By Cory Mendes
Special To Ropers Sports News

CHOWCHILLA, CALIF. – The 60th annual Chowchilla Western Stampede kicked off with the historical cattle drive down the main Boulevard of Chowchilla. The good weather brought a big crowd to view a piece of western history.

The committee along with great sponsors and volunteers work year round to keep this traditional event going strong. Roper were coming to compete for the weekend cash and and prize payout of $70,000. The prestigious 8 steer averages paid close to $10,000 a team. The committee would like to thank everyone who help make this year’s roping a success.

#10.5 Pick: 8 for $200, 63 teams 

1st steer go: 1. Mike Pivetti and Cody Hall, 6.36, $375.

5th steer go: 1. Derrek Hee and Brad Bishop, 6.01, $375. 

First 4-steer Average: 1. Tanner Kent and Lance Harvey, 31.40, $950. 2. Mike Pivetti and Cody Hall, 33.76, $570. 3. Mike Pivetti and Jared Hixon, 33.65, $380.

Second 4-steer Average: 1. Troy Murray and Joseph Shawnego, 30.25, $950. 2. Derrek Hee and Jesse Beam, 33.69, $570. 3. Tanner Kent and Joseph McCurley, 34.61, $380.

8-steer Average: 1. Landon Gill and Jason Sanders, 76.83, $4,995. 2. Pat Boyle and Zach Shweigert, 77.78, $2,540. 3. Troy Murray and Joseph Shawnego, 80.66, $1,700.

#7 Hdcp Down Pick: 8 for $200, 59 teams

1st steer go: 1. Ty Shintaka and Larry Shandy, 7.84, $350.

5th steer go: 1. Steve Branco and David Gill, 7.06, $350.

First 4-steer Average: 1. Caleb Merrill and Gene Rabbiosi, 36.53, $900. 2. Brett Boise and Buster Berna, 40.73, $540. 3. Rylee George and Lane Wheeler, 40.98, $360.

Second 4-Steer Average: 1. Cheyanne Rey and Ty Shintaka, 33.18, $900. 2. Dean Voigt and Ross Ketcham, 38.67, $540. 3. Sandy Perez and Mike Pyeatt, 50.63, $360.

8-steer Average: 1. Sandy Perez and Mike Pyeatt, 112.34, $4,480. 2. Rylee George and Lane Wheeler, 71.34 on 7, $2,695. 3. Jerry Wooten and Brett Layne, 74.97 on 7, $1,790.

#7 Hdcp Pick & Draw: 3 for $40, 176 teams

1st go: 1. Nick Goodman and DJ Parker, 6.38, $375. 2. Ramiro Gonzalez and Roy Branco, 6.48, $225. 3. Bronc Boehnlein and Brad Bishop, 6.55, $150.

Average: 1. Donald Ornellas and Clint White, 23.21, $1,250. 2. Cory Mendes and Walt Rodman, 23.83, $1,040. 3. Josh Rogers and Jason Sanders, 24.82, $820. 4. Brett Baize and Brandon Pettit, 25.17, $600. 5. Ramiro Gonzalez and Jesse Beam, 25.30, $380. 6. Bobby Blaswich and Casey Dunham, 25.69, $220.

#4 Pick & Draw: 2 for $25, 81 teams

1st go: 1. Jack Rasmason and Seth Sweeney, 8.34, $75. 2. Caleb Merrill and Troy Galloway, 8.30, $50.

Average: 1. Jack Rasmason and Seth Sweeney, 16.545, $470. 2. Mike Sweeney and Ryan Orozco, 18.33, $350. 3. Bruce Elliott and Troy Galloway, 19.02, $230. 4. Chris Browning and Mike Williams, 21.58, $175. 

#5.5 Pick & Draw: 3 for $40, 106 teams

1st go: 1. Caleb Merrill and Charlie Hagens, 7.29, $200. 2. Caleb Merrill and Gene Rabbiosi, 7.49, $120. 3. Larry Branco and Gene Rabbiosi, 7.92, $80.

Average: 1. Colt Cowden and Ross Ketcham, 28.37, $820. 2. Tyson Porter and Ron Mancebo, 31.99, $630. 3. Colt Cowden and Johnny Mize, 33.56, $440. 4. Bryan Abshire and Billy Kelton Jr., 34.11, $280. 5. Mike Sweeney and Leland Decker, 34.57, $160.

Sandy Perez and Mike Pyeatt roped their 8 steers in 112.34 seconds to win the #7 Handicap 8 Steer Roping. Presenters included Stampede royalty as well as Stampede President Dr. Ed LeTourneau and committemen Don Meyers and Tom Martin. – Deb Mann Photo