Stockton Cribbs, a 14-year-old from Billings, Missouri, is making waves on the Division Youth Leaderboards with his dedication and relentless practice in preparation for the 2025 WCJR.
Ranked third in the WCRA Division Youth Heeling Leaderboard and sixth in Tie-Down, Stockton’s consistent effort is paying off as he prepares for the 2025 World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR) at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, from July 22-26. With a total payout of $400,000, including $215,000 in guaranteed added money, Stockton is eager to showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages in youth rodeo.
Team Roping Journal: Stockton, you’ve been rodeoing since you were little. Tell me a little bit about you and how you got started roping.
Stockton: Well, I’m 14 years old, and that’s all I know to do is rope. My mom (Lacie) and dad (Hooter) rope, and they used to put on ropings, so I grew up around it. I even started my own goat roping deal.
TRJ: What does a typical practice session look like for you?
Stockton: Every night we rope. We use the dummy, live cattle, and I ride my horses. I practice anything I can with the rope every night.
TRJ: Are you practicing both calf roping and team roping every night?
Stockton: No, I alternate between the two. I practice calf roping one night and team roping the next.
TRJ: You’re top five in both calf roping and team roping in the WCRA Division Youth standings. How does that feel?
Stockton: It feels great. It’s exciting.
TRJ: Which event is your favorite? Calf roping or team roping?
Stockton: Team roping, for sure.
TRJ: Where do you get most of your Division Youth nominations from?
Stockton: Bronc Evans puts on a lot of ropings that I go to, and I also go to the Little Britches Rodeos. I think those are the main ones my mom nominates me for. I also go to junior high rodeos, the Missouri Junior Rodeo Circuit, and the Missouri Family Rodeo Association.
TRJ: What was your favorite part of the WCJR last year, and what are you looking forward to this year?
Stockton: It was awesome. My favorite part was making it back to the short round. It was just cool to see all my hard work pay off.
TRJ: Who have you heeled for to earn Division Youth points?
Stockton: I’ve roped with Jaden Bartosh, Colton Charleston, Wyatt Walker, and maybe Bronc Evans some.
TRJ: How do you plan to prepare before heading back to the Lazy E this summer?
Stockton: I plan on practicing just like I am now—every night.
TRJ: Hooter, how do you help Stockton prepare for bigger stages like the WCJR?
Hooter: Just practice and horsemanship at home.
TRJ: How special is it for you to see Stockton excelling in the arena?
Hooter: Oh, it’s very fulfilling. It’s just the lifestyle we live. It’s good to see our son succeed where we couldn’t, especially when the opportunities weren’t there when we were his age. That’s why we’re saddling horses right now and headed to a rope. It never stops, it seems like.
