Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping August 6-8 in Hereford, TX by Stephanie Wolf Photos by Lone Wolf Photography The 16th annual Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping was held August 6-8 in Hereford, TX. Red Steagall was guest speaker this year, and two artists donated original works to the live auction: an original sculpture by Steve Miller (of Montana Silversmiths) entitled “A Desperate Situation” and Buck Taylor donated an original watercolor, “100 Miles on the Stage.” The Spicer Gripp event encompasses three days of roping, including Senior Steer Tripping, Ladies Team Roping, Open Steer Tripping, Open Calf Roping, Pro Am Team Roping, and Open Team Roping. Almost $250,000 was paid out to roping contestants this year. Twenty-six ropers entered the Senior Steer Tripping, with a total payout of $9,000. Shorty Garten was first in the average, tying four steers in 58.25. Robin Bland tied his four steers in 70.88 seconds winning second in the average. Pake McEntire won third in average for his total time of 79 seconds. Mark Hargrove placed fourth with a total time on four steers of 80.30 seconds. This year 52 teams competed in the second annual All Girl Roping for a total payout of $15,000. Jackie Hobbs and Annette Hinkle placed first in the short round with a time of 7.73 seconds. Then Jackie earned the second place short round check heeling for Barrie Smith; the team took the average as well, with a total time of 55.55 seconds on three steers. Barrie was also second in the average heading for Lari Dee Guy, tying three steers in 58.23 seconds. Third in the average went to Sandy McElreath and Sherry Robinson for their total time of 64.73 seconds. Chris Darger and Shadee Langston took fourth in the average. The Open Steer Trippers division paid $7,564. Chet Herron took first in the average, tying four steers in 50.09 seconds. The American Quarter Horse Association recognized Chet’s horse as the best tripping horse of the weekend. Will Gasperson earned second in the average, tying four steers in 55.32 seconds. Third went to Cody Lee for his total time of 56.41 seconds. Buster Record placed fourth in the average, tying four steers in 57.23 seconds. Forty-five calf ropers vied for their share of the $53,750 payout in the crowd’s favorite event. Cody Ohl was the big winner in the average, tying four calves in 40.66 seconds. Cody’s horse was also recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association as the top calf roping horse in the event. Second in the average Monty Lewis, his time of 41.42 was only 0.76 seconds off Cody’s. Stran Smith was a close third in the average, tying four calves in 41.64 seconds. JD Kibbe took fourth in the average with a total time of 42.07 seconds. The Open Team Roping paid out $98,400. Zane Tisdale and Kory Koontz won the average for the Amateur header and Pro heeler. This was extra special because Zane is currently enrolled at West Texas A&M. The Pro header and Amateur heeler team winners were Kevin Stewart and Milton Purcella. Started in 1994, the event honors Spicer Gripp, who was a Hereford resident, loved and admired by many. Friends of Spicer Gripp started the memorial roping to continue helping kids, as Spicer did, and to support the Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation Scholarships at West Texas A & M University.