Scheck’s traveling partner is Rocky Patterson, the reigning World Champion Steer Roper who also won the 2009 Gold Buckle. Scheck, himself, is the reigning Average Champion from the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping.

That’s a prestigious place for the cowboy who has just qualified for his third trip to the finale. That 10-round victory in this arena one year ago served as a lightning rod for Scheck, a Kansas cowboy who now lives in Alva, Okla. This season, he has won some of the most established steer roping titles in ProRodeo: Clovis, N.M.; Huntsville, Texas; Pecos, Texas; and Pendleton, Ore.

Scheck first qualified for the steer roping finals in 2005, then it took five se3asons for him to reach the pinnacle of the sport again. Once here, he took advantage of it. He placed in just three go-rounds, but he roped consistently over the two days of competition.

When the rugged 10 rounds were complete, Scheck had pocketed $23,269. That money eventually will be spent, but that average title will be forever cherished. Scheck knows he has a chance to repeat, just like Patterson and the World Title.