At 26 years old, I don’t claim to have a handle on everything life throws at you. I do, however, absolutely and whole-heartedly believe that “You reap what you sow.”

I started roping in the fall of 2000. I am, and always will be, an “All-In” type of person. I read every article on every roper I’ve ever looked up to. I’ve read about Jake Barnes and Clay O’ Cooper buying 33 steers and roping them 3 times a day, every day. I’ve read of Al Bach pulling his pickup up to the arena and turning on the headlights, and chasing steers through the lights so he could see to rope them because there where no arena lights. Even reading how he roped until his hands bled, taped them up, and continued to rope more. I’ve seen Speed Williams win 1st and 2nd at the George Strait, rush back to Llano, and practice until the early morning hours. I have witnessed first hand the professionalism that separates the Clay Tryan, Trevor Brazile, Chad Masters, Jade Corkill, Patrick Smith, and Travis Graves of this era. I could go on and on, but I’ve mentioned nearly half the Gold Buckles ever given away in this sport.

I don’t believe that any of the above mentioned ropers showed up with a special seed of greatness. I believe that the way they sacrificed and focused their time made the difference. You see, farming is not merely scattering random seed and hoping it produces a bunker crop. Farming is tending to the soil long before and during the entire growth process. I think that achieving an average level of success requires average output. However, if you really want to achieve a ridiculous almost in-human level of success? it takes sickening work effort. It takes more than you think you have in you. Until next time, I’ll be giving it all I’ve got! I refuse to look back on life and regret that I reaped the rewards of 70% effort.

Rope Better, Live Better,
Buddy Hawkins