Travis Tryan found himself in a very unique situation at the 26th Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic held March 14th-15th at the Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas. The competition had come down to the final two teams. Both teams were in a position to win the event. The first to go was header, Travis Tryan, and heeler Kory Koontz. They turned in a time of 5.92 to take the top position. The final team of the day was up and it was none other than Travis Tryan again, with teammate Michael Jones. It was announced in order to take the lead Travis and Michael needed a time better than 6.15 seconds. Cheers thundered through the Rose Palace as the fans gave the two men a standing ovation when their 5.59 score was announced confirming them as the official winners of this years GSTRC.
“It was very nerve wracking,” admits Tryan. “I knew another guy was relying on me. I’m thrilled to have the first and second positions. My horse Walt is the greatest horse that has ever lived.”
“It is definitely a life changing experience to win the GSTRC,” says Michael Jones. “With nearly 500 teams entering, this chance just doesn’t come along every day.”
Travis Tryan was not the only man to place twice in the top eight teams. Kory Koontz not only finished second with Travis but eighth with David Key. Each roper had the opportunity to enter up to three times with a different partner.
Hosted by country superstar and avid team roper, George Strait the event originated as a small family roping by George and his brother Buddy in 1982. Today the Classic has grown into the most prestigious open team roping competition in the country. Each year the biggest names in team roping compete along side ropers of all levels for a chance at the big winnings. Even though the number of teams competing was 483 down from 675 in 2007 the top names were on hand to thrill the crowds. The reason for the lower numbers was felt in general to be as a direct result of fuel prices. The winners each won a Chevy Silverado pickups from Cavendar Chevrolet (Boerne, TX) and Strait X-treme 3-horse slant trailers from Bruton Trailers. Other prizes were Twister saddles and Gist Buckles. Total cash and prizes equaled of $660,000 for the two day event.
Each team is always excited to see a red ribbon on their calf. The "Red Wrapped Challenge" is sponsored by Wayne Wright Injury Lawyers and pays $10,000 per round to any team that wins the round on a calf with a red ribbon. Not only did Travis Tryan and Michael Jones win the overall championship but they picked up a nice $10,000 bonus by winning the first round on Saturday morning with a red ribbon calf.
Those that were lucky enough to get the limited seating at this event were treated to outstanding roping and a finish that would be very hard to beat.
For more highlights visit: www.gstrc.com
List of Top 8 Teams:
1st 15.63 Travis Tryan/Michael Jones 88,060
2nd 16.20 Travis Tryan/Kory Koontz 35,225
3rd 17.61 Jake Stanley/Kirt Jones 24,215
4th 17.65 David Motes/Dennis Gatz 22, 015
5th 17.86 Jimmy Tanner/Manny Cunde 17, 615
6th 18.47 Charlie Crawford/Travis Graves13, 210
7th 20.28 Jake Cooper/Jimmie Cooper 11, 010
8th 21.21 David Key/Kory Koontz 8, 805
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