The Magic That Keeps Us Coming Back
Summer is in full swing, and I cannot express how much joy this season brings to my heart. Between the ProRodeos, junior rodeos, and jackpots, life feels beautifully relentless and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This summer in California has been nothing short of magical, with cooler temperatures blessing our land and creating the most abundant gardens and lush crops I’ve seen in years.
My evenings have become sacred rituals, dropping into a jackpot, casting a line on the river, or tending and watering the garden as the sun sets. These moments fill me with profound gratitude for this place we call home. It’s no wonder my family chose to put down roots here so long ago, and it’s no wonder there are those who would speak poorly of our beautiful state. But I know the truth – California is truly one of the most spectacular places on Earth.
Writing has always been my way of capturing inspiration, though I’ll admit it used to flow more naturally. Over time, I became increasingly introverted, keeping my thoughts and feelings close to my chest while focusing intensely on business and helping others achieve their dreams. But today, I want to reflect on some deeper thoughts.
It has been one remarkable year since I took the reins at Ropers Sports News, and what an incredible journey it has been. The experiences have been overwhelmingly positive, with nearly everyone showing me kindness, patience, and understanding. While rodeo and roping aren’t new to me, the intricate business of rodeo, roping, and livestock production has been a learning curve. Most producers I’ve encountered have been remarkably self-sufficient and gracious, understanding that I’m working to learn their business inside and out while striving to be the best partner and promoter possible.
Every single person who becomes part of the Ropers Sports News family matters to me. I understand how crucial this platform is for their business success and their ability to draw crowds to their events. When I work with customers, I always step into their shoes – how would I run that business? How would I promote it? How would I want someone to help amplify my message? What’s the most effective strategy to bring awareness to my event, product, or service? I pour my heart into ensuring we’re promoting everyone across print, digital, and social media – all included under one comprehensive price.
Ropers Sports News has been a cornerstone of our community for 58 years, and as the new owner and publisher, my mission has been to expand our digital reach while maintaining our creative edge, bringing us into the modern era while creating fresh opportunities for advertisers. We cover every angle because we understand how vital each platform is to our community’s success.
Something interesting I read, Barnes & Noble is opening 60 new stores next year, largely due to a resurgence in print reading. People are recognizing that excessive screen time and blue light exposure can be harmful to our brains, eyes, and even hormones. There’s a powerful movement back toward physical books and tangible print media. Nothing solidifies articles, results, and photographs quite like print – no blog post or social media update can match its permanence and its status. This truth becomes crystal clear when I look through the archives I inherited – 58 years of Ropers Sports News history that exists nowhere on the internet but sits preserved in my office, a treasure trove of our sport’s legacy.
We continue to honor the same love, regard, and respect for this heritage that has always defined our coverage of rodeo and roping. It’s not easy work, but I promise you that your events, your photographs, and your history are captured for eternity, preserved safely from
the digital world’s impermanence. When your grandchildren are searching for their family’s rodeo legacy, they’ll find it here.
I’m really energized by the new partnerships blossoming as we move forward, and I’m grateful for everyone who believed in me during this first year. The love and support you’ve shown means everything. Ropers Sports News is growing; our subscription base is expanding, our popularity is evolving, and yes, I’ve featured more women because it’s an incredibly exciting time for women in rodeo. Don’t worry, gentlemen, you remain just as celebrated and beloved. Whatever stories come my way that seem relevant and exciting, I’m going to share them with passion.
This month, we’re featuring Kelsie Domer on our cover. I had the privilege of spending time with her, conducting an interview and photographing her in Las Vegas when she claimed the world championship in breakaway roping. That moment was pure relevance; women in rodeo and roping are having their moment, and we’re going to celebrate it.
Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about the Salinas Rodeo, which has become such a cherished staple in my summer schedule. There’s simply nothing like the Salinas Rodeo! More recently, I’ve joined the committee at the Clements Stampede, working to preserve the history and heritage of my hometown Rodeo. The Clements Stampede is scheduled for October 18th and 19th, and we’re resurrecting the dance that was once a beloved social community gathering. The arena and grounds are magnificently situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills – it’s the perfect time of year to join us, and as a committee member, I’d love to see our community rally behind this treasured event.
We’re also supporting the all-girls roping at Bolado Park for ‘California’s Richest Breakaway Roping,’ which has been phenomenal to watch flourish.
Thank you, from my heart, for your incredible support during this first year. Thank you for subscribing, for advertising, and for being part of this living heritage. It means the world to me to be surrounded by such an amazing community. Please feel free to email me anytime with questions, comments, or feedback, I genuinely love hearing from our rodeo family.
Here’s to another season of incredible stories, unforgettable moments, and the timeless spirit that makes our community so extraordinary.
