World Champion Tie-Down Roper Tuf Cooper’s win in San Antonio held an emotional meaning that few knew about until the title was his. Early in the morning of Championship Saturday, Cooper’s grandmother passed away.
“It was one of the most unreal rodeos, moments of my career. So impactful for my entire family. It showed that my Mimi’s up there in Heaven looking over me and over us. She was such a big fan of rodeo. Last time we talked she told me she’s been watching calf roping for 74 years and really hard for the last 50,” Cooper said.
The now two-time San Antonio Champion had a brand new angel with him on Saturday when he clocked the win and moved into the Top 15 in the PRCA World Standings.
“Okay, so most importantly, I was the first roper out that night and from the Finals, most of the calves are probably pretty good. Everyone’s going to have a chance to win first and everyone’s going to be roping for first. So being the first roper out, honestly it’s the best postition that you could have because you’re not going against the clock,” Cooper said.
Looking back, Cooper says he was just off the barrier, forcing himself to take an extra swing. Smooth is fast in rodeo and Cooper knew when he had that front leg strung, he had it. The clock stopped at 7.2 seconds.
“To be honest, those guys never really had a chance. Grandma was up there putting the juju on them. Sorry guys, that one I was going to win,” he joked.
Discipline is something that Cooper has had to master being one of the best in the game. It is a quality that can make or break some runs but in San Antonio, it was Cooper’s time to shine.
