Matt Sherwood and Chase Helton were the winners of the #14.5 WS Qualifier at the Title Fights held in Wickenburg, Ariz. The team roped four steers in a time of 28.54 and split $28,700 for the win. – Andersen CBarC Photo WICKENBURG, ARIZONA – February 8-11 marked the annual World Series of Team Roping Title Fights XIII produced by Yost Events and held at Rancho Rio in the Team Roping Capital of the World— Wickenburg, Arizona. The fourday event paid out a whopping $1.65 million to ropers from across the nation. The #8.5 World Series qualifier saw the largest payout at $258,240 with the lion’s share going to former WSTR Finale Champion Bud Swagel, Dewey, Arizona, and Gregory Carl Singletary, Waddell, Arizona. The homestate cowboys roped four steers in 37.30 seconds to take home $51,140, bragging rights and the infamous Title Fights boxing gloves. WED., FEB 8 #15.5 ADD-ON FT short go: 1. Mike Kunzler and Logan Spady, 6.86, $1,500. Average: 1. Corey Whinnery and Aaron Shelley, 29.87, $22,240. 2. Jace Thorstenson and Rylan Brost, 31.34, $15,400. 3. Chaz Kanaen and Tyler Whitlow, 31.48, $9,400. 4. Jason Thorstenson and Cole Cooper, 31.48, $9,400. 5. Mike Kunlzer and Logan Spady, 31.76, $7,700. 6. Blair Lammers and Cole Cooper, 31.79, $6,000. 7. Delon Parker and Rhett Anderson, 32.53, $5,140. 8. Ty Vaile and Cody Lansing, 35.31, $4,280. 9. Robert Ansley and Cody Garcia, 35.67, $3,420. #14.5 WS QUALIFIER FT short go, 1st not placing in average: Travis Whitlow and Travis Ericsson, 8.31, $1,800. Average; 1. Matt Sherwood and Chase Helton, 28.54, $28,700. 2. Dylan Hart and Riley Curuchet, 29.81, Postage Pre-Paid TIME DATED MATERIAL – DO NOT DELAY ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023 VOL. 55, NO. 2 $2.50 “The Original Team Roping Publication” See WSTR TITLE FIGHTS On Page 10 ‘BFI 46’ Adds Ropings, Clinic And After-Party GUTHRIE, OKLAHOMA (Feb. 13) – Tickets are on sale now for the 46th annual Bob Feist Invitational roping coming to Guthrie, Oklahoma’s Lazy E Arena on April 1 for the fourth straight year. The world’s richest Open roping, featuring the 125 best professional teams over six rounds, occurs on a Saturday smack in the middle of Wrangler BFI Week, presented by Yeti. In 2023, the extravaganza has been extended to seven full days – March 29 through April 4. “We paid out $2.88 million in cash last year at Wrangler BFI Week, and look for some recordbreaking payouts in Oklahoma now with the addition of three ropings,” said Daren Peterson, who owns the BFI with his wife, Kami Peterson, and Corky and Kristi Ullman. On Tuesday, April 4, the producers have added brand-new 9.5Over-40, 8.5 and 7 ropings. In the 9.5, you can be 40 anytime in 2023, and it’s capped at 5.5 heelers. The 8.5 and 7 ropings are pick-or-draw, capped at 4.5 and 4 ropers, respectively, and are progressive after two with age minimums of at 21. Find schedule details and entry forms for those and the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping and Breakaway, Hooey Jr. BFI Championships, BFI Legends for past BFI ropers over 40, 15.5, 12.5, 11.5 Businessman’s and 10.5-Over-40 ropings at www.bfiweek.com. Entries will be taken on-site with a $100 per team late fee, or postmark by March 1. And on March 31, in the Equinety Arena (the warm-up arena by the stalls) BFI greats will be giving a free clinic, new this year, to all Jr. BFI contestants. The clinic presented by Smarty is from 10 a.m. to See 46th BFI On Page 19 Oklahoma’s Jake Cooper Clay and Billie Jack Saebens kept $152,000 in the Sooner State with their big win at the 2022 BFI. – Andersen CbarC Photo Official Publication Of ACTRA Pacific Coast Shootouts WTRA $1.65 Million To WSTR Title Fights XIII Winners
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Owner/Publisher BOB FEIST • General Manager STEPHANIE REYNOLDS ANDERSON ROPERS SPORTS NEWS www.roperssportsnews.com Ropers Sports News (USPS 701920) is published monthly for $25 per year by Ropers Sports News, 24060 N. Ray Road, Lodi, CA 95242. Periodical postage paid at King City, CA 93930. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Ropers Sports News, 24060 N. Ray Road, Lodi, CA 95242. Advertising rates may be obtained by writing to Ropers Sports News, 24060 N. Ray Road, Lodi, CA 95242, or by phoning (209) 333-2924. Fax (209) 368-9512. E-mail: info@roperssportsnews.com. Ads, News Copy and Photos must be received by the 10th of each month to make the next month’s issue. Owner/Publisher BOB FEIST • General Manager STEPHANIE REYNOLDS ANDERSON Winn Again Wins $5,000 Jerry Ann Taylor Award At Fort Worth By Johna Cravens for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The barrel racing at the 2023 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo finished with a Winn win. Sissy Winn of Corpus Christi was honored with the $5,000 Jerry Ann Taylor BestDressed Cowgirl Award at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s (FWSSR) ProRodeo Tournament. Winn and her horse AR Dash Ta Flame (Scoop) finished third in the Championship Finals with a time of 16.42 seconds. She earned $8,000 for that round and a total of $13,760 in the competition. When the $5,000 bonus money for the Jerry Ann Taylor award is added to her total, Winn took home more than any other barrel racer except champion Jackie Ganter of Abilene. This is the second consecutive Jerry Ann Taylor Award for Winn, who also took home the award last year. She received her second trophy bracelet from the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Scoop and Winn were the first horse and rider team to compete in Friday night’s Semi-final B, and they stopped the clock with the fastest time of the rodeo – 16.24 seconds. “Winning the Jerry Ann Taylor award last year was such an honor,” Winn said. “I knew I wanted to try to win it again if I got the chance.” The award is only given at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and at the Championship Round of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame board members, (from left) Elaine Agather; Pam Minick; Kit Moncreif (Cowgirl Museum president) and Nicole Sheridan (far right) present Sissy Winn of Chapman Ranch, Texas, the Jerry Ann Taylor Best-Dressed Cowgirl Award at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s ProRodeo Tournament February 4. She received $5,000 and a custom bracelet. – FWSSR photo by James Phifer Once she knew she would be in the finals, she and her mother Melissa went to work on an outfit. “My mom and I stayed up all night to finish this,” Winn said. This year’s outfit included a bright blue hat, a white shirt with blue and black sequin trim on the sleeves and jeans embellished with red, white and blue rhinestone stars and white rhinestone writing spelling out “Land of the free because of the brave” on the outside of the leg. Winn learned sewing from her mother, and they enjoy collaborating on her outfits. The petite blonde is a product of high school and college rodeo. She competed in barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying, cutting and pole bending, and qualified for the national junior high and high school finals seven times. She was the Texas high school all-around champion in 2013. She was named Miss Rodeo Texas Princess in 2011 and Miss Rodeo Texas Teen in 2015. She graduated with honors from Texas A & M University in 2020 and qualified for her first NFR this past December. Pam Minick of Fort Worth, a National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame board member and honoree and former WPRA vice president, said the award is to encourage women in professional rodeo to continue the tradition of wearing colorful western attire in the rodeo arena. The award is named for Taylor, a Hall of Fame honoree who was known for her flamboyant style. She was a trick rider and trick roper who entered the hall in 1986 and died in 2012.
MARCH 2023 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS PAGE 3
PAGE 4 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023 Cinch Timed Event Warriors Ready For Lazy E Battle By Kendra Santos The 2023 Cinch Timed Event Championship is right around the corner, and the world’s most talented allaround cowboys will return to battle March 2-4 at the fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. These wildly talented and versatile warriors will go head-to-head grueling marathon style in five rounds of heading, heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and steer roping to vie for the champion’s check of $100,000. No Western-world cowboy competition is more demanding or prestigious than this one. In the words of fourtime Timed Event titlist Paul Tierney, who has two sons in the field again this year, “The Timed Event is a king of kings event.” “Winning the Timed Event last year was a big, big deal to me—still is,” said 2022 TEC Champ Erich Rogers of Round Rock, Arizona. “I’m kind of scared this year, like I’m up on stage and I’ve got to perform again. There are a lot of expectations for me to repeat. Do you know how hard it is to repeat at this event?” This year’s Timed Event fans will be treated to a starstudded field that represents the 20 best all-around hands on the planet from Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming and Canada. The Jr Ironman will run in conjunction with the CTEC, and showcase the talents of the rising stars of the rodeo world and feature 10 young guns from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. World Champion Header Erich Rogers will wear back #1 when he tries to defend his 2022 Cinch Timed Event Championship title at the 2023 Ironman of Pro Rodeo in March. – James Phifer Photo Colby Lovell, shown here doing work at the 2022 Riata Buckle at the Lazy E, is excited to throw his name into the Timed Event hat for the first time in 2023. – Andersen CBarC Photo Kolton Schmidt, who won the 2021 Reno Open with Wyatt Cox, has twice headed at the NFR and is a CTEC freshman in 2023. – Andersen CBarC Photo “You don’t go to any other event and work that many events,” noted Rogers, who’s 36. “The Timed Event is one of a kind, and one of the most prestigious events of the year. It’s a battle between the top 20 all-around cowboys in the world who are handy with a rope and can wrestle a steer. We’re all pretty excited to be headed back to the Lazy E.” The 2017 world champion header has been busy gathering all the help he needs, both horse and human, to tackle the Timed Event test. What he’ll ride in the steer wrestling and who will haze for him in that event is yet to be determined, but he plans to head on his gray mare, Elsa; heel on his 2023 rodeo partner Paul Eaves’ mare Jade; tie-down rope on one of Josh and Spencer Whipple’s horses; and steer rope on Lee and Cody Lee’s horse Balla. Logan Olson will head for Rogers, and Eaves will heel for him. A couple of cowboys best known in the professional rodeo ranks as world-class headers will make their Timed Event debuts in March. Texan Colby Lovell is the 2020 world champion header, and Canadian Kolton Schmidt is a twotime Wrangler National Finals Rodeo header. “I’ve gone to all the ranch rodeos, and have worked a lot of events my whole life,” said Lovell, 35, who lives in Madisonville, Texas. “I’ve always wanted to go to the Timed Event, but it’s always been during the ranch rodeo in Houston, and I always rode for my grandpa’s ranch down there. But I figured it was time to try the Timed Event. It’s kind of a bucket-list type thing.” Lovell actually just started steer wrestling in December. Wyatt Carney’s been bringing him along in the bulldogging, and “I’ve enjoyed learning how to steer wrestle,” Lovell said. “I’ve never done it until now, but I’m putting in the work, so hopefully with a little luck I’ll be ready.” Steer roping is relatively new to his repertoire, too. “But I’m fixing to really get after it for the next month,” Colby continued. “I head and heel all the time, and I roped calves all through high school and college.” Most fans think of Lovell as a header, because of that gold buckle and seven NFR back numbers all from over on the heading side. But rodeo insiders know all about his heeling handiness. “I grew up heeling my whole life until the first year I made it (the NFR in 2010) when I got to rope with Kory Koontz,” Lovell said. “The first time I ever left the house and got to be around guys who were great was with Kevin Stewart and Martin Lucero when I was 15. I was heeling for Justin Davis, and I went and amateur rodeoed with them. A lot of those rodeos were go-twice, so we swapped partners. “But I like everything being on my shoulders heading. I feel like if I can be prepared, disciplined and have good horses, we will win. If I do my job enough times heading, it’s going to pay off. When we don’t win, I take the blame. I’ve been fortunate to rope with the best heelers in the world. It’s hard to trump that.” Lovell plans to head on a horse he sold to a friend that they call Festus, heel on Eaves’ Guapo, tie-down rope on Gary Wells’ Kit Brooks and bulldog on Clay Clayman’s gray. He hasn’t yet selected his steer roping mount. Reigning World Champion Header Kaleb Driggers will head and heel for Lovell, who’s a ranch and rodeo cowboy. It’s no surprise that the wide open spaces of the world-famous 440-foot Lazy E arena suit his style. “I love the Lazy E,” he said. “I’ve been going there forever, and love roping in that arena. I don’t want to miss the barrier there in the steer wrestling, but I like how cattle aren’t trapped and feel like they have a chance to get away. You really get to see good horses in a big arena like that.” Schmidt’s a native of Barrhead, Alberta, Canada, but these days makes his home in Stephenville, Texas. “The Timed Event is just something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m not getting any younger, so it’s time,” said Schmidt, 28. “I grew up watching old Timed Event tapes, and always thought it was really cool. There’s so much that goes into competing at the Timed Event. It looks rewarding. “And the horse side of the See CINCH TIMED EVENT On Page 6
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The acquisition brings together two companies that share a passion for expanding the sport of rodeo and improving rodeo athletes’ lives through innovation and longterm thinking. “We are very proud of what the IPRA has built over the last 65 years,” said IPRA General Manager, Dale Yergian. “While the IPRA has grown and flourished during this period, the board of directors of the IPRA, together with Rodeo Alliance, have determined that the IPRA and its members will benefit immensely from this acquisition. Under its leadership, we believe Rodeo Logistics will grow and enhance the IPRA immediately and far into the future.” Over the past 65 years, the IPRA has become the sport’s second-largest professional rodeo association sanctioning over 400 rodeos annually. The IPRA has a membership base of over 2,700 members and currently sanctions rodeos across the United States and Canada. “Since opening our doors, It’s been our mission to create the best experience for rodeo athletes and producers through technology,” said Rodeo Logistics CEO, Gary McKinney. “By working with the IPRA and integrating technology in several key areas, we can change the landscape of rodeo for athletes and producers, and fans. This acquisition is part of our commitment to the future of rodeo.” McKinney also noted that Yerigan will continue to manage the day-to-day business of the IPRA. Since its inception, Rodeo Logistics has been a market leader, having launched industry-disrupting technologies such as; The Virtual Rodeo Qualifier, Open Stalls, Rodeo Entry Tool, and PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Mechanical Bull Rider. In mid-December, Rodeo Logistics also announced they acquired a majority interest in EquiTech Holdings and RopeMetrics, merging the top three technology firms operating in the Western Sports landscape. “We expect that IPRA members will be able to use Rodeo Logistics’ technologies once this acquisition is complete,” said Yerigan. “Rodeo Logistics offers not only mobile rodeo entry capabilities but also event management, stall, and RV reservation capabilities as well as several other online conveniences. This will only benefit the IPRA as a whole.” Here’s what will be new and what IPRA Members can expect as the companies integrate: • Increase prize money and stock leases at the IFR54 (January 2024). • Increase the payoff to $500,000 and increase the riding event stock lease to $1,000 per head in the first year following the acquisition. Creating an increase of over $250,000 that will directly benefit IPRA members. • Access to all the latest technology to make it easier and more efficient to operate in the IPRA for athletes, contractors/ producers, committees, and personnel. Founded in 1957 by two rodeo promoters, the Interstate Rodeo Association, IRA, was formed as a rodeo management organization and a sanctioning body. Concerned with expansion west of the Mississippi River, this new group’s primary interest was to enhance rodeo’s credibility with the news media in the east, where fly-by-night rodeos and Wild West Shows and unregulated contests had done much to discredit the sport. The word “Professional” was officially added to the association’s name in 1983 giving birth to the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls in the International Professional Rodeo Association. For all inquiring about Rodeo Logistics, please visit www.rodeologistics.co or call 888-3431123. About IPRA: From big cities to small towns, the IPRA has become the sports second largest professional rodeo association sanctioning nearly 300 rodeos. The IPRA has a membership base of over 2,700 members and currently sanctions rodeos across the United States. In the last few years the IPRA has also become a powerhouse in Canada sanctioning 40 rodeos there as well.
PAGE 6 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023 Taylor Santos is a two-time NFR tie-down roper and two-time National Finals Steer Roping qualifier. He entered his first Timed event in 2020, and came out on top. – James Phifer Photo Missouri’s Clay Clayman will return to the Jr Ironman with hopes of defending the versatility crown he earned in 2022. – James Phifer Photo Marcus Theriot is now best known as a professional header, but in 2021 the son of World Champion Tie-Down Roper Herbert Theriot proved he can do it all. – James Phifer Photo Cinch Timed Event Warriors Ready For Battle... From Page 4 Timed Event is a big part of it. It takes so many good horses, and there are so many obstacles to overcome. When you make five runs in five events, you know it’s going to get bad at some point and you’re going to have to get through it and finish it off.” Like all Timed Event titans, Schmidt has more experience in some events than others. His NFR heading back numbers speak for themselves. “I’ve heeled a lot, and jackpotted heeling everywhere,” he said. “I high school, college and Canadian rodeoed in the tie-down. I bulldogged in high school and college, and entered a few Canadian rodeos in that, too. “Steer roping is the event that’s new to me. I’m learning that, and am amazed by it. I love it. It’s something new involving a rope and a horse, and that’s something I don’t get to experience very often. Heeling might be the event I’m most nervous about going in, though. I used to be good at it, but now I haven’t done it in forever.” Schmidt thought he had all his horses and help lined out, but, “I’ve had some hiccups come up in the last week. I’m getting it all figured out again now.” That’s pretty typical, and he, too, loves the Lazy E. Schmidt looks forward to going back for both the Timed Event and the 46th annual BFI on April 1. 2023 CTEC Contestants Following are the 2023 contestants with their back number, name, city and state: Jr. Ironman Contestants 2023 Jr Ironman contestants with their back number, name, city and state: 1 Erich Rogers...............Round Rock, Arizona 2 Clayton Hass ..............Weatherford, Oklahoma 3 Russell Cardoza ........Terrebonne, Oregon 4 Taylor Santos ..............Creston, California 5 Paul D. Tierney ..........Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 6 Haven Meged .............Miles City, Montana 7 Roger Nonella ............Redmond, Oregon 8 Lane Karney ...............Creston, California 9 Cole Patterson ...........Pratt, Kansas 10 Marcus Theriot ...........Poplarville, Mississippi 11 Shad Mayfield ............Clovis, New Mexico 12 Tyler Pearson .............Atoka, Oklahoma 13 Cody Doescher ..........Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 14 Jess Tierney ...............Altus, Oklahoma 15 Kyle Lockett ................Visalia, California 16 Seth Hall......................Albuquerque, New Mexico 17 Justin Thigpen............Waycross, Georgia 18 KC Jones ....................Burlington, Wyoming 19 Colby Lovell ................Madisonville, Texas 20 Kolton Schmidt...........Barrhead, Alberta, Canada 1 Jake Holmes...............Mulberry, Kansas 2 Mason Appleton .........Chelsea, Oklahoma 3 Connor Griffith ............Skullbone, Tennessee 4 Kreece Dearing ..........Chico, Texas 5 Ketch Kelton ...............Mayer, Arizona 6 Clay Clayman .............Highlandville, Missouri 7 Evan Bottini ................La Junta, Colorado 8 Wyatt Williams ............Penrose, Colorado 9 Dylan Hancock ...........San Angelo, Texas 10 Caleb Lake ..................Bayfield, Colorado “The Lazy E is like a pasture roping,” smiled Schmidt, who’s heading for Jake Minor at the rodeos this year. “There are no boundaries. Everything’s wide open, which makes it a little wild and good watching. “I think having the BFI at the Lazy E is awesome also. It’s definitely a change of scenario. We all grew up watching the BFI in Reno. But I like the big arena, the time of year it’s held now, that it’s closer to the house and pays great. There’s a lot to like about it.” Rogers will wear back #1. Rounding out the 2023 Cinch Timed Event Championship field in order of finish from last year will be Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Taylor Santos, Paul David Tierney, Haven Meged, Roger Nonella, Lane Karney, Cole Patterson, Marcus Theriot, Shad Mayfield, Tyler Pearson, Cody Doescher, Jess Tierney, Kyle Lockett, Seth Hall, Justin Thigpen, KC Jones, Lovell and Schmidt. Rogers, Santos, Lockett, Thigpen, Theriot, Jones and both Tierney brothers are past champions who know what it’s like to come out King of the Timed Event Mountain and take home that $100,000 check. The Jr Ironman is held during the CTEC, and is three rounds in four events—heading, heeling, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. The champ’s check is worth a whopping $20,000. Missouri’s Clay Clayman will return to defend his 2022 title, and will be joined by Connor Griffith, Evan Bottini, Caleb Lake, Wyatt Williams, Jake Holmes, Dylan Hancock, Mason Appleton, Ketch Kelton and Kreece Dearing on the 10-young-gun roster. The 2023 Cinch Timed Event Championship will feature five performances: Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 3, 12 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, 12 and 7 p.m. The three Jr Ironman perfs will be held Thursday, March 2 at 5 p.m.; Friday, March 3 at 5 p.m.; and Saturday, March 4 at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at www. LazyE.com. See you at the E!
MARCH 2023 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS PAGE 7 www.actra.org “BREAKING NEWS” ACTRA Nationals To Remain In Reno Through 2025! National Finals Buckle Sponsor Official Saddlemaker Official Training Aid TITLE SPONSOR Official Ropes Significant Sponsor Official Ropes TITLE SPONSOR “Scholarship Sponsor” Host Hotel Official Publication 2023 ACTRA National Finals October 21-28 Reno, NV NEW for 2023: Patriot #5.5 Championship Ropers Can Buy The Wrangler Patriot Shirt And Rope For The Bonus Money. Super 7 “Super Award” Will Be Given Stay tuned for updates. The Nugget will continue to be the “Host Hotel” for the ACTRA National Finals. ACTRA National President Bill Horner, signs a three-year contract with Nugget Vice-President of Sales, Amanda Flangas. RSCVA’s Rhonda Leach representing the Reno Livestock Event Center, reviews the threeyear contract extension with ACTRA Business Manager Mike Sweeney. ACTRA thanks outgoing President Ty Rogers (left) for his tenure. Bill Horner, National President, congratulates Ty and presented him a custom Scott Thomas saddle. NATIONAL PRESIDENT: Bill Horner (209) 535-1130 E-mail: bhorner@hilmarcheese.com Business Manager: Mike Sweeney (559) 816-9932 21098 Avenue 328 Woodlake, CA 93286 National Secretary: Heidi Fettic (775) 304-5433 P.O. Box 190540 Boise, ID 83719 CELEBRATING 41 YEARS
PAGE 8 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023 • 3 x 11.7” March 2023 RSN • • •
MARCH 2023 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS PAGE 9 Women’s Rodeo World Championship Week... From Page 8 “The National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) is honored to welcome and collaborate with the American Paint Horse Association and Wild West Promotions with the desire to create an ultimate highpayout barrel race within the prestigious PBR World Finals event lineup,” said NBHA Director of Barrel Racing Bailey Nahrgang. “It made perfect sense, with the Cowgirl Gathering shifting their dates to the PBR Finals week, for NBHA to join forces and combine two well-established events and make one prominent event for the record books.” The 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Championship will span May 17-20 and will introduce the new Last Chance Qualifier, allowing for athletes not qualified on the WRWC leaderboard the chance to ride their way into the marquee event. The 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Championship will pay out $750,000, in addition to crowning World Champions in three women’s rodeo disciplines: Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, and Barrel Racing. An AllAround World Champion will also be crowned. The Last Chance Qualifier will launch the 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Championship on May 17 beginning at 8:00 a.m. inside Cowtown Coliseum, featuring a Pro and Challenger Open Barrel Race, Pro and Challenger Barrel Race Buy Back Round, Pro and Challenger Breakaway Roping, and Pro and Challenger Team Roping. The one-day tournament is anticipated to award $40,000. The main event for the fourth edition of the WRWC will be held May 18-20, when the Top 20 athletes from the Pro Leaderboard and Challenger Leaderboard per discipline take to the arena alongside those contenders who advanced via the Last Chance Qualifier and those athletes who have won a generic qualification through a Qualifier Series event. All qualifying and Semi-Final rounds will be held May 1819. Following the Semi-Final Rounds, the leaderboard will merge with 12 athletes in each discipline to advance to the May 20 Triple Crown of Rodeo performance. Each event champion will collect $60,000, the World Champions in each discipline will be awarded a $5,000 bonus, and the All-Around World Champion will collect a $20,000 bonus. As part of the Triple Crown of Rodeo, those event champions at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship will be eligible to win the $1 million cash bonus awarded to any one athlete or collection of athletes who win first place in any three consecutive WCRA Major Rodeos. Tickets for the Women’s Rodeo World Championship will go on-sale in March. Visit https://wrwc.rodeo/ for more information. Other competitions and Western lifestyle activities will be held from May 12-16 throughout the Fort Worth Stockyards, highlighting cowgirls’ skills in breakaway roping, team roping and barrel racing, while also showcasing exhilarating and engaging female speakers, artists and fashion icons. The landmark Women’s Rodeo World Championship Week will feature the Circle Y Saddles Barrel Race, presented by NBHA, WWP, & APHA. The event – a one-day, freeto-attend, open barrel racing jackpot – will offer a 5D format payout, with Circle Y Saddles to the winners of each division, and many other awards. All ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. The 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Championship Week joins the action-packed week lineup of programming to be held in conjunction with the 2023 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast. Other activities and events include: the PBR Be Cowboy Expo, Tractor Supply Co. PBR World Finals Pre-Show, PBR World Finals Concert Series, Flint Rasmussen‚Äôs Outside The Barrel, PBR World Finals Fan Zone, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, Mexico In Our Blood and PBR 30th Anniversary Parades. The 2023 PBR World Finals will buck into Fort Worth on May 12-21 at Dickies Arena. The opening rounds of competition will be held May 1214, with the action coming to a climactic end May 18-21 when the 2023 PBR World Champion will be crowned, earning the coveted gold buckle and accompanying $1 million bonus. Single-day tickets for the 2023 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast event go on sale now, and start at $46, plus fees. Tickets can be purchased online atticketmaster.com and PBR.com, at the Dickies Arena Box Office or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-7321727. The Dickies Arena Box Office is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT and on event days. As an add-on experience, fans can also purchase the official 2023 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast Bull Housing Tour ($100). The tour is available on May 12-13 and May 19-20. The experience, which includes a commemorative credential and lanyard, will get fans up close and personal with the World Finals qualified bucking bulls and the top stock contractors of the PBR. The 2023 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast Bull Housing Tour can be purchased by calling customer service at 800732-1727 or by visitinghttps:// pbr.com/premium-seats-exp. For more information about the 2023 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast and to see the complete event schedule, visit https://pbr.com/eventschedule/event/4849/2023-pbrworld-finals. About Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC): The WRWC is the largest annual purse for a women’s rodeo event and will payout more than $750,000 in 2023 while crowning World Champions in the Women’s Rodeo disciplines; Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, and Barrel Racing. An all-around champion will also be crowned. WRWC is a culmination of a year-long race of wome’s rodeo events worldwide. Athletes qualify for the WRWC by earning points and leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier).
PAGE 10 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023 WSTR Title Fights... From Page 1 Corey Whinnery and Aaron Shelley were the winners of the #15.5 Add-On roping on Feb. 8. – Andersen CBarC Photo Daylan Frost and Jordan Olson won the #13.5 WSTR Qualifier at this year’s Title Fights. – Andersen CBarC Photo $22,180. 3. Coby King and Ike Folsom, 30.19, $15,660. 4. Choc Westcott and Gordie Nikolaus, Jr., 30.55, $11,740. 5. John Fowler and Jory Levy, 31.43, $10,440. 6. Nathan Kirtley and Cody Lansing, 31.50, $9,140. 7. Kody Potts and Rylan Brost, 31.90, $7,820. 8. Landon Munoz and Trevor Nowlin, 32.00, $6,520. 9. Cory Simmons and Clay Elkington, 32.10, $5,220. 10. Max Kuttler and Jade Stoddard, 32.13, $5,220. 11. Chris Freed and Kory Mytty, 32.18, $3,900. 12. Jeff Schneider and Jory Levy, 32.69, $3,900. #13.5 WS QUALIFIER FT short go, 1st not placing in average: Tanner Patzke and Austin Stafford, 12.22, $1,800. Average: 1. Daylon Frost and Jordan Olson, 32.44, $30,160. 2. Zack Lewis and Clayton Symons, 32.55, $23,300. 3. Cody Harris and Brandon Bates, 32.69, $16,440. 4. Lance Knutson and Dylan Hart, 33.28, $12,340. 5. Bobby Marsh and Cody Mirabel, 33.59, $11,000. 6. TJ Baker and Nate Singletary, 33.63, $9,600. 7. Robby Wood and Devon Johnson, 33.90, $8,220. 8. Shane Sena and Erik Rodriguez, 34.90, $6,170. 9. Todd DeLano and Cache Burnside, 34.90, $6,170. 10. Russ Treadwell and Pony Hernandez, 35.2.2, $5,480. 11. Colt Cowden and Garrett Busy, 36.09, $4,100. 12. Travis Bard and Greg Green, 36.29, $4,100.13. Brody Gill and Wyatt Adams, 36.34, $1,000. 14. Ricky Rathjen and Jimmi Jo Montera, 36.72, $1,000. THUR., FEB 9 #12.5 WS QUALIFIER FT short go, 1st not placing in average: Lou Chavez and Clayton Shiflett, 13.78, $1,000. Average: 1. Chance Cherry and Kyle Taylor, 32.74, $38,180. 2. John Morrow and Clayton Shiflett, 33.32, $29,500. 3. Robert Murphy and Steve Shinnery, 34.44, $20,820. 4. Loni Dowon and Kevin Redstrom, 34.72, $15,600. 5. Kelsi Bramwell and Cody Mirabel, 34.94, $13,880. 6. Donnie Benson and Colton Scott, 36.85, $12,140. 7. Juan Gonzalez and Rob Black, 36.87, $10,400. 8. Shelby Black and Chase Mitchell, 37.18, $8,680. 9. Sean Black and Russ Treadwell, 37.64, $6,940. 10. Nancy NieWinners of the Open WS Qualifier were Matt Sherwood and Logan Cullen. – Andersen CBarC Photo #10.5 WS winners Waylon Cameron and Toby Wallace. – Andersen CBarC Photo #12.5 WS winners Chance Cherry and Kyle Taylor. – Andersen CBarC Photo Winners of the #11.5 WS Qualifier were Cordell Yazzie and Karlis Yazzie. – Andersen CBarC Photo See WSTR TITLE FIGHTS On Page 14
MARCH 2023 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS PAGE 11 Helping you find success within the real estate market on the Central Coast and throughout California! Lane & Jane Karney Real Estate Team @karneyrealestate janekarney@stablepropeties.com (805) 712-1828 DRE#02165892 DRE#02165893
PAGE 12 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023
MARCH 2023 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS PAGE 13
PAGE 14 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023 By Mike Sweeney ACTRA Business Manager The ACTRA National Board met in Reno on January 27th and 28th. All the Chapters were represented with perfect attendance. Newly-elected President Bill Horner had a full agenda for the Board to discuss. The Board kicked the meeting off on Friday afternoon. The first item of discussion was the number criteria. Although the criteria are a great guideline to refer to, it still came down to interpretation. After much discussion, the number that was the easiest to define, and probably the most misunderstood, is #1; “True beginner, new to the sport of team roping, just learning to ride and swing a rope at the same time. Not proficient.” The Board felt this was a good place to start and would create a need to move ropers up the scale. They agreed that no system is perfect as ropers don’t perform the same all the time. The Board also agreed to be more diligent about reviewing numbers. On Friday, National President Bill Horner signed a three-year contract with the Nugget Hotel and Casino. The contract locked in the best room rates in Reno, and still NO resort fees. They also have plans to reactivate pre-Covid amenities, like valet and open more restaurants with expanded hours. National Business Manager Mike Sweeney sat down with Rhonda Leach from the RSCVA and reviewed a three-year contract with the Livestock Event Center. The new contract was very fair with very little increase. The contracts have been signed. With these two contracts in place, the Board can start working on putting together a GREAT National Finals. A couple of format changes, the Wrangler Patriot Roping with now be the #5½. This will give the #5½ ropers an opportunity to buy a one-ofa-kind Wrangler Patriot Shirt and be eligible for Bonus Money for the teams wearing shirts during the roping. The Super 7 will be sponsored by California Custom this year. They are working on “super” awards for the winners. Be sure to check the website (actra.org), Facebook, and future issues of Ropers Sports News for more information about the 2023 Wrangler/Professional’s Choice ACTRA National Finals in Reno, Nevada October 2128. It is guaranteed to be GREAT! WSTR Title Fights... From Page 10 Winners of the #9.5 WS Qualifier were Jessica Gunsch and Jim Gunsch. – Andersen CBarC Photo Winners of the #8.5 WS Qualifier were Bud Swagel and Carl Singletary. – Andersen CBarC Photo Winners of the #7.5 WS Qualifier were Clyde Lawson and Robin Bland. – Andersen CBarC Photo sen and JC Niesen, 40.04, $6,940. 11. Andrew Parry and Travis Ericsson, 40.08, $5,200. 12. Casey Lambert and Mark Vinson, 40.33, $5,200. 13. Ali Bilkey and Wyatt Lloyd, 40.40, $1,000. 14. Bill Fancher and Travis Ericsson, 40. 45, $1,000. 15. Paul Parr and Cody Mirabel, 40.64, $1,000. 16. Davdi Lackey and Dawson Lackey, 40.96, $1,000. #11.5 WS QUALIFIER FT short go: 1. Todd DeLano and Wyatt Delano, 7.79, $1,800. Average: 1. Cordell Yazzie and Karlis Yazzie, 32.95, $45,500. 2. Jeremy Foster and Twister Smith, 33.47, $35,160. 3. David Lackey and Bodi Sauvage, 34.28, $24,820. 4. Colt Capurro and Lucas MacKenzie, 34.49, $18,620. 5. Megan Gunter and Slade Witbeck, 34.83, $16,540. 6. Todd DeLano and Wyatt DeLano, 35.76, $14,480. 7. Sean Pascoe and Roy Owens, 36.62, $12,420. 8. Cory Simmons and Paul Freed, 37.19, $10,340. 9. Mike McLean and Dale Martin, 38.65, $8,280. 10. Shaun Ebert and Shane Ebert, 40.26, $8,280. 11. Carlos Gamez and Chance Cherry, 40.50, $6,200. 12. Jeff Hodge and Jordan Rohlk, 41.26, $6,200. 13. Steve Kuntz and Spencer Love, 41.28, $1,000. 14. Casey Lambert and Rusty Silva, 42.30, $1,000. 15. Chris Pomeroy and Darren Stoner, 43.09, $1,000. 16. Ralph Rud and Jerimie Warner, 45.92, $1,000. #10.5 LEGENDS FT short go, 1st not placing in average: Kelly Cheatham and Glen Terrell, 8.73, $1,000. Average: 1. Bruce Pulham and Rick Steed, 36.13, $16,200. 2. Marvin Kleinbert and Joey Martin, 37.80, $11,280. 3. Woody Richins and Rodney Wilcox, 38.37, $8,340. 4. LaRae Branham and Mike Hughes, 40l93, $5,900. 5. Chris Gierisch and Peston Tatum, 42.04, $4,420. 6. Steve Reiser and Klay Mangis, 42.60, $2,940. FRI., FEB 10 #10.5 WS QUALIFIER FT short go: 1. Waylon Cameron and Toby Wallace, 6.70, $1,800. Average: 1. Waylon Cameron and Toby Wallace, 34.07, $46,000. 2. Ashley Richardson and Brock Grashius, 35.58, $35,540. 3. Lane Nielsen and Travis Brereton, 37.07, $25,080. 4. Travis Ready and Warren Spradlin, 37.65, $18,820. 5. Triston Cody and Rory Billie, 38.05, $16,720. 6. Kayla Tsuneyoshi and Wyatt DeLano, 38.27, $14,640. 7. Casey Lambert and Jerry Stutts, 38.44, $12,540. 8. Levi Gibson and Charlie Scolari, 38.58, $10,460. 9. Sy Ork and Spencer Gordon, 38.67, $8,360. 10. GR Carter and Casey Lambert, Jr., 39.72, $8,360. 11. Tammy Murrietta and Mandy Niesen, 40.42, $6,280. 12. Clay Bauer and Tommy Hall, 43.50, $6,280. 13. Tara Iverson and Payson Whinnery, 43.72, $2,000. 14. Bailey Beall and Prestin Huerta, 43.74, $2,000. 15. Tim Roeser and Dave Crandall, 43.82, $2,000. 16. Jacob Mayfield and Gary Mayfield, 44.11, $2,000. #9.5 WS QUALIFIER FT short go: 1. Jessica Gunsch and Jim Gunsch, 9.68, $1,800. Average: 1. Jessica Gunsch and Jim Gunsch, 39.79, $48,420. 2. Bailey Beall and Chance Stevie, 41.02, $37,420. 3. Beth Hughes and Brennon Seely, $41.31, $26,420. 4. Dave Wingo and Perry Patterson, 41.37, $19,829. 5. Javier Loza and Nick Smith, 41.64, $17,620. 6. Frankie Westcott and Ernie Cordova, 42.10, $15,400. 7. Raymond Kerr and Steve McDaniel, 42.39, $13,200. 8. Kaitlyn Anderson and Ali Bilkey, 42.32, $11,020. 9. Chris Gronlund and Carson Payton, 42.55, $8,800. 10. Brandon Chee and Jerome Chee, 42.66, $8,800. 11. Stefani Lyman and Kim Grubbs, 43.69, $6,600. 12. Mike Hannon and Reed Rider, 44.92, $6,600. 13. Casey Troub and Robert Berndsen, 45.44, $2,000. 14. John Cogburn and Jackson Lee, 46.65, $2,000. 15. Adam Zambrano and Nathan Wagner, 48.40, $2,000. 16. Smokey Staal and Todd Stevie, 51.23, $1,000. SAT., FEB 11 #8.5 WS QUALIFIER FT short go, 1st not placing in average: Bill Jorgenson and Dean Voigt, 13.22, $1,800. Average: 1. Bud Swagel and Carl Singletary, 37.30, $51,140. 2. Chuck Henderson and Cass Gebers, 37.48, $39,500. 3. John Cogburn and Fred Jones, 38.04, $27,900. 4. Troy Helmig and Dave Newton, 38.50, $20,920. 5. Jerry Vohs and Shawn Tarver, 41.20, $18,600. 6. Kat Pelroy and John Sampson, 41.29, $16,260. 7. Marty MacDiarmid and Gordon Pingert, 41.50, $13,940. 8. Jose Gonzales and Jose Ramirez Carranza, 42.52, $10,460. 9. Grant Gomez and Kurt Richardson, 42.52, $10,460. 10. Bill Nevill and Neal Driscoll, 43.94, $9,300. 11. Sid Marshall and Ty Moses, 44.81, $6,980. 12. Beth Hughes and Steve Murdock, 44.90, $4,000. 13. Wayne Herron and Todd Panasuk, 45.72. $4,000. 14. Brother Campbell and Jason LaRue, 46.27, $4,000 15. Miachel Brockett and Bob David, 46.65, $4,000. 16. Gordon Graham and Jeremy Ross, 46.75, $4,000. 17. Jodi Hill and Larry Pancost, 47.63, $2,000. 18. Mark Wright and Ron Pittman, 48.02, $2,000 19. Brother Campbell and Randall Gillespie, 48.07, $2,000. 20. Bruce Teague and Jerry Stutts, 49.54, $2,000. #7 WS QUALIFIER FT short go: 1. Tom Drake and Wayne Henderson, 9.62, $1,800. Average: 1. Clyde Lawson and Robin Bland, 53.01, $22,840. 2. Hubert Heart and Devan Kelly, 54.02, $17,140. 3. Sid Marshall and Bruce Williams, 54.30, $12,380. 4. Chris Scriven and Nick Smith, 54.55, $10,460. 5. Willy Vietor and Neal Driscoll, 55.12, $8,560. 6. Tom Drake and Wayne Henderson, 55.35, $6,600. 7. Tom Drake and Alison Harley, 57.09, $5,700. 8. Jubal Williamson and Betsy Ward, 57.27, 4,760. 9. Jim Anderson and Terry Boydstun, 62.56, $3,800. 10. Renea Bolling and Trevor Saylor, 63.21, $2,860. OPEN WS QUALIFIER FT short go: 1. Edward Hawley and Nano Garza, 7.89, $660. Average: 1. Matt Sherwood and Logan Cullen, 26.78, $14,780. 2. Riley Minor and Jaylen Eldridge, 27.25, $10,300. 3. Dwight Sells and Cody Lansing, 27.46, $7,600. 4. Kaleb Driggers and Brady Minor, 27.74, $5,380. 5. Brayden Schmidt and Jaylen Eldridge, 28.02, $4,020. 6. Erich Rogers and Paul Eaves, 29.98, $2,680. ACTRA National Board Meets In Reno
MARCH 2023 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS PAGE 15 S Bar J Arena Sanger, CA Directions: Hwy. 180 East from Fresno. Turn left at Del Rey Avenue, go 3.5 miles For Info: Steve Simons (559) 352-8012 • Must Be Present To Win Awards At All Ropings • Can Only Win A Saddle Every 30 Days • ACTRA Qualifiers • Must Be ACTRA Member To Rope VAQUERO Trophy & Tack HAT COMPANY INC. Save The Date: TAYLORSVILLE 4th OF JULY ROPING ★ June 30, July 1, 2, 3 ★ Lots of Cattle For Lease MY Cars.com S BAR J ARENA SPRING FINALS Saturday, May 13 SADDLE TO HIGH MONEY ROPERS #1, 1½, 2, 2½ AND 3 & OVER Two Ways To Qualify For Spring Finals: • Rope at 5 Previous S Bar J Ropings • Pay One-Time $50 Fee To Be Eligible For Saddle. Must Be Paid Before Roping. SU 8am, Rope at 8:30am #7 Hdcp. Jr.-Sr., Mixed/Century....3 for $30 #7 Hdcp. Pick 1, Draw 1 ...............3 for $30 #5½ Pick Or Draw ........................3 for $30 #4½ Pick Or Draw ........................3 for $30 #3½ Pick Or Draw ........................3 for $30 “Anyone Can Rope This Day” 5 SADDLES
PAGE 16 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2023 Dakota Kirchenschlager DK Performance Horses NFQ Qualifier #QualityToTheCore fastbackropes.com The ultimate weapon JAMIE ARVISO PHOTO 4 x 8.75” for March 2023 For more information, or book private lessons visit: speedroping.com. For ordering information call: Colter Buck at 903-434-8970 Developed by 8-Time Consecutive World Champion Team Roper, Speed Williams The Speed Trainer can help you: • Improve balance and horsemanship • Learn to rope quicker • Dally better • Isolate and correct mistakes • Work with your horse for ` smoother and quicker runs each Regional Finals with the Wild Card winner. All vying for a chance to compete at The American Rodeo and win the $1 million bonus. Each discipline has their own rules and qualifying system. In the Breakaway, Hali could qualify in each region twice. They run two head and the top ten come back to the Regional Finals final performance and then the top four move on to the finals in March. She went to the Central Region qualifier in Tulsa first. Out of 100 entries, she won 1st and 3rd and made it back to the top 10 twice. In years past you’ve been able to take two runs to the semifinals to try and qualify for the American. The Tulsa Regional was going on the same time as the Ft. Worth rodeo and Hali and Jennifer were driving back and forth every day. On their way back to Ft. Worth for the finals on Saturday night, they got a call and were told that she was losing one of the qualifying spots she earned at Tulsa, and she would only have one run coming back on Sunday. Though this was done in all disciplines, it really caught us off guard because we thought she had two chances to make it. As contestants, we don’t make or understand all the rules, nor are we always informed of rule changes. While grateful for the amazing opportunity, it was disappointing to find out Hali could only use one of her qualifying runs to try to advance when she already beat 100 girls to earn those two spots. The only calf Hali missed that week was on Sunday, in Tulsa, to secure her spot in the American. The next Regional, the Eastern was the following weekend in Lexington, KY. Instead of the girls driving home, we agreed Gabe and I would meet them there. Gabe and I had qualified for that Regional and were scheduled to rope there. At the Eastern Regional, Hali won 5th in the first round, then missed her second calf. On her second run, she won 2nd in the 2nd round. All she had to do was catch her calf in under 12 seconds. Her calf came out, went right, moved back to the left then slowed up, and she roped him around the eyes. That’s one of the difficulties in the Breakaway. The calves that have been roped quite a bit tend to change speed and direction. Out of 60-something girls, not very many caught two-head, even with a barrier. In the Breakaway, they also have buy backs and for $1,000 you get one calf. Then the top two make it into the Regional Finals perf on Friday night. Lo and behold she drew the same calf she missed in the second round. This time the calf was Breaking It Down by Speed Williams Trying To Qualify For The American Rodeo What an amazing opportunity for cowboys and cowgirls in all disciplines. It’s nice not to have to rodeo all year trying to make the finals. I can’t say the American Rodeo hasn’t had its share of growing pains and format changes. Sometimes when you’re trying to make things better, it can be a struggle to find what works and what doesn’t. Below is a breakdown of the qualifying process. This year there are three regions in the American qualifying system, East (Lexington, KY), Central (Tulsa, OK), and West (Heber, UT). Initially there are 54 qualifying events where contestants compete for the opportunity to advance to the Regional Semi-Finals. The Regional Semi-Finals vets up to 100 qualifiers across 8 disciplines against automatically seeded athletes from the 2022 PRCA/WPRA word standings. Seeded and unseeded compete for the opportunity to advance to the Regional Finals. The Regional Finals (Friday night perf) includes the Top 10 finishers in the Semi-Finals + two athletes who earned their spots via a Redemption Round. The Wild Card event (March 8th) offers qualifying athletes one last chance at earning a spot in the finals. The Wild Card event brings together the 30 athletes from each Semi-Final, the 8 from each Regional Final, and the 4 from each Regional Redemption Round. The top performer in each discipline advances to the Finals. The Finals (March 9th) vets the Top 4 athletes from See SPEED WILLIAMS On Page 22
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