Team roping returns to the 2024 Wyoming State Fair
The 2024 Wyoming State Fair (WSF) hosted the return of team roping events for the first time since 2019.
After the team roping jackpot ended in 2019 due to COVID-19, many people wanted to bring it back. The WSF Board listened and brought back team roping while adding the trending event of breakaway.
“This year we decided to rebrand our roping events, and we debuted a breakaway roping jackpot, which took place on Aug. 13 and the WSF Team Roping on Aug. 16,” stated Shawn Steffen, WSF board chairman.
Steffen expressed his enthusiasm stating, “We are thrilled to host events which truly embody the Wyoming way and showcase the talents of hardworking people, rich traditions and the vibrant culture which makes our state unique.”
“By reestablishing the roping events this year, we hope to incorporate a barrel racing jackpot next year,” Steffen added. “It’s all in the works for 2025. It’s our goal to keep the Western heritage alive at the WSF.”
2024 results
Kicking off the team roping extravaganza was the Kimes Ranch Open Muley Roping in the Stotz Arena in Douglas.
Earning the first-place title was Bodie Herring of Veteran and Kash Reynolds of Rozet, and coming in second place was Peter Bennett of Kaycee and TJ Jarrard of Shoshoni.
Landing in third place was Bennett and his partner Jason Furnival of Casper.
Following the exciting muley team roping was the Wyo 12.5 Draw event, which drew a large group of competitors.
Placing first was the team of Tye Reed of Lance Creek and Chris Downey of Berthoud, Colo.
A great performance placed Challis Whitlock of Kinnear and his teammate Chance Stevie of Pinedale second in the event and pulling into third place was Jacob Nicholas of Lander and partner Downey.
After the dust settled and the arena was ready for the next event, with 60-plus teams set to rope in the Steamboat 9.5, Heather Jacobson of Douglas and Tyler Boyd of Wheatland secured the win, earning them a big pay day.
Alex Furnival of Casper and his roping partner Olivia Lay of Elbert, Colo. secured second place, while Coen and Troy Tavegie of Newcastle placed third.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
