Matt Sherwood and Clint Summers roped their last three steers in 16.75 seconds to win $132,500 a man along with the George Strait Team Roping Classic’s impressive prize package Saturday, March 15.
“This is the biggest win of my life,” two-time World Champ Sherwood said. “The two world championships might mean more in 30 years, but this is the biggest win for any team roper at any level. Almost $200,000 with the money and truck and trailer, it’s unbelievable.”
He and Summers had roped all year but hadn’t had any luck, and the duo didn’t enter anything together after the Strait.
“We’ve done terrible up to this point, but $200,000 later, we’ve got something to talk about,” Sherwood said Monday morning, still in disbelief over his win.
“I’m sure we’ll probably end up trying it after this deal,” Summers said, still in disbelief.
They came back to the short round fourth callback and sat at the end of the arena and watched as the top three teams couldn’t beat them.
“I was going to be happy with fourth,” Sherwood said in amazement. “I felt terrible for Ty. He roped great all day. Then he lost his rope, and I realized we’d won it.”
Ty Blasingame and Dakota Kirchenschlager were the high team back, but Blasingame roped a neck and couldn’t get dallied. Nick Sartain and Rich Skelton would finish second and Arky Rogers and Wade Clayton third.
Sherwood and wife Kim were emotional after the win, but Sherwood wasn’t sure if Kim was more excited for the money or the chance to take her picture with George Strait.
“It’s life-changing, a dream come true,” Summers said. “A guy can make it through a lot of years rodeoing with that money. Matt made my job easy, and we drew good all weekend.
“I don’t know how to put it into perspective. The whole way home I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been going there for years and always saw that truck and trailer. I got home, and that truck and trailer are sitting in my yard. I’m driving the truck right now, actually. I just can’t believe it.”
More on the George Strait Team Roping Classic in the May issue of Spin To Win Rodeo. Subscribe here so you won’t miss it.
