By Larry Stalcup, Contributing Editor
At CALF News, we love covering traditional, cattle-oriented events that spark the spirit of farm, ranch and cattle feeding communities. One that stands out is the Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping. The best of the best ride into Hereford, Texas, every August for a chance to capture part of a powerful payout that rivals the crème de la crème of ropings across the country.
This year’s total payout was more than $780,000. Wow! And while attracting top team and tie-down roping competitors, The Gripp added to its tradition of bringing pride to the Texas Panhandle community and surrounding cities and towns. That includes hundreds of people who cherish being able to pay tribute to Spicer Gripp, the man who provided kids with an opportunity to study ranching and other areas of agriculture.
This was The Gripp’s 30th memorial roping. The first one in 1994 featured a handful of cowboys from Hereford and regional communities. The 2024 event corralled more than several hundred contestants, including many leaders in PRCA roping events.
Dozens of regional, state, national and international companies and organizations helped sponsor the event, which benefits The Spicer Gripp Foundation. Once again, The Gripp crew presented the West Texas A&M University Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences with more than $100,000 to provide scholarships for students interested in studying agriculture.
Many sponsors have provided backing for The Gripp since its beginning, says Clint Savoini, a long-time executive sales representative for Elanco. “Elanco was one of the animal health companies that helped start the foundation,” he says. “We helped put a group of animal health companies together to build the Spicer Gripp Arena.
“It’s a huge happening for the Hereford community and provides a major economic boost for the area. The thing we’re most proud of is our relationship with West Texas A&M. Over the years we have donated more than $1.4 million to fund some 600 WT scholarships.”
The roping events covered four days. Numerous other contests, from a barbecue cookoff and golf tournament, to a “dummy” roping for youngsters also took place. Since it was held during the Paris Olympics, there was much (to quote the late Jim McKay) “the thrill of victory,” along with “the agony of defeat,” especially when 5-year-olds burst into tears when their rope missed the dummy-calf horns.
A stubborn herd of roping calves also challenged the world’s best. There were more than a few no-times. However, there was a parade of outstanding go-rounds that produced many quick catches.
Many buckles were awarded, and various scholarships and other prizes were presented to contests from many categories.
Savoini encouraged others to plan for next year’s big roping the first week in August. “Come join us and get a Gripp, Spicer Gripp.”
