PRORODEO Sports News - June 6, 2025

Tuf Cooper, a week after laying his father, Roy, to rest, won the inaugural Music City Rodeo tie-down roping title. PRCA photo by Lara St. Jaques

A MONTH AFTER LOSS OF HIS FATHER, TUF COOPER WINS AT INAUGURAL

By Alex Riley

T uf Cooper was exactly where he was supposed to be. For the first time in nearly two months, the former PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion backed into the box, and waited for his run at the inaugural Music City Rodeo in Nash ville on May 29. The hiatus in compe tition was a combination of a lighter spring schedule and the sudden pass ing of his father, Roy, a PRORODEO legend, on April 29.

There was never a question if he would return to action, just when. With his father's voice echoing in his ears, Tuf knew he was doing what he was supposed to be. "He would want me to (be out there), any day of the week. He would want me there doing my job because - what did he say? - never pass up an oppor tunity to make a memory," Tuf said. "I feel like in my mind it's going to be one of the standout, pivotal points in

my career. A defining moment." Tuf's 7.2-second effort during the first performance on May 29, set an early tone that no one could catch. Joel Harris (7.4) and Andrew Burks (7.6) came closest, with nine total cowboys finishing their runs in under eight seconds. His victory in Nashville might not hold the prestige of others, but the moment is one the veteran roper

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