San Antonio, Texas. (March 14, 2008) -- The 26th Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic (GSTRC) began today at 10 AM and will run through Saturday, March 15th at the San Antonio Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas. The event, which originated as a small family roping by George and his brother Buddy in 1982, has grown into the most prestigious open Team Roping competition in the country. The GSTRC has become the premiere open in the sport with hundreds of thousands of dollars up for grabs each year. Approximately 500 teams have entered this year’s event.
The GSTRC consistently attracts the biggest names in the sport each year including past GSTRC champions Brad Culpepper, Jake Barnes, Speed Williams, Rich Skelton, Tyler Magnus, Clay O'Brien Cooper, Allen Bach, Matt Tyler, Nick Sartain and Jhett Johnson.

The GSTRC is not just for the big names however. As an open roping, ropers of all levels may compete alongside each other for a chance at the big winnings. In 2007, 675 teams competed for more than $500,000 in cash and prizes including Chevy Silverado pickups from Cavendar Chevrolet (Boerne, TX) and Strait X-treme 3-horse slant trailers from Bruton Trailers. Nick Sartain and Jhett Johnson eventually walked away with Champions title. Who will win this year’s pickups and trailers? We are just hours from the answer.

Once again this year the GSTRC is continuing the "Red Wrapped Challenge"- sponsored by Wayne Wright Injury Lawyers- an exciting $10,000 per round progressive contest. If no winners in the first two rounds, $40,000 is up for grabs in the final round.
All ropers will participate today for cash and prizes. Today’s, top 50 teams will come back for the final three rounds on Saturday. Entry fee for the 26th Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic was $1000 per team. Each roper had the opportunity to enter up to three times with different partners.
For more info visit: www.gstrc.com