ProRodeo Sports News - Dec. 21, 2018

TEAM ROPING WORLD CHAMPIONS

Record-Setting Ropers Smith/Eaves win the battle in team roping

BY AMBER BAILLIE A lthough team roping header Clay Smith entered the 2018Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in first place and heeling partner Paul Eaves was in second – both with $115,345 – the duo had a long race ahead of them for the gold buckle. They took that long race in stride, pulling away in the latter stages of the Wrangler NFR to claim their first world championships in their respective events while setting single-season records in their events by finishing with $289,921 each. “For me, I’m just in it to win it,” Eaves said. “It’s good money and good to

be here.” Entering the Finals, Smith had a slim $392 lead over No. 2 header Kaleb Driggers, while Eaves was $591 behind Driggers’ partner, Junior Nogueira. So, doing well in the average was essential. With high payoffs and fans, family and sponsors watching closely, the pressure was on for Smith and Eaves. Round 1 was a chance to set the tone early, but during their first run, Smith and Eaves missed the steer and recorded a no time, while Driggers and Nogueira pulled into the lead. But during Round 2, Smith and Eaves posted a 4.0-second run, winning the round and pulling Smith within $3,838 of Driggers in heading and Eaves

ProRodeo Sports News 12/21/2018

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