Nearly 750 teams came out over the blustery Labor Day weekend in Buffalo, Wyo., to get a jump-start on the northern region’s point standings and play for a chance at $35,000 in cash and prizes.
The two-day event in Buffalo kicked off the 2011 National All Amateurs Tour and featured the NAA’s signature ropings — a #10 and #8 roping guaranteed to pay $5,000 for first and eight trophy saddles, respectively.
The wind didn’t faze Mike Schmitz and Matt Schieck, who won the #9 Roping on Sunday, nor Todd Rothleutner and Mike Peterson, who claimed bragging rights in the #10 Roping by catching three steers in 22.31 seconds. That roping paid eight places, and Rothleutner was the high-point man of the day, pocketing $3,925 for his efforts.
On Labor Day, the cool weather didn’t deter #4 and under ropers, either, with Shane Joseph and Johnson County’s own Kenny Knudson winning the No Wolves Allowed Roping in 27.84 seconds on three head to take home $2,000 and trophy saddles. Other saddle winners were Chris Knudson and Tod Vineyard; Roy Jarrard and Paulette Moss; and Don Camino and Ben Hilderman. Plus, ropers down to eighth place earned cash, as well as fully tooled breast collars or leather bronc halters.
Congratulations to all the winners in Wyoming, and remember, the NAA Tour heads to Arizona next month, so watch championshipteamroping.com for the fall schedule!
