BACK IN BUSINESS
In its new home in Fort Worth, Texas, the USTRC’s National Finals XXXI presented by Cinch hosted some 6,400 teams and 2,100 individual ropers—marking the enthusiastic resurgence of roping’s original premier family event.
The Will Rogers Memorial Center hosted the iconic event across three arenas, awarding a RAM Truck, Case IH Tractors, Gist Buckles, Resistol Hats, Tony Lama Boots, Scott Thomas Saddles and millions of dollars in cash to ropers from across the globe. What’s more, 55 vendors reaped the benefits of a crowd of ropers and fans eager to support the Western industry while striving to find a sense of normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association prioritized roper health and safety throughout the event, emphasizing strategic foot-traffic flow throughout the buildings and encouraging utilization of masks with the help of facility organizers.
#16.5 SHOOTOUT
RICE AND PATTON
Korbin Rice tossed his old, worn out boots in a dumpster at the Will Rogers Memorial Center and slid into a brand-new pair just a few hours before winning the #16.5 Shootout at the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping XXXI presented by Cinch. Rice, of Hobbs, New Mexico, was heading for Josh Patton, Shallowater, Texas, and the duo etched their mark in the USTRC history books as the first-ever champion team crowned in Fort Worth, Texas. They took home a $20,240 paycheck and Gist Silversmith buckles, Resistol hats and Tony Lama boots—as it turns out Rice didn’t need to purchase those new cowboy kicks after all. Then again, maybe it was a stroke of good luck.
“I might put the pair I bought up on a shelf,” he joked from the official USTRC Winners’ Circle, “But my old pair was collecting water and they had to go.”
In its 31st edition, the USTRC NFTR looks a little different—and it’s not just because of a worldwide pandemic. With a new location, new dates and a new schedule, ropers have a renewed interest in the sport’s OG—the largest continuous team roping in the country. Add on lower entry fees, a #9.5 RAM Truck Roping and the new Select Team Roping Horse Sale, and you have a must-attend event for the whole family. While there was a lot of “new” at this year’s NFTR, what hasn’t changed is the prestige that comes with the title of USTRC Champion Team Roper.
“I’m just thankful they didn’t give up,” Patton said. “[The USTRC] put a lot into having this event. It’s still one of the best ropings of the year.”
Two years ago, Rice won the Open Junior NFR Division at the USTRC NFTR with Zant Lewis. It was a memorable win, for sure, but topping the #16.5 is just a little sweeter.
“There are no limitations in the #16,” Rice explained. “You’re roping with everyone. It’s a lot tougher. The steers were good, and everyone had a chance at winning.”
Patton, who owns Wild West Trailer Sales in Lubbock, Texas, has been hitting the practice pen for years with Rice, who is now a college freshman at Cisco College.
#15.5 SHOOTOUT
HALE AND CORKILL
High school senior, Trevor Hale, and three-time PRCA World Champion Jade Corkill came back high call in the #15.5 Shootout at the USTRC National Finals XXXI presented by Cinch. A smooth finish in the short round gave them a total time of 27.55 seconds on four head, and it was enough to pocket the $24,160 paycheck along
