March 21, 2012
Hello friends, I believe we are now officially into spring! This is an exciting time, as the sun is shining again and hopefully some green grass is growing in your neck of the woods. It was a strange winter this year, and I know the lack of rainfall in many parts of California had some negative affects on some people in the cattle industry. Fortunately, I learned from a conversation with a cattleman last weekend that there is a large amount of corn from the Midwest this year, which is good news for the feedlots. Anyway, while it maybe felt like winter never really came this year with the lack of rainfall, it’s time to enjoy the springtime!
As I sit down the write this blog, I’m looking out at a perfectly clear-blue sky, I can hear the birds chirping, and can feel the cool ocean breeze through my window. Spring always feels like a fresh start to me. While everybody makes New Year’s resolutions and such, I look at spring as a time that always motivates me. It feels great to be out in the warm sunshine, and get back to wearing a t-shirt out and about. So, get out there and take in some fresh air.
Though we are officially into spring, I know there are a few places that will still be wet. This weekend is the Challenge of Champions for the California High School Rodeo Association in Plymouth. It is where the top three in each event from the nine districts throughout California compete. Other than the High School National Finals Rodeo and State Finals, Challenge was always one of my favorite rodeos all year when I was in high school. I always enjoyed getting to see the top contestants from the other districts, and see how they did things. It was such a unique rodeo, because it had no real affect on anything. It was just a one shot rodeo, with the points you earned only being significant in deciding the Challenge of Champions winners. It always felt like you had nothing to lose, but everything to gain at that rodeo, so it was fun. Plus, having success at Challenge is the biggest source of confidence I think a high school rodeo competitor in California can get as they think about State Finals in June. Also, if you don’t have the kind of success at Challenge that you were looking for, it’s a great opportunity to see the people who are winning, and figure out what you need to do to compete with them. I wish all the contestants the best of luck this year! And remember to throw in your rain gear, because I have never been there when that stuff wasn’t needed.
As for me, I have now completed two quarters at Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo. I am enjoying a week off from school for Spring Break. It has been great to see family, and not think about schoolwork for a few days! We’ve got a couple college rodeos out here at the end of the month. For the next ten weeks, school will be the main priority as I am excited to complete my first year at Cal Poly.
Two weeks ago, Jordan Ketscher and I went to Arizona for a couple ProRodeos. We went to Scottsdale and Fort Mohave. We didn’t have the kind of weekend we’d hoped for, but I always go back to Jake Barnes’ saying, “ You either win something or you learn something.” That keeps me going, because it’s got to be the truth to be successful in the rodeo business. I learned so much in four days that I’ll use moving forward. Getting to rub elbows with a good number of National Finals qualifiers, including Jake Barnes, Derrick Begay, Cesar De la Cruz, Dugan Kelly, Joe and Joseph Parsons, Mike Johnson, Denny Watkins, and above all Blaine Linaweaver was such a cool deal. Watching those guys compete helps so much in figuring out how to win. I watched Jake Barnes pull off maybe the greatest display of heading I’ve ever seen at Scottsdale. A team was 4.9 right ahead of Jake and his partner Paul Eaves. Jake rode over, found a little bit of information out about his steer, rode in the box, scored, reached three coils to have his rope around the steer’s horns so tight, pulled the steer off, faced, and they were 4.8. That is power. He was never scared. All business. It’s great to see up close how much you can let a single run affect you. While Jake and Paul won Scottsdale, they didn’t even get a time at Fort Mohave. Those are professionals and yet they don’t connect and win every single time. It’s hard out there, and something I’m learning is that you’re not going to win every time, but you’ve got to expect to win every chance you get. It’s a mental game out there. A lot of wisdom came from having some good talks with Blaine Linaweaver. He spun three steers that weekend as good as anybody, and even when his partner dropped the ball Blaine never thought twice. He didn’t cuss or blame his partner. It’s a long season out there and like he said, “You focus on doing your job, and let your partner just focus on doing theirs.” While many people who make it to the Big Leagues might forget where they came from or not bother giving any of their time to those still in the Minor Leagues, Blaine Linaweaver is not that way in the slightest form. I needed a bridle to use, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer when he gave me his off his horse to use. He’s obviously a great winner, but more importantly Blaine Linaweaver is a great human being. Thanks for everything Blaine.
Everywhere rodeo we go to, we gain experience. With every bit of experience we gain I am more and more excited about the future. I’ve got a great partner in Jordan, and feel more and more confident in my horses all the time. This is a tough business, but we’ll keep our heads down and keep giving it what we’ve got. A big part of it is keeping that faith in your horses and your partner. There is no doubt in my mind that Jordan is going to rope two feet every time I spin a steer for him. That is a great feeling. And it’s an even better feeling when he keeps the faith in me. In the grand scheme, it’s so cool to be blessed to get to rope steers for money.
As I wrap this blog up, I just would like to thank you all for following this blog at roperssportsnews.com. I appreciate everyone at Ropers Sports News as well for their support. Also, thank you to Cactus Ropes for their support.
It’s my journey, and your experience.
Lane Santos-Karney