Hello Ropers,

I didn’t realize how many folks actually look forward to the newsletter and expect it to come in a timely manner.  I apologize for the delay and will explain.

We have been considering some changes for 2009 and I was confused to think I could decide the whole format for the season and get the letter out in time.  I should have recapped the finals in one letter and then followed with a second about the changes. 

First the finals;
My concern prior to the finals was with the Top 10 entering the preliminary once or not at all, that we wouldn’t have a solid number of entries in the preliminary.  It all turned out well and we are thankful for the new ropers and the interest from everyone that made this a great finals.  Four teams from the # 11 advanced to the Championship Round and five from the # 10.  I’ve never had the opportunity to compete against 13 teams to win $2300/man, handmade saddles and regional finals shootouts, but I think I would like it.  I think I would like it a lot.

The Preliminary was a good roping on its own and paid well.  The prize line shopping spree was the same as our regular season ropings and the Top 20% from the preliminary advanced to the Championship Round with no additional entry fee.  Jamie Griswold ended up with 3 CR positions, and had to forfeit one to the next highest heeler, that was Benton Cain.  He and Malcolm Davis made it count, nearly winning it all in the CR.  Check the website for complete results, also watch the video of the CR.  Most people who have seen it thought it was from the Roping Show, but it is the talent of Kathleen Hill of “View from the Ranch”.  It was her great idea and what a fabulous job! Thanks Kathleen.

Roy Miller and Joe Bailey got it done in the # 10 CR and we congratulate them.  They won $4195.20, saddles and regional finals shootouts.  Dave Carlile and Merrill Bond placed 2nd winning $3201.60 and BTRA special edition Gist buckles, 3rd went to Don Pool and Floyd Marshall for $2208 and Nettles Stirrups, 4th place was won by the only team with their own traveling Fan Club, Clint LeForce and Marvin Wilkinson taking home $1435.20.
In the # 11 CR, it was Roger Powers and Pete Aragon earning $4596.22, saddles and regional finals shootouts. Good Job!  Second went to Malcolm Davis and Benton Cain winning $3370.56 and BTRA special edition Gist buckles.  Third place was Don Pool and Garrett Goodson taking in $2247.04 and Nettles Stirrups.

Congratulations to Cassidy Myers for winning the custom handmade boots from Western Leather Craft.  Her 2008 total earnings was $2385.26, with some very tough competition.

We are proud to give the high quality prizes at our finals and all year long.  Thanks to all our sponsors who made that possible.  We wish everyone could win and hope our contestants enjoy our prize line.

Now about those changes; Dianne and I have had many detailed discussions as to how to proceed in 2009.  We have also solicited input from several of you, and we appreciate everyone that gives us your honest opinion. Realizing that the people who are coming to our ropings pretty much like it the way it is & aren’t excited about change.  Also, we don’t want to change something just before it catches on.  But the facts are that we need more teams to make it worth while for you as the roper and us as the producer. Here is how our 2009 season will be:

• The # 10 roping will remain the same
• The # 11 roping we are raising the cap to a 7

Both the # 10 & # 11, must be 25 or older to rope, “Mulligan Format”, $250/man entry fee, enter twice, claiming highest payout, stock charge will be 33% - with 3% of that added to the Finals Championship Round.  We will continue the prize line shopping spree with four prizes: buckles, headstalls, pads and stirrups or cash option of $100.  1st in the Average and Incentive will be guaranteed no matter how many teams and will pick from the total prize line. With 25 teams, 2nd in the Average will receive a prize & at 30 teams, 3rd in the Average will take home a prize. The Hard Luck award will continue and will be $100 fuel card/man.

• Adding #13 roping – “World Series Format”  The following only pertains to the # 13 event.

Several of our dates have been approved for the #13 World Series Qualifiers.  BTRA membership will be optional. We will have the # 13 at our Finals and anyone wanting their money to count towards our standings must purchase a BTRA 2009 membership, before they rope. Those members will also pay $5 per entry which will be added back to the #13 Finals Championship Round.
We will use the World Series format at all BTRA # 13 ropings, even for dates that are not WSTR approved.
“World Series Format” is minimum age of 21, 4 steers - progressive on 1, $150/man entry fee, enter twice, claim all placings, 20% stock charge & no prizes. *21-24 year olds cannot rope in the #10 & # 11*

The format at our Finals will be the same format we use for each division throughout the 2009 season. The Top 10 in each division will qualify for our Championship Round. The entry fee for the Finals will be the same for all divisions $300/man.

We believe keeping the # 10 capped at a 5, the skill level will be even and the # 9 teams will continue to participate.  Our idea for raising the cap in the # 11 and adding the # 13 is to increase total teams by covering a broader range of ropers. Realizing this could make the # 11 a tougher roping, but up until now it hasn’t been much tougher than the # 10.  Keep in mind, a # 10 team was in the top of the # 11 standings all year, and that same team won the # 11 CR.  With the keeping of the minimum age of 25 & claiming your highest payoff, it should still be an equitable roping.  Especially if you give any merit to the numbering system. All our events will accept cash or checks, but we will no longer accept credit card charges.

We will see if these are the right decisions, as always, Dianne and I want to hear your comments as we continue to make it good business to rope with us.
Joe