In The Arena
Bob Feist
What a December for team ropers around the country. Who would ever thought, 40-50 years ago that team roping would be at this level. I know that when I started Ropers Sports News in 1968, I had hopes that team roping would become somewhat more of a popular event and it certainly has blossomed. This year has been a banner year for team ropers with more money up than ever before in the history of team roping.
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It's that time of year when all thoughts are on Las Vegas for two of the biggest events of the year, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, representing the seven events of rodeo and deciding who will be the World Champions in each event, and the other being the World Series Of Team Roping Finals paying out over $7 million this year.
This issue contains many results of many Finals that have already been held throughout the western states. Congratulations to all of the ropers who placed in them and be sure and check out the results from Italy as roping has become the number one western sport in that country. Long haul for a three header but at least a roping your spouse won’t mind going to.
July is always a great month and a turning point for many contestants in the rodeo world. It affects young and seasoned veterans in the industry with the great Fourth of July run, as well as the other large rodeos that take place during July, including the International Youth Rodeo in Oklahoma, National High School Finals in Wyoming and the Little Britches Rodeo in Colorado. For some, it is the end of the year finals for the youth events. For the pro rodeo contestant and pro ropers, it is the year’s turning point because of all of the big money up for grabs at the major rodeos and ropings.