Cool Kids

Next Generation Perspective
"To be an all-around guy, at your core, you have to value being a cowboy more than being a whatever-event-you-want-to-put-in-that-space."
While Ketch Kelton and Denton Dunning won the NHSFR team roping title. | Jennings Rodeo Photography

As we’re working on this column, I’m on my way between watching my son Treston rope at the National High School Finals Rodeo and the Old West Futurity in Utah. Watching all those kids do battle at the NHSFR left me with a few takeaways. 

1. Your high school career doesn’t define you. 

I can see that now, but I couldn’t see it then because I just wanted to do well.

I made it to Nationals one time in the team roping and lost my rope, and I never made it in the calf roping. It’s two and a short. If Greeley was Nationals, did Kaleb Driggers or Tyler Wade win it? That’s just what it is. We all know the good guys don’t always win. In Texas, when I was a kid,I think I won my region every year, but it’s a heavily weighted two and a short rodeo, and I didn’t get it done. 

2. What Ketch Kelton and Denton Dunning did was impressive

That second steer they ran was a risky shot where Denton took it. But that’s when you know you’re in the zone. They looked really professional in context with the pack. Those kids were grinding it out from an early age, eaten up with roping. It’s clear they’ve got so many more hours in the arena than most kids their age, and they’re seeing the results. Other kids can catch up, but it will take a while, and a whole lot of reps. 

3. Ketch is making an all-around statement. 

Kelton also claimed the all-around gold. Jennings Rodeo Photography

I’m an all-around guy, but I love the fact that Ketch has a clear, better event, and he still does all the others. He does the cow horse, the bulldogging, the calf roping. I know he’s an Ironman protégé, and I love to watch that. It shows that he can still dominate in his main event while he’s perfecting the other stuff as he goes. He’s becoming a better horseman, a better cowboy, all around. 

Most people would say, ‘Hey, I’m obviously really proficient at team roping, and I need to choose that path.’  But Ketch is proof you don’t have to. He’s still winning in the team roping. To be an all-around guy, at your core, you have to value being a cowboy more than being a whatever-event-you-want-to-put-in-that-space. That has to override everything. 

4. Denton is like “Champ.” 

He seems like a ClayO. He’s so nonchalant about his craft. He’s not flamboyant, but he ropes so well. There’s no flash, nothing wild—he’s just excellent at what he does.

—TRJ—

SHARE THIS STORY
CATEGORIES
TAGS
Related Articles
Steve Friskup Crosby Ray Von
Worth a Listen
"Team Roping Is Going to Save the Day for Everybody" — Steve Friskup's 2025 Horse Market Report
RR Buckles Clubhouse
Join the Club
RR Buckles Clubhouse & Brazile Are High Back for $100K in 2025 Old West Rope Horse Futurity Heading
Crosby Rey Von Old West Sale
Drool-Worthy
Solo, Relentless Remuda Send 5 Game-Changing Prospects to June 20 Old West Rope HorseSale Eligible for $1 Million Bonus
June_2025_GB #24
workin' hard for the money
Team Roping Without a Trust Fund
SA2_1785
extra effort
Sleepy the Head Horse Has a Side Hustle 
The Team Roping Journal
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.