Team Ropers
Team ropers from the PRCA, WSTR, USTRC, NTR and more share their stories with The Team Roping Journal’s team of writers.
Welcome to The Team Roping Journal’s Ropers’ Stories category, your source for the most compelling and inspiring tales from the world of team roping. From rodeo champions to weekend warriors, we’ve got stories from all corners of the sport, each one highlighting the passion, skill, and dedication that it takes to be a successful roper. Browse our collection of roper stories to discover new heroes and be inspired by their journeys.
The Latest
Team Ropers
This A&P Heads&Heels
When he’s not tuning on aircraft as an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, retired Marine Omar Benally is tuning his shots on both ends.
Team Ropers
Building a Legacy
Construction engineer James P. Hicks has two goals: Giving away $1 million by the 20th anniversary of the Wiley Hicks Jr. Memorial Roping and finally winning a Wiley Hicks Jr. trophy saddle.
Team Ropers
Wade Wheatley: Roping as a Family Man
Wade Wheatley talks good horses, great friendships and the joys of roping at home.
Team Ropers
Men of Iron: Keepers of the Cinch Timed Event Championship Arena Records
A look at the Ironman’s five arena records and the men that hold them.
Team Ropers
Uncharted Waters: Blaine Linaweaver and Jory Levy Broke Ice on Low-3-Second Runs in 2001 in San Angelo.
The first low-3-second run happened in February 2001 in San Angelo, Texas.
Team Ropers
5 Ropers Hang Tough to Advance to NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman Finals
The field is set for the World’s Greatest Horseman Finals—and Tyler Merrill represented team ropers well with the top steer stopping score on the way.
Team Ropers
No Thumb, No Problem
Brayden Chee overcame a roping accident to persevere in Las Vegas, roping, catching and winning with his hand in a splint.
Team Ropers
Joseph Harrison Shifts Focus to Futurities
Joseph Harrison is jumping at roping’s new equine opportunities, stepping back from ProRodeo competition.
Jake Barnes
When the Rodeo Road Ends: Life After Rodeo with Jake Barnes
What happens when the rodeo road ends? Jake Barnes talks reinventing his life at 63.
Team Ropers
Heading & Healing | Greg Ziel’s Comeback Story
In less than a year, retired cop and suicide survivor Greg Ziel has gone from barely riding to winning buckles aboard a ranch horse named Midnight. Together, they’re headed for healing.