Roping show goes ahead at Shoat Webster Classic

For a second straight year, Mother Nature tried to dampen the success of the Shoat Webster Classic steer roping at Bar K Arena.

But, after watching a tornado blow past in 2011 and pushing ahead through a deluge last year, Sunday’s early morning rain was brushed off with aplomb. It may even have been appreciated.

“We actually only got about half an inch out here,” said Bar K’s Marilyn Kyler of the much-needed rainfall. “The arena and weather were perfect and everything went really well.”

Nearly 70 ropers competed at three skill levels in the event, which was sponsored by the Osage Steer Roping Club. Winners earned buckles sponsored by Tom and LouAnn Smith at The Feed Depot of Barnsdall. The contestants also divided $4,500 in added money.

Shad Beebe of Ada placed first in the average for the A division and round winners included Joe O’Rourke of Barnsdall, Mike Chase of McAlester and the three-time PRCA World Steer Roping champion, Rocky Patterson of Pratt, Kan.

Winner of the B division for average was Brad Starks of Lenapah, the Nowata County community that Shoat Webster helped to make famous. Top rounds were turned in by Matt Garrett of Barnsdall, Starks and Cord Hodge of Tulsa.

For the C division, rounds were won by Wynona’s Nick Carter, Robert Fudge of Skiatook and Josh Johnson of Hominy. Johnson also took the C honors in average.

Kyler’s Bar K Arena is located approximately 12 miles southwest of Pawhuska. The OSRC will sponsor two more ropings at Bar K on Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29. On Friday evening, July 11, starting at 7 p.m., the Kyler facility is to host the Jack Lucas Memorial, with another OSRC roping set to begin at noon on Saturday, July 12. The Jason Dilbeck Memorial Roping is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at the Bar K on Friday night, Aug. 8, and will be followed by an Osage Steer Roping Club noon event on Saturday, Aug. 9.

The Osage County Fairgrounds Arena will be the scene of OSRC midday ropings on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7. Finals rounds for the Osage Steer Roping Club’s A, B and C Divisions are to get underway at the Bar K on Friday, Sept. 19, starting at 6 p.m.

Day Two of the club’s roping finals begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. The OSRC awards banquet is to be held later that evening.