About Ropers Sports News
Since its founding in 1968, Ropers Sports News has stood as the cornerstone of communication for the team roping and rodeo communities across America and beyond. Established by Bob Feist, a renowned rodeo announcer and commentator, Ropers Sports News was born from a deep-seated need within the team roping world—a need for a dedicated publication to keep ropers informed of upcoming events, results, and the ever-evolving landscape of western sports.
Bob Feist, hailing from a cattle ranching family in Northern California, was no stranger to the rigors of ranch life and the thrill of rodeo. His journey from managing a family restaurant to becoming a celebrated rodeo announcer is as storied as the publication he founded. With a vision to support the “Open Team Ropers”—those who make their living through the sport—Feist created what would become the “bible” for ropers across the country. Under his guidance, the first issue of Ropers Sports News was published, quickly becoming a monthly staple in the lives of ropers, rodeo enthusiasts, and western lifestyle aficionados.
Over the decades, Ropers Sports News has grown into one of the most respected publications in the industry. It has remained committed to its founding purpose: to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of team roping and barrel racing events, results, and industry news, with an unbiased focus that extends far beyond the West Coast.
In 2024, a new chapter began for Ropers Sports News as it was acquired by Dee Yates, a powerhouse in the world of publishing, photography, and storytelling. Dee, a native of California’s Central Valley, brings with her a profound connection to the western lifestyle—a way of life she has lived and breathed since childhood. Her deep roots in the western community and her family’s legacy of horsemanship are reflected in her commitment to preserving and enhancing the publication’s storied heritage.
Dee’s journey to Ropers Sports News is as compelling as the magazine itself. From launching her first photography studio at the age of seventeen to leading Herlife Magazine as Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief and publishing the acclaimed fine art book “Cowgirl Culture,” Dee has consistently demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a dedication to celebrating the strength and spirit of women in the western world. Her vision for Ropers Sports News is one of revitalization, with plans to introduce contemporary content and expand the publication’s digital presence, ensuring it remains an indispensable resource for the rodeo and western sports community.
Ropers Sports News is poised to continue its legacy as the premier publication for team roping and rodeo, while also embracing the future with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. As it has done since 1968, Ropers Sports News will keep its readers informed, inspired, and connected to the heart of western sports, upholding the traditions that Bob Feist began and that Dee Yates now carries forward with pride.
Welcome to Ropers Sports News—a publication that embodies the spirit of the American West, from its rich past to its promising future.