By Mike Sweeney
Special To Ropers Sports News

CORNING, CALIF. – On September 9, 10 & 11 the Rolling Hills Equestrian Center saw 645 teams compete for over $56,000 in cash and awards.

This was the first time that the Nor Cal Qualifier had been held in the new indoor facility.  It was certainly nice to have a roof over your head in the near 100 degree heat.  A big tip of the Resistol to the Rolling Hills Equestrian Center and their staff, Terry and Carol.

A big thank you to FCP Barns and Buildings for sponsoring one of the high money saddles. The #2.5 and under high money winner of the weekend was Gary Darst, who won $2,150 in the last roping for the win. The #3 and over saddle winner was Ryan Phun. Ryan won $1,915 over the weekend. Congratulations to reserve champions Cody Alvernaz and Willie Worley.  Coming in third for the weekend was Luke Bolla and Adam Fitze.

We are happy to report that things are in the works for next year’s Nor Cal National Qualifier.

Results are as follows; payoff is per roper:

Fri., Sept. 9

#7 Hdcp P/D: 113 teams

1st go: 1. Billy Holland and Matthew Griffith, 6.14, $110. 2. Dennis Fitze and Adam Fitze, 6.89, $70.

Average: 1. Dennis Fitze and Adam Fitze, 25.26, $800 + stirrups. 2. Brody Gill and Cody Alvernaz, 26.52, $660 + Professional’s Choice Value Pack. 3. Cole Bunting and Wyatt Brown, 27.61, $525 + Wrangler Gift Card. 4. Mattie Bunting and Wyatt Brown, 27.66, $385 + bell boots. 5. JT Bradley and Willie Worley, 29.13, $250. 6. Keith Thornton and Dillon Almason, 30.36, $136.

Sat., Sept. 10

#10.5: 51 teams

1st go: 1. Brady Lutz and Dusty Bravos, 5.49. 

Average: 1. Dennis Fitze and Adam Fitze, 25.44, $475 + stirrups. 2. Craig Harrison and Cody Parker, 26.95, $400 + breast collars. 3. Brady Lutz and Dusty Bravos, 30.79, $310 + headstalls. 4. Brady Lutz and John Freeman, 30.89, $235 + spurs. 5. Ryan Parker and Cody Parker, 31.0, $160 + hoof picks.

#7 Hdcp Down: 78 teams

1st go: 1. Ryan Phun and Willie Worley, 6.25, $180. 2. Bryar Minton and John Freeman, 7.23, $120.

Average: 1. Matt Griffith and Mark Dickinson, 31.2, $700 + stirrups. 2. Ryan Parker and Mark Dickinson, 34.15, $575. 3. Ryan Phun and Willie Worley, 37.21, $450 + headstalls. 4. Don Boydston and John Freeman, 40.56, $330 + spurs. 5. Drew Tilton and Pistol Bray, 41.43, $210 + hoof picks. 6. Jeanne Jones and John Freeman, 41.82, $120.

#5.5 Hdcp: 172 teams

1st go: 1. Ryan Fowler and Cody Alvernaz, 7.16, $360. 2. Larry Williams and Les Shank, 7.62, $240.

Average: 1. Luke Bolla and Ryan Phun, 37.49, $1,375 + stirrups. 2. Ryan Fowler and Cody Alvernaz, 40.0, $1,165 + breast collars. 3. Carl Turner and Willie Worley, 41.25, $950 + headstalls. 4. Don Woolley and Brett Santos, 50.15, $740 + spurs. 5. Shelby Dunning and Kenneth Graves, 57.16, $530 + hoof picks. 6. Adrienne Wagner and Danny Brown, 72.62, $320. 7. James H. Miller and Dean Miller, 29.99 on 3, $120.

Sun., Sept. 11

#4 w/#3 Incentive: 220 teams

1st go: 1. Luke Bolla and Perry Green, 7.75, $390. 2. Terry Brown and Kelly Huff, 7.85, $260.

#3 Incentive (on 3): 1. Dino Webb and Hailey Hicks, 44.04,  $680 + buckles. 2. Murvin Hicks and Hailey Hicks, 49.58, $505 + breast collars. 3. Nathan Wohld and Gary Darst, 49.63, $335 + headstalls. 4. Jolie Thurston and Gary Darst, 51.07, $170 + spurs. 5. Les Shank and Trinity Brown, 54.36, hoof picks.

Average: 1. Joe Kaye and Keith Thornton, 51.39, $1,335 + stirrups. 2. Mike Murdoch and Danny Rice, 51.65, $1,130 + breast collars. 3. Nathan Wohld and Gary Darst, 64.15, $925 + headstalls. 4. Jolie Thurston and Gary Darst, 68.74, $720 + spurs. 5. Blake Van Stavern and Sophia Fowler, 71.86, $515 + hoof picks. 6. Nathan Wohld and Brett Santos, 25.9 on 3, $305. 7. Steve Springer and Kim Hicks, 36.16 on 3, $205.

High money #2.5 and under champion for the weekend was Gary Darst. #3 and over high money roper was Ryan Phun. Presenting is ACTRA Director and FCP Barns representative, Stew Lowry.

#5.5 Roping winners Ryan Phun and Luke Bolla. – Mane Tail Photography

#4 champions Joe Kaye and Keith Thornton. Awards presented by Ryan Fowler (r) of Skyline Silversmiths. – Mane Tail Photography

#7 Hdcp. Down champions Matt Griffith and Mark Dickinson. – Mane Tail Photography

California’s ACTRA National Director JT Bradley (l) presents buckles to Dino Webb and Hailey Hicks, winners of the #3 Incentive. Also presenting is Ryan Fowler (r) of Skyline Silversmiths.  – Mane Tail Photography