Here are some images from behind the scenes at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. Last night, announcer Justin McKee referenced the event as “The Clem McSpadden.” That’s very fitting, I think.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the recap from Friday’s first five rounds of the steer roping finals, which appears on the Lazy E Arena’s website. You can find it HERE, too. It was quite fitting that a couple of Oklahomans shared the spotlight Friday during opening night of the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping at[...]

Kim Ziegelgruber posted the third fastest run of the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping to win the fifth go round with a 10.7-second run. After J.P. Wickett missed his steer, Ziegelgruber moved to the lead into the average. Fifth round: 1. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla., 10.7 seconds, $5,077; 2. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla., 11.4,[...]

It’s getting redundant, but that makes it fun. J.P. added another $5,077, taking his total $17,308. Consider this: He had just $25,520 in season earnings. He’s almost there in a couple of hours. Fourth round: 1. J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla., 13.2 seconds, $5,077; 2. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., 13.5, $4,077; 3. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas,[...]

Chance Kelton posted his first win of this year’s championship in the third round, placing for the second time tonight. J.P. Wickett remains hot, finishing third. Wickett leads the average and has won $12,231 in three rounds. Third round: 1. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz., 11.5 seconds, $5,077; 2. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla., 11.7, $4,077; 3.[...]

There’s a reason Rocky Patterson is the two-time reigning world champion, posting the fastest run of a fast round. J.P. Wickett finished second and has earned more than $9,000 so far. Wickett  leads the average with 21.5 seconds on two runs. Second round: 1. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., 10.4 seconds, $5,077; 2. J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw,[...]

Speaking of J.P. Wickett, he won the opening round of the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. First round: 1. J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla., 10.5 seconds, $5,077; 2. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 11.1, $4,077; 3. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz., 11.9, $3,077; 4. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla., 12.1, $2,077; 5. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas, 12.3,[...]

J.W. Wickett slipped into the field of this weekend’s Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping in the 15th spot. Actually, it came down to the final rodeo of the season. Wickett placed fourth in the opening round in Anadarko, Okla., collecting a $510 check.  That gave him the first cushion of the season, and he[...]

The Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping kicked off Friday afternoon with a luncheon. Primarily it’s a time to recognize the 15 qualifiers, but it’s also a time for everyone to gather together and celebrate this championship event. Here are a few snapshots of the event: This is the 53rd year for the event and[...]

The Devon Tower cuts through the sky, slicing an opening in the Oklahoma City landscape and creating another touch of expansion to downtown. This city has changed a lot since I first stayed 32 years ago. It’s changed in the six years since I left The Oklahoman newspaper, too. The Ford Center became the Oklahoma[...]