By Tsanavi Spoonhunter
Niece of Garrett Spoonhunter

Photos by Tania  Spoonhunter
Daughter of Garrett Spoonhunter

BRIDGEPORT, CALIF. –The Garrett Spoonhunter Memorial Roping (GSM) just finished its third consecutive year (Aug. 6) and it’s grown into more than just a typical weekend to win.

This year, the GSM offered many prizes for its champions: three all-leather saddles with floral designs and ledger representing the GSM Memorial; and eight engraved silver buckles. 

However, what most people spoke about wasn’t the prizes, it was the network of friends and family who made the roping special.

Before the event began, there were two opening songs and a speech. Garrett Spoonhunter’s youngest of his three daughters, Andrea Spoonhunter, delivered the speech to a crowd of over 120 roping teams and onlookers. 

A. Spoonhunter reminisced of times that she and her siblings spent with their father, but she emphasized that it was the other ropers and friends in the rodeo world that made his life unique.

“He inspired us, but I think what inspired him was all of you, his extraordinary pals and as much as you honored and respected him he loved you and honored you,” A. Spoonhunter said. “He got a kick out of you guys, and you know, he couldn’t have lived this life without you.”

Winner of the Senior Saddle, Andy Garcia, knew Spoonhunter since high school and they roped together in their youth. Garcia explained that over years, the GSM has evolved from just keeping Spoonhunter’s memory alive.

“I liked everything: it’s nice and cool (the location),” said Garcia. “You get to see a lot of people – it’s like a reunion, and I’ve had people tell me that about the roping.”

A sponsor of the event, Bob Brown, concurred with Garcia. 

“The fact that it’s in Bridgeport is kind of nice. I have a 7-year-old son so we went fishing and stuff there,” Brown said. “In fact, he won a buckle in the dummy roping there—he had a good time all the way around.”

Not only did they all enjoy their time at the GSM, but they all have one thing in common: fond memories with the late.

Garcia shared that one of the best times he had with Spoonhunter was when he was snowed-in near Spoonhunter’s home in Nevada. Spoonhunter welcomed him in and they played games with Spoonhunter’s family.

Similarly, Brown shared that even though he met Spoonhunter through rodeos and ropings, Spoonhunter taught him silverwork. Brown explained that Spoonhunter took him to his shop to show him how to make bits and engrave silver.

The GSM is an annual event that all three look forward to each year. Although the roping event awards its winners with cash and other prizes, ropers continue to come to enjoy a day of reuniting with friends and building new relationships with others. 

The GSM committee would like to express its gratitude to all the ropers who made this year’s event possible.

Thank you to all of this year’s sponsors: Bob Brown, Brown’s Town Campground, Cashbaugh Ranch, Campbell Trucking, Claire Construction, C & H Electric, Dan Miller Hay Ranch, Karen Robb & Andrea Tetrick, Linda Cook, La Casita Mexican Restaurant, Marcus Bunn & Family, Mike Johns, Paiute Palace Casino, Ryan Eaton & Son Concrete, and VFW Post 8036 Lone Pine, CA.

A special thank you to Ron Yubarrian & Cobwebs Boutique.

Results are as follows; payoffs are per roper:

Open Draw Pot

1st go: 1. Elijah Soto and Ethan Garcia, 7.15, $85.

Average: 1. Marcus Bunn and Ryan Eaton Jr., 29.65, $450. 2. Kevin Longest and Bruce Corkill, 32.16, $340. 3. Chance Johnson and Ethan Garcia, 35.35, $230. 4. John Goforth and Tommy Lee, 47.69, $110.

#8 Pick 1/Draw 1

1st go: 1. Kevin Longest and Travis Stewart, 5.64, $100. 2. Blain Jensen and Tommy Lee, 5.91, $70.

Average: 1. Andy Garcia and Tommy Lee, 23.33, $580. 2. Kevin Longest and Ryan Eaton Sr., 23.82, $490. 3. Gage Garcia and Bob Brown, 24.64, $420. 4. Nico Hofheins and Wade Hofheins, 25.16, $325. 5. Elijah Soto and Kyle Commings, 30.15, $230. 6. John Goforth and Ethan Garcia, 30.66, $160. 7. Marcus Bunn and Ryan Eaton Jr., 33.64, $120.

#5.5 Pick 1/Draw 1

1st go. 1. Ed Moreda and Prestin Huerta, 6.50, $130. 2. Myles Hastie and Nick Nalder, 7.75, $85.

Average: 1. Ed Moreda and Prestin Huerta, 22.80, $675. 2. Wyatt Soto and Nick Pinochi, 28.95, $560. 3. Marcus Bun and Mark Earl Lee, 29.20, $500. 4. Elijah Soto and Nick Pinochi, 29.66, $410. 5. Faith Dellera and Tommy Lee, 30.79, $320. 6. Blain Jensen and Jake Cerini, 32.59, $205. 7. Andy Garcia and Prestin Huerta, 33.11, $145. 8. Mattie Johns and Prestin Huerta, 35.57, $120.

 
Roping winners (l. to r.) Prestin Huerta, Tommy Lee, Marcus Bunn, Andy Garcia, Faith Dellera, Kevin Longest and Travis Stewart.