The 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo team roping was by far one of the best in recent years. It was obvious from the first go-round that most of the teams were going for the go-round wins and letting the average take care of itself. Five teams recorded a no time in the first go-round. Two more new teams took a no time in the second round, followed by two more teams in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds, making 13 teams out by at least one head by the end of the fifth round. Luke Brown and Travis Graves took a no time in the sixth round, leaving Clay Smith and Coleby Payne as the only team with a time on all six steers.
Rounds were won in the 3.4-second range and up in nine of the ten rounds, making for exciting viewing. Round four was the weakest round, with a 4.1 recorded by four teams splitting the round. Speaking of the split in round four brings to mind the many splits that came into play in the 2024 timed events. This happened far more than in any previous years. Maybe it’s time for the clocks to measure to hundredths of a second in the timed events at the NFR. All major big-money ropings and steer wrestling jackpots record times in hundredths. Just my thoughts. Thanks to the donors for ensuring that the splits were honored with equal prizes.
Clay Smith and Coleby Payne didn’t play it safe in the seventh round, stopping the clock in 3.7 seconds to win third. The eighth round saw them take their longest time when they went 19.3 on the steer, but they were still the only team to have caught all their steers. In the ninth round, they clocked a 4.8 to win sixth-place money.
Heading into the tenth round, it looked like Clay Smith and Coleby Payne were set to win the average—all they had to do was catch. Anyone who has ever roped knows the feeling when all you have to do is catch and forget the clock. I would’ve bet a lot of money that Clay wouldn’t miss a head loop, but that’s what happened. They had to settle for a total time of 76.6 on nine head, which still allowed them to win third in the average. Their runs of 18.6 in the fourth round and 19.3 in the eighth round made them too long for first or second in the average.
The average was won by Clint Summers and Jake Long with a time of 44.3 on nine head. This team took a no time on their first steer but came back to place in seven of the next rounds. Heading into the tenth round, Summers and Long had already won $98,836. After placing in the tenth round with a 4.0 for a fourth-place check, and taking home the average money of $86,391, the team earned over $199,354 at the NFR. Both ended the year-end standings in second place. Summers finished the season with $342,501, and Long ended with $345,938.
Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp shocked everyone by taking a no time on their first steer but came back to place in six of the next nine rounds. They didn’t place in the average but still won over $169,243 at the Finals, securing enough to claim consecutive world titles.
The other shocker of the tenth round was the miss by Coleman Proctor, who was very much in contention for the All-Around title. This was another instance where all they had to do was catch—and we all know how hard that can be sometimes. Heading into the tenth round, Proctor and Medlin had 28.50 on seven steers after taking no times in the third and fifth rounds. Despite this, Proctor and Medlin still had a great NFR, winning $140,945 each.
My Resistol is off to the South Point Hotel and Casino for hosting many events during this year’s NFR. Paula and Michael Gaughan, Ryan Growney, and their 3,000+ employees go above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly during this time.
The big events at the South Point this year included the World Finals of Breakaway Roping. The main event of the ten days is the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale. It was nice to stop by and visit with Connie Gentry and Dru Stewart about the success of this huge production. Over the years, this event has paid out in excess of $41 million—not counting this year’s record payout. It’s incredible to see how far team roping has come during my 65 years of involvement, including being a contestant, roping producer, and team roping publication publisher. The WSTR Finale is definitely a first-class event, and everyone involved with its production should be proud. Congratulations to the many winners of this year’s events.
My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Liddon Cowden, who recently passed. Liddon was a very skilled header in his day, attending the NFR on more than one occasion and capturing titles at many famed rodeos and ropings during his career. He was only 54 years old at the time of his passing.
The roping world also lost Leon Cook, who hosted the Tubac, Arizona, ropings along with Geo Aros during Tucson Rodeo Week. Leon and George originally held the roping with higher-than-normal entry fees and a winner-take-all payout. It was big money in those days to win this roping. After a few years, the roping was changed to pay more than one place due to demand from the ropers. Perry Bigbee was a huge supporter of this roping and went on to produce some major events. Leon was a mild-mannered producer admired by many.
I’ll be attending the 50th anniversary of the Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The late Larry Mahan and Olympic skier Billy Kidd started the event 50 years ago, and it has continued to be one of the favorite out-of-the-arena events for many cowboys and cowgirls.
