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[...]

I’ve been working feverishly to prepare for the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and all that goes into it. Truly, it is an awesome experience, and I’m blessed by it. But before we get carried away on the happenings in Las Vegas, we have some important business to tend to in Guthrie, Okla., with the[...]

Ask any of the other 14 steer ropers in this field, and they’ll tell you just how valuable Wickett is to the sport of Steer Roping. As the event representative, the other ropers lean on Wickett’s experience and understanding of what it takes to improve all aspects of the sport. In addition, the 2011 campaign[...]

The transition is complete: Chance Kelton is an elite steer roper. This weekend marks his third straight qualification to the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping and equals the number of qualifications he had in all those years as one of the best headers in team roping. Of course, Kelton still competes in multiple events,[...]

This isn’t the first time Tierney has competed in the Lazy E Arena. He’s been a player in the Timed Event Championship, which takes place in March. This is, however, Tierney’s first qualification to the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. The son of World Champion Paul Tierney, Jess has proven he’s more than just[...]

It’s hard for many in the game to realize that this is just the second time in his 15-year career that Mike Chase has earned the right to play on the biggest stage in this event, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. The McAlester, Okla., cowboy just missed the mark a season ago, finishing[...]

The Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping takes place in Ziegelgruber’s back yard. The 11-year pro lives just minutes away from the storied Lazy E Arena, the longtime host of this championship, yet this is the first year the Oklahoma cowboy has competed in it. If anyone realizes how tough it is to qualify for[...]