Tuf Cooper Leads Halfway through NCFSR
TORRINGTON, Wyo. – Tuf Cooper is leading the pack by nearly five seconds halfway through the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping.
As the 2017 All-Around World Champion, Cooper has been to many of ProRodeo’s biggest competitions – but this is his first time competing at the NCFSR.
“This has been the best start to any season in my career,” Cooper said. “It’s relaxing and I’m enjoying what I do for a living – put in a cowboy hat and compete.”
Although he didn’t place in the first round, Cooper made the fastest time in Round 2 with a 9.8-second run.
“These are the best guys from every circuit and it’s the best competition,” Cooper said. “It’s not easy to qualify for this, and there are a lot of good ropers who didn’t get to qualify. I’m just grateful to get the opportunity to compete at such an event.”
He went on to place third in Round 3 with an 11.6 and made the catch in the fourth round to lead the average with 48.2 seconds.
“I’m really grateful for the committee who put on such a great event for us,” Cooper said. “It’s first class for us steer ropers.”
Cooper was competing on his steer roping horse, Sundance, an American Quarter Horse who has been roping steers for longer than Cooper. The 28-year-old Texan added steer roping into the mix just a few years ago.
“He’s a veteran and I’m still new to the event and have only been doing it a few years,” Cooper said. “He makes it easier for me since he knows the drill.”
Last year’s NCFSR winner, Chris Glover, is next in line with 53.2 seconds on four head. Will McBride is in third in the average with 53.5 seconds on four, followed by Marty Jones at 53.6, Trevor Brazile at 53.9 and Cody Lee at 56.0.
Before Saturday’s $2,370 earnings, Cooper was second in the 2018 RAM PRCA World Standings with $33,329. Scott Snedecor leads the standings with $39,222.
“They pay good, so I was aggressive to win some rounds,” Cooper said. “It’s been a really good day for roping for me and I’ll come back and try my best. I’ll stay aggressive and have fun.”
Rounds 5-8 kick off Sunday at noon (MT) where the overall winner of the NCFSR will be determined. Check back with prorodeo.com for full results and coverage.
Courtesy of PRCA