Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M.

The first time Jim Ross Cooper qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, he and his twin brother, Jake, roped on ProRodeo’s biggest stage together.

Jim returned to Las Vegas this past December, roping with header Brandon Beers. They placed in two go-rounds and earned a little more than $18,000 apiece. Now he returns to the Timed Event Championship as a contestant for the third straight year. Jim Cooper is ready to make some money inside the Lazy E Arena, something he was not able to do in his two previous trips.

He knows how. In fact, he was just a teenager the first time he worked this event, heeling for his legendary father, Jimmie Cooper, who also is in this weekend’s field.

Plus, Jim Cooper has been a winner since an early age. From youth rodeos to competing at a top form in high school to being named the Resistol Heeling Rookie of the Year in 2004, he has proven why he can play among the biggest and best in the sport of rodeo.

Now he’d like to earn this coveted title, just like his father has done three times.