Steer Ropers finally get their due.

What a great time in Torrington, Wyoming for the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping. I told the Chamber of Commerce reps that I didn't need to remind these cowboys to be "good" or to say "thanks". I've learned over many years that this group of contestants will do that without being pushed.

The Goshen County Fairgrounds turned out in fine style for us; though the crowd wasn't as large as it will be eventually, it certainly was a nice representation of fans. I saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones.

The black and white of it is: Ralph Williams from Skiatook, Oklahoma won the event. Each of 24 ropers got 5 head over two days...then the best eight in the average moved into the semis. The best four times advanced to the finals...and the fastest time in the finals was crowned the champ. The smart money was on Vin Fisher, the young Texan has moved into first place in the PRCA world standings in the past week and he was "hot" in Torrington. Didn't win much on Saturday on the first three, but came back with a 2nd and 1st in the last two regular rounds and won the 5 head average in just over 50 seconds on four qualified catches (no one caught all 5 in that competition; Cody Garnett of Oklahoma and Rocket Freeman of Idaho both missed their 5th steer for a chance to win it.)

And all the while Ralph Williams, the unassuming Okie just kept roping smart...never forcing anything....qualifying in 5th place to the semis.  His was the 4th fastest into the finals but he started the finals with a solid 11.9 and watched as Howdy McGinn, the Columbia River Circuit Champion, and Cody Garnett both took no times. That left only Vin Fisher. Vin had a hard running steer that he tripped in time to win, but he'd have to do perfect to get it, and the steer kicked. To Vin's credit he didn't try to force anything; wrapped the steer in 19.0 and finished second and he won the most money of anyone there; nearly $10,000. That was almost 1/4 of the total purse.!! Ralph, meanwhile, would be the poster child for the "old guard".  Don't get ahead of yourself, make sure of your mechanics, play conservative...he did, and he won. The first ever National Circuit Champion Steer Roper will forever be Ralph Williams. Not former champions Scott Snedecor or Buster Record, not current world champion Rocky Patterson, not veterans like Rod Hartness or JP Wickett; not favorite sons like Chris Glover or Troy Tillard. The chips fell just right for Ralph Williams and he humbly took the honors.

In all, 18 of the 24 guys entered won money. Not bad considering they paid only stock charge, no entry fee. In five rounds, the semis and finals, the ropers nodded for 132 steers and got times on 59% of them. A good percentage.  Only a few kicked loose; there were only 2 broken barriers and the judges weren't tested often. Marty Jandreau flagged the field, Jim Whiting watched the line and Harry Rose was the middle of the field decision maker.

There were no controversies mostly because steer ropers, for the most part, aren't whiners. Nod, ride up on the steer, throw a horn loop, and turn left.  I'm proud of em - the whole dang bunch. It gives me so much joy to be their "voice" to a crowd that may not understand the event. Thanks for the opportunity.