CALF_News_October_November_2019

36 CALF News • October | November 2019 • www.calfnews.net ith prize money of more than $431,000, the 25th Annual Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping paid out more than most PRCA rodeos the first weekend in August. It was no wonder that world-class ropers hauled their horses to the Hereford, Texas, classic. “The Gripp,” as it’s often called, is an annual celebration that brings together the people of Hereford and surrounding Texas Panhandle communities – along with the best cowboys and cowgirls in the roping world. They don’t sneeze at jackpot money that can easily top $9,000-$40,000 for the best average – total time for four go- rounds at the Spicer Gripp Arena. But the big winner wasWest Texas A&MUniversity’s College of Agricultural Sciences. During the annual pre-roping reception, a check for $100,000 was presented to Kevin Pond, Ph.D., dean of theWTAMU Paul Engler College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, and Lance Kieth, Ed.D., head of the Depart- ment of Agricultural Sciences. “We were honored to present that money to Dr. Pond and Dr. Kieth,” says attract kids who are pursuing a degree in agriculture, not just kids interested in college rodeo competition.” He notes that the cost of a college education increases annually. Having additional scholarships is essential to help offset those costs.“It’s about get- ting kids in school, getting kids to stay in school and to graduate and become productive in their specific agricultural fields,” Kieth says. “The Spicer Gripp endowment has grown. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the number of schol- arships that we do. We’re grateful to Spicer Gripp and the people of Her- eford and the Panhandle for supporting WTAMU.” More than 900 contestants competed in The Gripp. That included a char- ity golf tournament and championship barbecue. However, most contestants were top professional ropers and many amateurs, who themselves turned in good times. Caleb Smitt, second in the PRCA All-Around standings in late August, won one tie-down go-round and was second in another. He leads PRCA tie-down contestants, a few spots ahead of Michael Otero, who won the short go-round at The Gripp. Clay Smith, who leads PRCA team roping headers, competed at the event. So did eight-time world champion heeler Rich Shelton. Ropers Compete to Boost WTAMU Ag Scholarships By Larry Stalcup Contributing Editor Johnny Trotter, owner of Bar-G-Feeders and part of the Spicer Gripp Execu- tive Committee.“The $100,000 was matched by the Paul and Virginia Engler Foundation.” All of that money goes toward schol- arships for the WT ag school. It helps students who may face financial difficul- ties. It also recognizes young men and women who are dedicated to agriculture as a field of study and career. “In the 25 years we’ve conducted what has become a spectacular rodeo event for the Panhandle, we have given north of $800,000 to WT,” Trotter says.“We do a lot of fundraisers throughout the year, which enables us to be substantial contributors to WT. “Also, the credibility of the roping has been strengthened by our involvement withWT. And every year, ag-school students help out with the roping events. They’re either un-tying calves, working the back end of chutes or assisting with other activities. It’s a win-win deal for Hereford and WT.” Kieth says the Spicer Gripp schol- arship program has been vital to the WTAMU ag department.“It has provided us with welcomed resources to They start young at The Gripp, as this cowboy demonstrated in the dummy roping action. Photo courtesy Gabe Wolf