The Wrangler Horse and Rodeo News

4 The Wrangler, Horse and Rodeo News • November 20 - December 4, 2017 By ryan Davis The 2017 USTRC Cinch National Finals of Team Roping made an impact and answered the questions that have topped the conversation between team ropers over the past several months. The 2017 USTRC season was interrupted this year by the changing of the guard when Active Interest Media (AIM) took the reins of the association. There was no question that USTRC events, including the National Finals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma have been on a steady decline over the past several years and the shake- up of the new ownership left a lot of unanswered questions about the future of the organization. The inquiries over the past several months were put aside as many anticipated this year's Finals event to see how the changes that were introduced would impact the event. With the 2017 USTRC Cinch Finals now over it has been recognized as a success and the future of the reconditioned event can see many years to come. The 2017 USTRC Cinch National Finals of Team Roping, along with the event at the Lazy E Arena witnessed a thirty percent increase in teams over last year. There were 6,100 teams at the Finals and another 5,200 teams at the Lazy E, making 28 consecutive years as the largest roping in the world. This was a staggering feat when you consider that the event was shortened from 10 to 7 days. Of course any event cannot only be judged by the number of teams entered, but also by the overall feeling of those in attendance, in addition to money and prizes awarded and the production of the event itself. Least to say, the sentiment at this year's USTRC Finals conquered all of this and more. There was a sense of 'welcoming back' an old friend into the arena this year and the feeling of the same great production of the USTRC Finals that ropers enjoy. To answer the questions of the event itself, the 2017 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping paid out over 5-million dollars in cash. Over 1,000 steers were sorted and shuttled between Guthrie and OKC. By all accounts barrier and steers were easy, accounting for a catch percentage nearly 15% higher than normal. Ropers also enjoyed the three-arena set up and format allowing them to get in and out of their rotation quickly. The daisy chain worked to perfection throughout the entire event. Overall, the impression of the event was great. Ropers gathered, enjoyed each other's company as they roped for some of the biggest money of the year! The focus on the Finals is to win big and every roper had their shot at this year's payouts. From the Open to the novice, each day was filled with ropers heading to the pay window to pick up large checks, and collect their prizes that included Dodge Trucks, Case Tractors, Martin trophy saddles, Gist buckles, Tony Lama Boots and Purina feed. With the 2017 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping in the books and the success of the event, ropers can look forward to what's to come. According to Denny Gentry, interim assn. president, his core group of producers and ropers used the event to reconcile a list of opportunities and concerns that need attention in order to maximize the USTRC to its full potential. The major concern from Gentry and staff concerned the formats for qualification ropings, the speed of the Finals ropings and the classifications of the teenagers. But despite their outspoken public concerns, "It is crystal clear from team ropers that the USTRC has a strong place in market," said Gentry. "It is definitely a completely different product than WSTR and needs to be a defined entity of itself. Our team had only 90 days to pull off 6 Regionals and the Finals and it took all the old pros from the entire industry to make it work." If the Finals is any indicator, ropers expect lots of adjustments in 2018. The message is clear, a major effort is underway to make sure the USTRC will continue to be an organization for ropers to enjoy the sport of team. US Open Championships $197,800 Kaleb Driggers – Stephenville, TX, Junior Nogueira – Stephenville, TX: The US Open Championship was claimed by one of the hottest team ropers in the country. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira are the number one team in the PRCA standings going into this year's National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. They took the win at the US Open Championships roping five head in 32.05 seconds and winning $53,400. We caught up with Kaleb and Junior following the Finals while they were practicing, getting ready for the NFR and they both were very humbled about the US Open Championship win. "It was a blessing," Kaleb said. "I've been trying to win that thing forever and to finally get it done – Well it was a true blessing." "It was exciting to win the Open with Kaleb," Junior added before running a set of practice steers. "Team roping has changed over the last couple years, it's getting really fast but it worked out pretty good and we can't complain." #15 Shoot-Out $236,300 Cooper Hatley – Hermleigh, TX Junior Nogueira – Stephenville, TX In the #15 Shoot-Out it was Junior again taking home the first place check. This time he heeled for up-and-coming star, Cooper Hatley from Hermleigh, Texas. Hatley and Nogueira won $50,000 roping four head in 27.3 seconds. "It has always been a dream of mine to rope with one of the best in the world and especially win with one of them," said Hatley, who attends Weatherford College. "Junior and I roped at three to four jackpots the week before and didn't have any luck. When we got to the roping I told myself to do my job and he will take care of it. It worked out pretty good." Junior was very excited for Cooper and their win in the #15, saying, "That kid ropes good and did an amazing job out there. He went for it and did a heck of a job. He is talented and ropes really good." #13 Shoot-Out $312,200 Joel Cosgrove Jr. – Boligee, AL Charles Pogue – Ringling, OK – A blast from the past, 15-time NFR qualifier, Charles Pogue heeled behind Joel Cosgrove Jr. for the championship of the #13 Shoot-Out. Cosgrove who came to Oklahoma from Alabama and the home-state native, Pogue roped four head in 29.9 seconds to win $60,000 in cash. "I thought the roping was great," Joel said. "I hurt my back a few years ago and Charles offered to keep my horses in shape until I got back on my feet. We became friends after that and rope together when we can. I had won the #13 down there in 1998 with Ed Allen, but this was the most money I have ever won." Pogue who is one of the pros at www.TotalTeamRoping.com and heeled on a horse he borrowed from Barry Hickman said, "Joel and I got to practice together about a week before we went down there. He did a really good job, the horses worked well and things happened to fall into place for us. I get a kick out of seeing guys like Joel, who I've worked with win. It makes it that much nicer." #12 Shoot-Out $341,600 Buckshot Patterson – San Marcos, TX Jesse Hines – Hondo, TX The big money kept rolling out as the #12 Shoot-Out played out. It was the Texas team of Buckshot Patterson and Jesse Hines who claimed the victory. Patterson and Hines roped tough throughout the roping and collected $66,300 after roping four head in a smoking time of 26.37 seconds. "It was a really big deal there this year," said 17-year-old Patterson who had not been to the USTRC Finals since he was 13. "Jesse is one of my good buddies and we rope a lot. He's been heeling really well lately and even though I normally heel I thought I'd head for him. I'm glad I did." As for Hines, he said, "I've been going to the Finals for the past 3-4 years and this was my first time winning something there. I've won some regular USTRC events but nothing compared to this." Hines plans to put the money away for the future, hopes to gain a rodeo scholarship somewhere when he graduates and to make the NFR someday. #11 Shoot-Out $382,000 Hali Williams – Mineral Wells, TX Garret Chick –Salado, TX The team of Hali Williams and Garret Chick were the next team to hit the top spot. This Texas team 2017 USTRC Cinch National Finals of Team Roping....

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