma, GA) / Matt Jarriel (Collins, GA), 42.05, $6,610; 2. Chris Sercer (Rochelle, GA) / Anthony Stafford (Southport, FL), 46.16, $4,400; 3. Jeremy Rector (Pelzer, SC) / Jamie Rector (Pelzer, SC), 49.59, $3,490; 4. Britt Claxton (Millen, GA) / Scott Heath (Bowdon, GA), 50.61, $2,570; 5. Mitch Rogers (Claxton, GA) / Charles Shook (Leicester, NC), 51.68, $1,280 THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 31

WELCOME TO THE

PATRIOT!

32 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

WELCOME TO THE PATRIOT! WELCOME TO THE PATRIOT! THEPATRIOT PATRIOTisisAMERICA’S AMERICA’S RICHEST COMBINED EQUINE EVENT THE RICHEST COMBINED EQUINE EVENT Eachyear yearit itbrings bringstogether together past, present, and future Each thethe past, present, and future of of thethe mostentertaining entertainingofofcompetitive competitive cowboy events; Team Roping, Calf most cowboy events; Team Roping, Calf Roping,Barrel BarrelRacing, Racing,and and Mounted-Shooting!The The Events Roping, Mounted-Shooting! Events at at TheThe Patriotoffer offersomething somethingforforevery every kind cowboy and cowgirl.NoNo Patriot kind of of cowboy and cowgirl. matterwhat whatlevel levelyou youare, are,nono matter what skill you are, matter how matter matter what skill you are, nono matter how athleticyou youare, are,wewehave havea a place you come and compete athletic place forfor you to to come in in and compete withpeople peoplejust justlike likeyou. you. with ThePatriot Patriotwill willbebehosted hostedeach each February Fort Worth, The February in in Fort Worth, TXTX at at thethe WillRoger’s Roger’sMemorial MemorialCenter Center and succeed PBR’s Iron Cowboy Will and willwill succeed PBR’s Iron Cowboy andRFD-TVs RFD-TVsAmerican, American,the the World’s Richest One Day Rodeo, and World’s Richest One Day Rodeo, forfor 2017.RFDTV, RFDTV,PBR, PBR,and andThe The Patriot offering days some 2017. Patriot areare offering 1010 days of of some of of thebest bestentertainment entertainmentin inthe the world! Come enjoy sporting the world! Come enjoy allall thethe toptop sporting events,concerts, concerts,tradeshows, tradeshows, and great city Fort Worth! events, and thethe great city of of Fort Worth!

THE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEFOR FORAMERICA’S AMERICA’SROPER ROPER // 33 2 THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 2

34 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 35

36 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

2018

PATRIOT QUALIFIER

APRIL 8-9, 2017 WESTERN STATE BANK EXPO DODGE CITY, KS

TOP 2 TEAMS IN ALL QUALIFYING ROPINGS

GUARANTEED

SPOTS AT THE 2018 PATRIOT FINALE!

THE WORLD’S RICHEST YOUTH EVENT:

YOUNG GUNS

World Championships PRESENTED BY SMARTY HELD DURING THE 2018 PATRIOT FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Western State Bank Expo 11333 US-283, Dodge City, KS 67801 For Stalls & RV Hookups Contact: Expo Office @ 620-338-8284

BOOKS OPEN AT 8:00 AM • ROPE AT 9:30 AM (BOTH DAYS) • CASH ONLY ENTRIES CLOSE AT START OF SHORT GO FOR PREVIOUS ROPING

Saturday, OCTOBER 8

#13 HANDICAP PICK/DRAW PICK 1 DRAW 1 OR DRAW 2-1 SECOND UP & DOWN $150 PER ROPER, ENTER 2X, NO CAPS, NO AGE LIMIT #13 PATRIOT QUALIFIER $150 PER ROPER, ENTER 2X, NO CAPS, MUST BE 21, 80% PAYBACK #12 PATRIOT QUALIFIER $150 PER ROPER, ENTER 2X, NO CAPS, MUST BE 21, 80% PAYBACK YOUNG GUNS #12 PATRIOT QUALIFIER $100 PER ROPER, ENTER 2X, MUST BE UNDER 21, 80% PAYBACK #11 PATRIOT QUALIFIER $150 PER ROPER, ENTER 2X, NO CAPS, MUST BE 21, 80% PAYBACK

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9

#12 HANDICAP PICK/DRAW PICK 1 DRAW 1 OR DRAW 2-1 SECOND UP & DOWN $150 PER ROPER, ENTER 3X, NO CAPS, NO AGE LIMIT #10 PATRIOT QUALIFIER $150 PER ROPER, ENTER 2X, NO CAPS, MUST BE 21, 80% PAYBACK #9 PATRIOT QUALIFIER $150 PER ROPER, ENTER 2X, NO CAPS, MUST BE 21, 80% PAYBACK #8 PICK/DRAW PATRIOT QUALIFIER PICK 1 DRAW 2 OR DRAW ALL FOR $120, ENTER 3X, CAPPED AT 4E, NO AGE LIMIT

THE PATRIOT IS AMERICA’S RICHEST COMBINED EQUINE EVENT WITH OVER $2.2 MILLION PAID OUT IN 2016 AND OVER $3.3 MILLION COMBINED PROJECTED PAYOUT IN 2017

MUST BE 21 FOR ALL PATRIOT ROPINGS. MUST BE 20 AND UNDER FOR ALL YOUNG GUNS. FOR MORE INFO ON THE PATRIOT EVENT VISIT AMERICANPATRIOTEVENT.COM.

ALL Ropings are 4-steer progressive on 1. TRIAD Numbers Only. 2017 USTRC membership or 2017 WSTR membership required. All ropings are cash only. Both ends are paid at time of entry. Priefert Quick Start Barrier. The Patriot Qualifier produced by Y Hanging J Productions. For more information call Zane Edmondson at 620.855.0911 or Brent Boyd at 620.357.1495

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 37

38 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 39

40 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 41

42 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 43

44 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 45

FLORIDA

CHAMPIONSHIPS

A NATIONAL FINALS QUALIFIER

USTRC Sanctioned Event Guarantee - Never Less Than:

FORMAT

$184,000 USTRC Flex Earnings Ultimate Partner Finder Draw-in Options in Effect

GUARANTEED 2/3 CASH PAYBACK SARASOTA, FL

ACTION STARTS 9 a.m. DAILY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • #15 Handicap • #13 Handicap • #12 (with #11 Inc.) • 80% Payback Gold Plus #12 (with #11 Inc.) Century Bonus included • #11 (with #10 Inc.)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 • #10 (with #9 Inc.) • 80% Payback Gold Plus #10 capped at an Elite #5 (with #9 Inc.) Century Bonus included • #9 (with #8 Inc.) • #8 Pick/Draw for beginner & novice ropers only (books close at 12 noon)

12 noon Saturday Kids 6 and under, 7-9 and 10-12

PRIZES PAID FOR BY PRODUCER 17 Trophy Gist Buckles • Incentive Average winners of the #12, #11, #10 & #9 • 1st through 3rd place Average winners of the #8 Pick/Draw • Winners of the Junior Looper Divisions

ON-SITE ENTRY • CASH ONLY

#15 Handicap $120/roper. Enter 3 times • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • #14 team - 1.5 sec. off • #13 & under team - 3 sec. off

(for more details see the format section in the back of this issue of SuperLooper Magazine)

FEBRUARY 25 - 26, 2017

#13 Handicap $120/roper. Enter 3 times • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • #12 team - 1.5 sec. off • #11 & under team - 3 sec. off #12, #11 #10, #9 $120/roper. Enter 3 times maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • #12 (with #11 Incentive) #11 (with #10 Incentive) • #10 capped at an Elite #6 (with #9 Incentive) • #9 capped at an Elite #5 (with #8 Incentive) • Top 20 teams to the short round • Top 30 to short round in #9 only

80% Payback Gold Plus #12 (with #11 Incentive) $150/roper. Enter 3 times, maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • Any comb. of Incentive/Nonincentive • Gold Plus members 25 years and over only • Top 3 Average teams and Incentive Average teams receive $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings 80% Payback Gold Plus #10 capped at an Elite #5 (with #9 Incentive) $150/roper. Enter 3 times, maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • Any comb. of Incentive/Nonincentive • Gold Plus members 25 years and over only • Top 3 Average teams and Incentive Average teams receive $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings #8 Pick/Draw (capped at a #4) $150/roper. Pick 1, draw 1 or draw 2 • Enter 2 times for a total of 4 runs or enter once for a total of 2 runs • 3-steer, Progressive after 1 • #7 team 2 sec. off, #6 & under 3 sec. off • No Incentive • Top 30 teams to the short round.

6 Trophy Gist Knives • Average winners of the #15, #13 & #12

6 Trophy Ritchie ColdSaver Coolers • Average winners of the #11, #10 & #9 Average winners and Incentive Average winners of the #10 & #12 Gold Plus Divisions will receive a Qualification to Location: J 3 Ranch and Arena Directions: 861 Sinclair Dr., Sarasota, FL Producer: John Johnson and JX2 Productions Cattle: Jay Holmes Stalls: First come first served. Stall reservations accepted from Gold Plus members

Current coggins may be requested. 2017 USTRC membership or 2017 WSTR membership required before you rope. USTRC membership may be purchased at this event. Memberships purchased at this event are good for 2017 season. only and must be made no later than 7 days prior to the event. Call your Gold Plus representative, Lauren Hardman. Other stalls please call Jay Holmes 941.232.4617 Event Info: John Johnson 423.340.0640 or USTRC office 254.968.0002 Choice Hotels: choicesportstravel.com, Special Rate ID #00214570

UNITED STATES TEAM ROPING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Official Home of America’s Cowboy Sport For more information visit ustrc.com

46 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE

/ 1

TENNESSEE CHAMPIONSHIPS

USTRC Sanctioned Event Guarantee - Never Less Than:

A NATIONAL FINALS QUALIFIER

FORMAT

ON-SITE ENTRY • CASH ONLY

$200,000 USTRC Flex Earnings Ultimate Partner Finder Draw-in Options in Effect

Open (with #15 Incentive) $150/roper. Enter 2 times, maximim • 5-steer, Progressive after 1 • Any comb. of Incentive/Non-incentive

(for more details see the format section in the back of this issue of SuperLooper Magazine)

#15 Handicap $120/roper. Enter 3 times • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • #14 team - 1.5 sec. off • #13 & under team - 3 sec. off

GUARANTEED 2/3 CASH PAYBACK MARCH 17 - 19, 2017

FRANKLIN, TN

ACTION STARTS 9 a.m. DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 17

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

• Open (with #15 Inc.) • #15 Handicap • #13 Handicap • #12 (with #11 Inc.)

• 80% Payback Gold Plus #12 (with #11 Inc.) Century Bonus included • #11 (with #10 Inc.) • #10 (with #9 Inc.)

• 80% Payback Gold Plus #10 capped at an Elite #5 (with #9 Inc.) Century Bonus included • #9 (with #8 Inc.) • #8 Pick/Draw for beginner & novice ropers only (books close at 12 noon)

12 noon Saturday Kids 6 and under, 7-9 and 10-12

PRIZES PAID FOR BY PRODUCER 3 Trophy USTRC Saddles • High Money Winner each day (specialty ropings excluded)

23 Trophy Gist Buckles • Average winners of the #11, #10 & #9 • Incentive Average winners of the #12, #11, #10 & #9 • 1st through 3rd place Average winners of the #8 Pick/Draw • Winners of the Junior Looper Divisions

80% Payback Gold Plus #12 (with #11 Incentive) $150/roper. Enter 3 times, maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • Any comb. of Incentive/Non-incentive • Gold Plus members 25 years and over only • Top 3 Average teams and Incentive Average teams receive $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings 80% Payback Gold Plus #10 capped at an Elite #5 (with #9 Incentive) $150/roper. Enter 3 times, maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • Any comb. of Incentive/Non-incentive • Gold Plus members 25 years and over only • Top 3 Average teams and Incentive Average teams receive $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings #8 Pick/Draw (capped at a #4) $150/roper. Pick 1, draw 1 or draw 2 • Enter twice for a total of 4 runs or once for a total of 2 runs • 3-steer, Progressive after 1 • #7 team 2 sec. off, #6 & under 3 sec. off • No Incentive • Top 30 teams to the short round.

6 Trophy Ritchie ColdSaver Coolers • Average winners of the #15, #13 & #12 Average winners and Incentive Average winners of the #10 & #12 Gold Plus Divisions will receive a Qualification to Location: Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064 Directions: Take I-65 to exit #61, turn east on Peytonville Road, then left on Long Lane. Producer: John Johnson & JX2 Productions Cattle: Chip Phillips Stalls: First come first served. Stall reservations accepted from

Current coggins may be requested. 2017 USTRC membership or 2017 WSTR membership required before you rope. USTRC membership may be purchased at this event. Memberships purchased at this event are good for 2017 season. Gold Plus members only and must be made no later than 7 days prior to the event. Call your Gold Plus representative, Lauren Hardman. All other stall reservations may be made by calling Terry Key 865.256.1836 Event Info: John Johnson 423.340.0640 or USTRC office 254.968.0002 Hotels:Quality Inn 615.794.7591, 1307 Murfreeboro Rd., Franklin, TN Choice Hotels: choicesportstravel.com, Special Rate ID #00214570

UNITED STATES TEAM ROPING CHAMPIONSHIPS

/ APRIL 2015

The Official Home of America’s Cowboy Sport For more information visit ustrc.com

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 47

www.STSRanch.com

s a sports fan, this is one of my favorite times of the year. NFL and College playoffs are going on right now. I have the opportunity to listen to sports talk radio a lot while I am feeding my cows. I always enjoy listening to the older, retired players and their perspective of when they played this time of the year. It has made me reflect on my own career. I came to this conclusion. Some things you never get over. You just learn to live with them. I will never forget one particular moment in my life. It was in 2005 after the 10th go round at the WNFR. I came into that go round in the lead, won the go round, but lost the gold buckle by $1400.00. Now up this point, every time you win a go round, you take a victory lap, and go to a huge buckle presentation at the South Point Hotel and Casino. Usually I would be ecstatic to win a go round, but I am numb and disgusted that I had lost the World Championship. . I was

48 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

walking down the media tunnel underneath the Thomas and Mack and passed a PRCA employee who nonchalantly tossed my go round buckle to me. I stopped and immediately took my San Anton buckle off (one that I had worn my whole career) and put this 10th go round buckle on my belt. I wanted a consistent reminder of that feeling, and a visible reminder to never let that happen again. Fast forward 3 long years, past a couple of surgeries and many sleepless nights. In 2008, I was very fortunate to win the World championship. Looking back now, I wouldn’t change the way things played out. It was all God’s perfect timing. The journey was an experience I will never forget. I feel like it’s very important to never be satisfied but learn to be content. My good friend, Marcos Costa, had a couple of really bad breaks that cost him a gold buckle. We have discussed it several times since WNFR.

He could dwell on those breaks, or simply realize that it just wasn’t his time. If I know anything, it’s Romans 8:28… “God works in all things.” If we will allow God to work in HIS time, the result will be better than you can ever imagine. The good and the bad about gold buckles is only a few are privileged to win them. I am so pleased for Tyson Durfey. I know this has been a dream come true for he and his dad. He has worked so hard, and it is very well deserved. Congratulations to Tyson and his whole family. Nothing like celebrating Christmas with a precious healthy baby and a gold buckle to boot. Congratulations to all of the World Champions. You have reached the pinnacle of your sport. Until next time God bless and I’ll see you down the line

SWEAT AND BALIN’ TWINE Strength

can say I know a family that epitomizes true strength. The situations under which that strength has been exhibited are extremely sorrowful. Despite of, or due to, this saddnes, I learned a lesson, one this family has shown time and again. The Peerys are my neighbors. Mrs Peery is a retired elementary teacher whose two farms are bordered by the property on which my day job is headquartered. She has seen her share of hardship. Her husband was a math teacher when I was in high school and a farmer on the side. From an old Burke’s Garden family like mine, Mr Peery knew my father and uncle well. He spent my four high school years trying to catch me up to no good, it seemed. As I got older, I realized he was doing his best to redirect me from the negative. He eventually moved up to the school board office and was director of technology. Not long after his retirement, Mr Peery

was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Even though his health rapidly deteriorated, he and his family maintained their faith and helpfulness to their fellow human beings. I was able to visit him one day, after he had lost the ability to communicate verbally. I went to thank him for trying to steer me in the right direction so many years before. Mrs Peery attempted to run the farm after his passing, but with their son living away by then, it was a struggle. Eventually she leased one place to HQ and the smaller farm to me. We have maintained a good working relationship and friendship. When I lived at HQ, the kids knew in case of emergency to go to Mrs Peery. Just a few days before Christmas, tragedy struck this fine family once more. Her son’s young wife, and the mother of their three small children, unexpectedly passed away. Laura was a wonderful, sweet, kind soul. I attended the funeral service. There I watched a grieving widowed husband and father tend to his children,

BY JOHN B. RHUDY

his mother, and his in laws with no regard to his own suffering. While this in itself shows the strong character of Seth Peery, the moment which touched me came next. He stood up, approached the dias, and proceeded to deliver a touching, heartfelt, and moving tribute to his wife. Ramrod straight, eloquent, and to the point, Seth reminded me so much of his father. Both men have been strong in their faith, their family, and their devotion to the community. I sat there, engrossed in his eulogy with one thought in my mind. This was how true inner strength manifests itself. How many of us could put aside our own suffering to be the rock for our loved ones and share our heartfelt appreciation of a lost loved one in such a manner? I was moved beyond words. These are the kind of people who make differences in this world. Not once have I seen pettiness, self pity, or unbecoming behavior from anyone in this family. I’m proud to call them neighbor; I’m humbled to be their friend.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 49 Sweat and Balin Twine.indd 1

2/9/2017 1:47:14 PM

BLUEGRASS CHAMPIONSHIPS

A NATIONAL FINALS QUALIFIER

USTRC Sanctioned Event Guarantee - Never Less Than:

FORMAT

ON-SITE ENTRY • CASH ONLY

$184,000 USTRC Flex Earnings Ultimate Partner Finder Draw-in Options in Effect

#15 Handicap $120/roper. Enter 3 times • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • #14 team - 1.5 sec. off • #13 & under team - 3 sec. off

(for more details see the format section in the back of this issue of SuperLooper Magazine)

#13 Handicap $120/roper. Enter 3 times • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • #12 team - 1.5 sec. off • #11 & under team - 3 sec. off

GUARANTEED 2/3 CASH PAYBACK

#12, #11 #10, #9 $120/roper. Enter 3 times maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • #12 (with #11 Incentive) #11 (with #10 Incentive) • #10 capped at an Elite #6 (with #9 Incentive) • #9 capped at an Elite #5 (with #8 Incentive) • Top 20 teams to the short round • Top 30 to short round in #9 only

APRIL 1 - 2, 2017

LIBERTY, KY

ACTION STARTS 9 a.m. DAILY FRIDAY, MARCH 31

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

• NTRL/USTRC Affiliate Warmup Roping - 5 p.m. See March issue, NTRL Section for more information.

• #15 Handicap

• 80% Payback Gold Plus #10 capped at an Elite #5 (with #9 Inc.) Century Bonus included • #9 (with #8 Inc.) • #8 Pick/Draw for beginner & novice ropers only (books close at 12 noon)

12 noon Saturday Kids 6 and under, 7-9 and 10-12

• #13 Handicap • #12 (with #11 Inc.) • 80% Payback Gold Plus #12 (with #11 Inc.) Century Bonus included • #11 (with #10 Inc.) • #10 (with #9 Inc.)

80% Payback Gold Plus #12 (with #11 Incentive) $150/roper. Enter 3 times, maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • Any comb. of Incentive/Non-incentive • Gold Plus members 25 years and over only • Top 3 Average teams and Incentive Average teams receive $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings 80% Payback Gold Plus #10 capped at an Elite #5 (with #9 Incentive) $150/roper. Enter 3 times, maximum • 4-steer, Progressive after 1 • Any comb. of Incentive/Non-incentive • Gold Plus members 25 years and over only • Top 3 Average teams and Incentive Average teams receive $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings #8 Pick/Draw (capped at a #4) $150/roper. Pick 1, draw 1 or draw 2 • Enter twice for a total of 4 runs • 3-steer, Progressive after 1 • #7 team 2 sec. off, #6 & under 3 sec. off • No Incentive • Top 30 teams to the short round.

6 Trophy Gist Knives • Average winners of the #15, #13 & #12

6 Trophy Ritchie ColdSaver Cooler • Average winners of the #11, #10 & #9 Average winners and Incentive Average winners of the #10 & #12 Gold Plus Divisions will receive a Qualification to Location: Casey County Ag Expo Center 678 South Wallace Wilkinson Blvd., Liberty, KY 42539 Producer: John Johnson and JX2 Productions Cattle: Ryan Shaw Stalls: First come first served. Stall reservations accepted from Gold Plus members only and must be made no later than 7 days prior to the

UNITED STATES TEAM ROPING CHAMPIONSHIPS

/ APRIL 2015

The Official Home of America’s Cowboy Sport For more information visit ustrc.com

50 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

Current coggins and health papers are required. 2017 USTRC membership or 2017 WSTR membership required before you rope. USTRC membership may be purchased at this event. Memberships purchased at this event are good for 2017 season. event. Call your Gold Plus representative, Lauren Hardman. All other reservations call Terry Key 865.256.1836 Event Info: John Johnson 423.340.0640 or USTRC office 254.968.0002 Choice Hotels: choicesportstravel.com, Special Rate ID #00214570

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 51

The Other Half Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse

e had roped all weekend and sadly there wasn’t much money involved. It proved to be a long way home with conversation at a minimum. The kids slept and I put it on cruise and let Strait croon us down the highway. Boss watched the video over and over and muttered repeatedly, “I thought we had that worked out.” It was the same song just a different verse. Somewhere along the way we stopped for a bathroom break, unloaded horses and grabbed a snack. “I hear a dog barking,” Boss commented. “Must be over in that parking lot someplace.” And we went on our not so merry way. It was late when we got home and I was just glad to get horses unloaded and put up and kids to bed. It had been a long drawn out weekend and we were more than tired. As the week unfolded we practiced, rode horses and got caught up on laundry and all those necessary things that make up our lives. However, I began to worry about June Bug. She didn’t eat much and didn’t show much interest in riding or roping. She just kind of hung out at the trailer at first and then the barn and didn’t have much to say. Boss sent her on an errand or two to bring ropes or Vetericyn and then a roping glove or two. She complied willingly and even offered on her own to do errands that involved the trailer or the barn. However, she steered away from the house and it was a chore to get her to eat or sleep. “You are going to have to take her to the doctor,” Boss said. “I don’t know what is wrong with her. She’s totally despondent.” “She is just plain weird,” Buzzy tossed in his two cents worth. I asked her what was wrong and her only repeated comment was, “Oh nothing, I’m just hanging out. Nothing is wrong.” That made absolutely no sense to me. This went on for a couple of days. Something was on her mind. She didn’t want to ride, she didn’t want to rope. She just, sort of, sat around and watched. It was like she was running interference for some reason. When I went to clean the trailer she asked if she could do and that had never happened. She volunteered to feed for Boss and Buzzy and that made no sense at all. She carried a little silver bucket everywhere she went and pretty soon I noticed her putting her food in an empty butter container. “Something is going on with that kid,” Boss pointed out again. “And it has nothing to do with her being a girl.” “Yea, girls are weird,” Buzzy chimed in and I assured them I’d find out soon what was going on if they would NOT offer to help. There are just some things a girl doesn’t want her dad’s or brother’s input on. I questioned her as I saddled her horse and she just said she wasn’t in the mood to ride 52 / FEBRUARY • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

Puppies, Ropes and Vetericyn By Gracie Mae

or rope. “I’m just thinking about a lot of things,” she said. “I just need a quiet moment.” Whatever that meant? When I heard her go out the door the next morning I looked at the clock and the digital read 6:15 am. My kids have to be blown out of bed at six in the morning. Even during school it is a chore to get them moving. I slipped from the warm covers and followed June Bug to the trailer. When she opened a side door a bottle of Vetericyn fell on the ground. Using her flashlight she picked it up and then a rope fell out from behind the door. She was talking but I couldn’t understand a word. Suddenly, I knew. The whining gave it away. I edged closer in the morning dawn. I didn’t want to scare her or surprise her. Very tenderly and carefully she lifted out of a box one at a time. Puppies! She had been hiding puppies. She lifted out one, another one, a third one, another one, and Praise the Lord, she stopped at five. My June Bug had been mothering and taking care of a litter of baby puppies. They licked her and she fed them and held each one. They waddled on the ground doing what puppies do and she was doing all she could to see each one had all the attention it needed. I carefully headed back to the yard fence and then proceeded to make a bit of noise so she would hear me coming. I watched carefully as she placed each one back in the trailer door and shushed them. The Vetericyn fell on the ground again and so did the rope but she quickly and quietly replaced them and gently closed the door. She headed toward the yard where we came face to face. “June Bug? Something going on?” I said quietly. She replied with just needing a quiet moment and walked around me headed to the house. At that same moment Boss hit the back door and asked in his not to quiet voice, “What the heck is going on?” June Bug went around him and muttered something about a quiet moment and went on in the house. “This has to stop,” Boss muttered. “Do we need to take her to the doctor?” I grinned and told him it had everything to do with ropes and Vetericyn. “Oh that is great,” he whined and whaled. “And now you are losing your mind too!” I proceeded to fix breakfast and wondered how I should approach June about the puppies. She had done such a good job mothering them, hiding them and protecting them. With breakfast on the table Boss and Buzzy chowed down but June Bug was very selective about what she ate and made sure the empty butter container was close by. “I have something I need to ask you, June Bug?” I questioned. “I thought I heard a strange noise coming from the trailer last night, like it might have been a growl or maybe some

whining? Did you hear it?” Buzzy piped up and said he figured it was a stray cat. “I’ll run it out of the trailer with my rope.” June Bug bristled immediately. “I’ll check it out,” she said. “You stay away from the trailer,” she was adamant. Unbeknownst to Boss and Buzzy she was a mom on the fight and she might take them both out if she thought her pups were in danger. Finally, I said, “I’ve got to go get a bottle of Vetericyn out of the trailer to use later. Do you know where it is?” I asked. June Bugs eyes went wide. I winked at her and suddenly you could see a load of a lifetime lift off her shoulders. She winked back and was so relieved I knew. She now had a partner in crime. We kept the puppies hidden for a couple more days and it was our secret. She had volunteered to take the puppies at the roping the previous weekend because they had been trying to give them away. The man told her they were going to the pound if he didn’t find homes. It was more than my June Bug could handle. I just was amazed at how well she had done to keep them hidden, fed and tended to. “Why didn’t you tell us?” I asked. She had a good point when she explained, “Do you think dad would let us have five puppies?” Boss was going to throw a fit but I promised we would find them all good homes but they couldn’t live in the trailer forever. Boss did throw a fit and Buzzy claimed he knew they were there all along. Of course, as the big brother, he claims to know everything anyway. The good news is we kept them for awhile, got them vet checked and healthy and each one was placed in a loving home where June Bug checks on them periodically, like any good mother would. We haven’t had any more puppies hitch a ride to our house lately. Doesn’t mean it won’t or can’t happen again. However, every time I see a bottle of Vetericyn spray in the trailer or a rope fall out of that particular trailer door I’m reminded of those puppies. One thing about it boys will be boys and men will be men but little girl’s have hearts of gold and the tenacity of bull dogs. Never get between a mother and her children! Now that is truly a love story. Happy Valentines Day! And they think team ropers only rope! Duh.

Keep Ropin, Love Gracie © The Other Half / Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse / Puppies, Ropes and Vetericyn / © Melinda Clements melinda@clements.net February 2017

by Ryan Davis

all that entertainment, I would like to entertain you so I am going to share my lovely goat tying experience at the last rodeo! I warmed up my horse, fixed my goat string, and was ready to go just like normal. I was pretty excited about my run and felt pretty good about it. I entered the arena, ran down, and dismounted without a problem and ran to my goat. This is where it got interesting. Running hard down the rope, I broke down just like I am supposed to then BAM. Somebody punched me in the face, or at least that’s what it felt like. This nice, cute little goat

had ever so kindly stood up and rammed his head into my mouth. I guess he was trying to be nice by giving me some bigger lips and red lipstick aka blood. After taking a moment to realize exactly what had happened, I hurriedly flanked and tied my goat. I stood up and looked around to find directors checking on me and once they found out I was okay had a good laugh, and hopefully you are too right right about now. Believe me, you hate you missed it. Well, that’s all for now. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this. I hope you enjoyed it and actually laughed a little! God bless, Hannah Rogers.

Advertisers & Events Index EVENTS: Fire It Up ......................................... 51 NTRL Big Ticket ...........................44-45 NTRL Calendar/Events .................40-43 NTRL Bluegrass................................. 50 NTRL Florida Championships ............ 46 NTRL Tennessee Championships......... 47 Patriot Welcome ..........................32-33 Patriot in February ......................34-35 Patriot Tie-Down Roping ................... 36 Patriot YJ Qualifier ........................... 37 Priefert Youth Event ......................... 21 USTRC Membership Pages ............38-39 ADVERTISERS: Alabama Roping ............................... 25 Albracht Insurance ............................ 48 Allen’s Rodeo Photos .......................... 4 Bar H Photography ............................. 4 BTuff Jeans ........................................ 7 C Bar C Photography .......................... 4 Classic Rope...................................... 56 Dare To Be A Cowboy ....................... 25 Fastback............................................. 3 Flatland Ropes.................................. 25 FSR Cattle Company.......................... 25 Heel-O-Matic .................................... 11

Hot Heels ......................................... 15 Hudson Rope Horses ......................... 16 Jackets For All .................................. 25 JD Photography.................................. 4 Jim Davis Photo ................................. 4 Lone Star Ropes ............................... 19 Maverick Saddle Co. ......................... 15 Maynard Buckles .............................. 17 Mortenson Saddle Buckle .................... 7 Power Team Roping .......................... 29 Priefert ............................................ 55 Property in Texas ............................. 16 Rope Smart, The Smart Arena ............. 2 Sparky ............................................. 29 STS Ranchwear ................................. 48 Team Equine Saddle Pad................... 25 Tom Bourne ..................................... 49 Total Equine Feed ............................. 54 Totalteamroping.com ........................ 14 Tres Rios Silver ................................. 27 Willard Rope Co ................................ 27 CONTACT US TODAY TO FEATURE YOUR EVENT OR PRODUCT! • 505-407-2151 •

CATTLE: LEASING, BREEDING

TEAM ROPING & STEER WRESTLING CATTLE FOR LEASE. $37/mo. Nationwide. Major CCds Accepted. www.fsrcattlecompany.com 817-5981222 BREEDING ROPING OR BUCKING CATTLE? Our lab offers pregnancy testing, BVD, and Johne’s testing. Call 307-742-9072 or visit our website to find out more at www.eagletalonent.com

FOR SALE

HOT HEELS. NEW. 2015 MODEL. Has a moving body & spring loaded tongue & hitch. See Photos on Ranch World Ads. Selling for $2750. Call 706-987-3172 HEEL-O-MATIC FOR SALE! BRAND NEW - Straight from the factory with all the upgrades. The Ultimate Ground-Driven Trainer includes the Spring-Loaded Tongue and Deluxe Leg Package. Top of the line roping practice machine. See one at heelomtic. com. Selling for $3100 ($500 off retail). Call 505-259-7975 LIL BLUE HEELER – Get the best, most fun training & roping dummy on the market. Rope it one time and you will be hooked! Rope it inside, outside, take it on the road, the Lil Blue Heeler is a great roping aid at a great price! The Lil BLue Heeler is completely portable with realistic hopping motion. Great for beginners to pros! Get yours today – call Grizzly Saddlery (406) 761-5948 WW ROPING CHUTE, ally, panels, all in good condition,16 gauge, heavy duty. Contact Susan @ mtponygirl@hotmail.com '01 SOONER STOCK /COMBO. 24 X 7 Rubber Floor Mats. 2 horse Petitions & 1 center cut Gate. Plexiglass fully enclosed Escape door. Brand New Firestone 10 Ply Radial Tires. Horse Trailer World Ad # 1083525. $10,500 OBO

• rdavis@theropingpen.com • THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 53

54 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPER / 55

56 / FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;¢ 2017 THE ROPING PEN