The 2025 Wrangler National Finals was outstanding from the 10 performances of great rodeo to all of the extra events that went on to make the WNFR and two weeks in Vegas extremely exciting. My stay at South Point was again very delightful with the utmost in hospitality shown by hotel owner, Michael Gaughan and wife Paula, along with their outstanding staff. Ryan Growney is the GM of this fine property which hosts many events during the WNFR including a fine trade show along with the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale.
Along with the WNFR comes trade shows from the annual Cowboy Christmas to the trade shows at the various other locations throughout the city. One of my favorites is the trade show at the South Point as they have a tremendous amount of venders alongside the Ariat World Series Team Roping Finale. One can find about any kind of product related to the western life style along with the ability to watch all the team roping they desire in this one location. A person can always take a break from the ropings and shopping and dine or gamble within the property of the South Point.
The Ariat World Series Team Roping Finale is the premier roping event for all caliber of team ropers paying out life changing prize money to its competitors. It always amazes me to go observe how this fine tuned association handles thousands of team ropers at this event in a very organized manner. I was overly impressed this year with the presentation of the championship rounds and how WSTR produced the short go’s and their introductions of the finalists.
Attending the WFNR each night at the Thomas and Mack was a treat watching each performance bring competitors closer to a world title. The field changed many times over the course of the 10 days and each night brought excitement with a new opening and special presentations of numerous recognitions. This was the the 40th anniversary of the rodeo being held in Las Vegas which brought much nostalgia while remembering years past. I always love to see many of the attendees attired in their finest Resistol Hats, Wrangler Wears and Justin Boots as they attend the performances. The one night I will long remember is the night they recognize the Rookies of the Year in their individual events and with the Resistol Man of The Year award. I was very honored to be chosen as the 2025 Resistol Man of The Year. My thanks to Resistol for this prestigious honor. Also, my sincere thanks to PRCA Rodeo Photographer, Fernando J Sam-Sin, for the outstanding photos captured during the Resistol Man of the Year ceremony and especially for the one he put on canvas and presented to me.
The WNFR competition was excellent this year and I was proud of the performances by all the contestants. I was extremely proud of the team roping and was amazed at the outstanding runs displayed at this years event. I for one would like to see the “Crossfire” rule eliminated during this event. Thomas and Mack is a small arena and the decision of the flagger is so tested under the conditions. The talent that is there today are capable of the execution of the crossfire and it is a timed event so the fastest way to catch a steer should be recognized.
Made a short trip to Arizona to see my friend and old team roping partner, JB Getzwiller, retire from the Judges Bench where he was Justice of the Peace for the Ironwood Precinct since 2001. Joe B and I roped together for many of his roping years. He also appeared in many movies as a member of the Screen Actors Guild. It was nice to see my friend retire and now maybe find time to once again enter up in the many winter ropings that are held in Arizona. Joe and his wife Theresa live in Gila Bend.
While on my trip to Arizona, I stopped in Wickenburg and as always couldn’t believe all of the team roping activities going on every day during the winter months. One could rope in all different kind of ropings within a 50 mile radius. As long as you have entry fees you can continue to rope. Many people have private arenas and if you don’t have one, chances are your neighbors do. Also was lucky enough to visit my long time friends Ron and Sandy Hognestad who have a winter home close by all he action. Ron and I went over to Glen Teixeira’s for a Taco Tuesday lunch. Glenn and his wife love to host people over for a midday BBQ and it is generally followed by a few hands of the card games of Pitch. The day we attended lunch, they featured lamb along with many homemade salads and some great beans, delicious.
While at Glenn Teixeira’s, Allen Capurro informed us of the passing of longtime team roper and friend, Cecil Nicol. Cecil roped at age 90 and was still very competitive. I had the privilege of going to his Celebration of Life hield in Anderson, California on January 12th. Cecil’s family hosted an awesome tribute to this man who put family and roping at the top of his list. Many great stories were told and the speakers did an awesome job of honoring Cecil. On display were many of his photos and awards accumulated over the years including his World Championship Senior buckle.
Stephanie Anderson, who has been my office manager for many, many years, has been enjoying semi-retirement days spent by riding and showing ranch horses at AQHA shows California and Arizona. She has won many awards and events over the course of her years of competition. Recently Steph and her young gelding, Too Smart To Dual, won the the 2025 Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association (PCQHA) High Point Select Ranch title. Congratulations to Stephanie and all those on her team.
