PRORODEO Sports News February Digital Edition

SHORT ROUND

older and roping with my partner’s son now,” Skelton said. “It’s the second generation. It’s fun. It keeps me going and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy it.” Gabe Williams grew up watching videos of his dad and Skelton’s sensational runs at the NFR and now he’s experi encing it firsthand. “I grew up watching them, watching old tapes and hear ing about it, but getting to actually be there and do it is a dream come true,” Gabe Williams said. “Also, when I go to these events with him, he brings out stories like, ‘when me and your dad were here.’ I get to hear all of that stuff too.” Skelton said he appreciates the opportunity to practice and hit the road with a new partner. The duo hopes to fin ish the season by qualifying for the Boot Barn Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo. “They both get it on them fast and that’s a good thing,” Skelton said of the similarities between Gabe and his father. “Speed invented getting on them fast, and now ev erybody does it. If you don’t do it, you’re not in the game.” For Gabe Williams, every day is a learning experience as he learns the ropes of life on the PRORODEO road. But he’s in good hands with his dad’s old partner. “It’s such a help getting to learn the ropes and the tricks of the trade,” Gabe Williams said. “Even though I’m Speed’s son I’m still new to the game and it’s nice to have somebody there who knows everything and has been down that road to help me out.” Skelton and Williams did not place at the National West ern Stock Show and Rodeo.

and done that, knows the ropes and routines. “It’s special that my dad has such a history with him. It’s kind of like being a little kid roping with Rich and dad. It’s nice getting to go to all of these events with somebody I’ve known for so long.” Speed Williams and Skelton finished their careers as one of the best team roping duos in PRORODEO history. The duo put on a team roping performance as partners from 1997 until 2004 that may never be matched again at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. During that time, the duo racked up eight straight World Championships and also won the average in 2001. In 1999, the pair won six go-rounds at the NFR. The duo paired up in 1997. Williams won 28 go-rounds at the NFR and Skelton won 36. “At first it was kind of odd, you’re thinking I’m getting

Rich Skelton has teamed up with Gabe Williams, the son of his former partner Speed Williams, to team rope. PRCA photo by Ric Andersen

FEBRUARY 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 53