Three Star Memorial Sees Huge Turnout For World's Richest Breakaway Roping
Three Star Memorial Sees Huge Turnout For World's Richest Breakaway Roping
Amarillo, Texas, is the home to the Three Star Memorial Roping, which is the World's Richest Breakaway Roping.
AMARILLO, Texas -- Home to the world's richest breakaway roping, the Three Star Memorial not only offered ropers a chance to earn a huge payout at the Amarillo National Center on Feb. 18 but also help raise money for a good cause.
The breakaway roping is held in memory of C.M. Kuhlman, Jody Hart, and Todd Fincher -- three young men who were killed in an automobile accident 21 years ago. Each year, the non-profit event donates its proceeds to the West Texas A&M University rodeo team and awards college scholarships to young ropers to attend WTA&MU.
This year's average champion was Bethanie Shofner, who was 13.61 seconds on four head. Her "roany pony," Zig, who Shofner finished training herself, helped her achieve this big win.
"My best friend, Nicole Sweazea, encourages me, and pushes me every day," said Shofner. "However, I couldn't do anything without my family. They do more than words explain. I'd also like to thank my mom and sister for surprising me the day of the roping to watch me rope."
Round winners included Jessie Calkins with a 2.71 in the first round, Amber Crawford with a 2.97 in the second round, and Kayse Mahoney with a 2.78 for round three. Kayse Mahoney also won the short round with a 3.0.
Bunkhouse Blessings Photos took photos at the event. Contestants can view and purchase their pictures here.
By Whitney Thurmond
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The breakaway roping is held in memory of C.M. Kuhlman, Jody Hart, and Todd Fincher -- three young men who were killed in an automobile accident 21 years ago. Each year, the non-profit event donates its proceeds to the West Texas A&M University rodeo team and awards college scholarships to young ropers to attend WTA&MU.
Three Star Memorial's Mission is giving students the opportunity to excel in and out of the arena while obtaining their college education!" said Jordan Fabrizio, the event's organizer. "Encouraging students from the youth up to the collegian level to be a part of the rodeo community, let their light shine, and to make a difference in the world.Attracting 149 entries this year, the one-of-a-kind breakaway roping utilizes a 16-foot score with walking fresh calves. Each roper gets a walking fresh calf in the first round, and then if they are one of the top 15 to advance to the short round, they receive another walking fresh calf. With an added $10,000, the rounds at the Three Star Memorial pay close to $2,000, and the average payout of close to $10,000 for first.
This year's average champion was Bethanie Shofner, who was 13.61 seconds on four head. Her "roany pony," Zig, who Shofner finished training herself, helped her achieve this big win.
"My best friend, Nicole Sweazea, encourages me, and pushes me every day," said Shofner. "However, I couldn't do anything without my family. They do more than words explain. I'd also like to thank my mom and sister for surprising me the day of the roping to watch me rope."
Round winners included Jessie Calkins with a 2.71 in the first round, Amber Crawford with a 2.97 in the second round, and Kayse Mahoney with a 2.78 for round three. Kayse Mahoney also won the short round with a 3.0.
Bunkhouse Blessings Photos took photos at the event. Contestants can view and purchase their pictures here.
By Whitney Thurmond