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Laughlin Team Roping Finals |
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November 20-22, 2009
Mojave Crossing Event Center – Ft Mohave, Arizona
Produced by USTRC
Photos by Allen’s Rodeo Photos
By Ben Clements
The Laughlin Team Roping Finals held in Fort Mohave, Arizona at the Mojave Crossing Events Center is always a great kick off to the new USTRC team roping season. It was no different this year as team ropers came to enjoy the resort style team roping action in the desert of Arizona. Ropers from as far away as Arkansas and Indiana came to enjoy the great guaranteed payout and prizes.
Professional team roper Jade Corkill made the trip from Fallon, Nevada and he was certainly glad he did. The 22-year-old heeler teamed up with World Champion header Matt Sherwood to win the average of the Open Division. The duo caught four steers in 26.87 seconds to accomplish the task and take home the $10,000 paycheck along with trophy tooled saddle pads.
Corkill was not done however as he teamed up with Zayne Dishion in the #15. The pair caught their four steers in 28.39 seconds and claimed second place in the average. The victory put $3720 in their pockets along with a USTRC National Finals Shoot Out worth $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.
Another youngster and up and coming star also enjoyed some success at the team roping battle in the desert. Austin Carter from Las Vegas, Nevada took home more than $7800 in cash for his efforts.
“I haven’t been to this roping in a few years because I have been Little Britches Rodeoing,” said Cater. “I am really glad we went this year. It was a good roping and I really enjoyed it.”
Cater got his start team roping at a young age and has had a lot of help with his roping along the way.
“My dad used to ride bucking horses and my stepmom was a rodeo queen. They got married when I was six years old and I started roping then,” said Carter. “Mostly my Mom and Dad helped me to rope but I have really had several people help me out along the way. I just love to rope and that is that.”
Carter teamed up with Chet Pulsipher to win the average of the #11 Division. The pair caught four steers in 31.17 seconds and took home trophy Martin saddles, $10,000 and a USTRC National Shoot Out worth $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.
“We have roped together a few times and we usually do some good,” said Carter. “We were the high team and I usually pressure up, but this time I was just thinking to myself not to safety up and take my first shot. That is what my dad told me and it worked out for the best.”
Fourteen-year-old Carter also teamed up with young Cache Burnside to win second place in the average of the #9 Division. The pair caught four steers in 44.34 seconds and earned $4580, trophy Gist buckles and a USTRC National Shoot Out worth $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.
“Cache and I rope together a lot,” added Carter. “His family puts on ropings and so we get to rope all the time.”
Carter has his sights set on roping again at the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping next October.
“I went this year and did some good and I am going back next year,” said Carter. “This time my whole family is going, so it will be even better. I am excited that I already have some Shoot Outs.”
No doubt the Laughlin Team Roping Finals was a great way to kick the USTRC 2010 season into gear. The guaranteed payout and the great team roping competition made for a great event. The state of the art facility also added to the hype of the event. If you missed out this year you won’t want to next year.
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