Diné ropers scoring high and fast at Wrangler NFR

Posted by Quentin Jodie | Dec 10, 2015 | Rodeo |

Navajo professional team roper Derrick Begay makes his victory lap during the 57 annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vega, Nev.

WINDOW ROCK

With the 57th annual Wrangler National Final Rodeo more than halfway done, there is a sense of optimism that the Navajo Nation will have its first world champion in the ranks of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

That’s because the Diné contingents are performing at a high level at this year’s finals. The 10-day event will conclude on Saturday night at the famous Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

At press time, Rough Rock, Ariz., cowboy Erich Rogers is leading the average race at the WNFR with heeling partner Cory Petska. After six rounds, both cowboys have posted a 28.40 aggregate, which includes a second place finish in Round 2.

Fellow Diné roper Aaron Tsinigine comes in next with an aggregate of 33.30 seconds with roping partner Ryan Motes. Through six rounds, both cowboys have reached the winner’s circle three times. They won the first and third performances and in the sixth, they tied for first with the team roping combo of Nick Sartain and Rich Skelton with a pair of 3.90 runs.

“I scored that steer the best I could, got it on him and Ryan did what he does,” Tsinigine said to the media outlet at the Wrangler NFR. “I never have to worry about Ryan back there. The money’s so great here this year, and I came here to win money because this is my job. So I’m just trying to win money every night. The way the rounds pay now, you can’t afford to back off.”

So far, Tsinigine has collected $75,942 at the finals rodeo while Rogers has amassed $45,269.

Despite missing two of his draws, fellow Navajo roper Derrick Begay is also having an extraordinary time in Las Vegas at this year’s finals. Begay has also earned $75,492 by placing first in three rounds with seven-time World Champion Clay O’Brien Cooper.

“Winning never gets old,” Begay said following Monday night’s performance. “We’re just going to keep on keeping on and see what happens. This is fun. I look over at Clay every night about three teams before we ride in the box. It puts things in perspective for me, and gives me a good feeling. Clay’s the greatest heeler and this is the biggest stage. Clay puts me in my comfort zone. I look over at him, and I know it’s time to go to work.”