Riders win custom belt buckles at the Jackpot Roping

Riders compete in two-person team roping contests at the Jackpot Roping event on April 13 at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. Five winning teams were awarded custom silver belt buckles. PHOTO BY SETH CASEY/CLOVIS ROUNDUP

Cowboys and cowgirls put their roping skills to the test at the Jackpot Roping competition on April 13 at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds.

The event featured two-rider teams facing off in a series of team roping runs. Winners were awarded custom silver belt buckles proclaiming them as champions of the annual event.

The winning teams of the event included Josh Alexander and Steve Simon in the No. 8.5 Pick or Draw; Joey Rossi and Jason Cowder in the No. 7 Draw; Delton Cullins and Tyson Porter in the No. 5.5 Pick or Draw; Nick Paboojian and George Porter in the No. 4.5 Pick or Draw; and Jack Batey and Tommy Rogers in the 60 & Over Roping.

Earl Hall, last year’s Clovis Rodeo grand marshal and one of the event’s sponsors, was also in his saddle to compete.

Although every rider was trying for first place, Hall said, there was a sense of community and friendship.

“One of the ropers today forgot a bridle for his horse. He asked me, ‘Do you have an extra bridle?’ ‘Absolutely, let’s go over there and pick one out of the trailer that fits your horse.’ That’s the way rodeo people are — we can help,” Hall said. “We enjoy the fellowship with each other.”

The roping competition was special, Hall said, because it allowed local riders to show their ability in the official rodeo arena in a friendly competition with other riders from around the area.

“It’s a very good event. Ninety percent of the ropers here are local,” Hall said. “There are ropings all over the country. This is extremely special because we don’t normally — roping in jackpots — we don’t normally get to rope in the rodeo arena itself. This is a beautiful facility.”

Hall is also a gold card rodeo member and will get the opportunity to rope in the Clovis Rodeo on the morning of April 28. The top five ropers of that morning’s slack event will advance to the afternoon performance event.

The gold card honor signifies a lifetime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The next events of the 105th Clovis Rodeo are set to start with PBR Bull Riders on April 25 leading into rodeo weekend from April 26-28.

Seth Casey is an aspiring journalist, an avid sports fan and a Fresno/Clovis native. He currently attends Fresno State, where he is pursuing a degree in Media, Communication and Journalism with an emphasis in print journalism. He is excited for the opportunity to work at the Clovis Roundup and looks forward to serving the Clovis community and its residents by showcasing all the city has to offer.