PRORODEO Sports News, April 4, 2025

TUF COOPER KEEPS MOMENTUM ROLLING WITH RODEO AUSTIN WIN BY ALEX RILEY

T uf Cooper's PRORODEO résumé is the stuff many cowboys dream of. With a combined four PRCA World Championships and 16 trips to the National Finals Rodeo already to his credit, the Decatur, Texas, product is among the sport's most elite compet itors. He's also proof that no matter how much success a person can have, sometimes it's a good idea to listen to those who have more experience and wisdom. "When I was 14 years old, my grandpa told me, 'Roping is all within your first swing.' That really has been resonat ing here lately, so I've been working on it," Cooper said. With his grandpa's advice echoing in his head, Cooper capped another monster weekend of competition, this time claiming the Rodeo Austin tie-down roping average title after a win in the finals on March 29. Cooper tied for third in the opening go with a result of 8.1 seconds but

much-needed breathing room as he finished with an aggregate time of 27.1 seconds on three runs, edging Bird out at 27.3. Between round success and the aver age championship, Cooper left Austin with $11,654 in earnings. "Before I nodded, I said to myself, 'Just really place your first swing,'"

Cooper said. "After that, I saw the neck loop going really sharp, which keeps your timing really good. The calf kind of steps left, but (my horse) Hammer just made things so easy." The win continues a big winter stretch run for Cooper. In the last month, he's picked up significant paydays at RodeoHouston and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, vaulting

missed money in the second round. Despite not collecting a check, he stuck with the run to record a showing of 10.5 seconds, keeping himself in contention. That proved to be

critical during during the March 29 finale. Cooper's last run fin ished in 8.5 seconds, one-tenth better than runner-up Logan Bird. That narrow margin gave Cooper some

Tuf Cooper capped another monster weekend of competition by claiming the Rodeo Austin tie-down roping average title. PRCA photo by James Phifer

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