Colter Todd will both head and heel for two-time JR. Ironman Champ Ketch Kelton at the 19-year-old’s first Cinch Timed Event Championship when it runs Feb. 27-March 1 at the Lazy E Arena and streaming live on Roping.com.
(That’s it—that’s the whole story because how much more excitement do you need!?)
(OK just kidding… we’ll give you more.)
Todd, the 2023 National Finals Rodeo average champ, is one of the few to make the NFR both heading and heeling, first in the heading in 2006-2008 with Cesar de la Cruz, then in the heeling in 2023 with Derrick Begay.
“I’ve known him since he was little bitty,” Todd, 41, said. “I’m always nervous helping a friend, it’s like roping with Derrick. You just want to do good for them.”
But Kelton’s got full faith in his longtime family friend.
“I grew up with Colter, so he’s the first person I thought of,” Kelton said. “He does both ends so good. It’s hard to get a good header and a good heeler to come just to rope two steers a day. It’s easier to get somebody who can do both ends. And if he’s really nervous, he’s used to those nerves by now.”
Kelton’s dad, Chance, is a 12-time CTEC competitor, and Kelton won the JR Ironman twice.
Kelton has banked over $170,000 in Global Handicaps jackpot earnings in just over a year, and boasts an impressive collection of youth titles across heading, heeling, tie-down roping, and even a little steer wrestling. With the majority of the events conquered, he’s more eager than ever to showcase his steer roping talents.
Kelton kicked off his freshman season at Cisco College in the fall. Although he’s keenly aware he’s the youngest in the pack, Kelton isn’t letting that phase him in preparation.
“I’ve had some nerves, but I try not to think about it too much,” Kelton said. “I’m mostly just grateful for this opportunity. I know that not many people who are as young as I am get the chance to do this. I know how to go out and complete the course on every run, and that’s what I’m focusing on doing out there.”
Related Links:
—TRJ—
