#RopeForCole Benefit Brings Ropers Out In Full Force

CERES, CALIF. – Ropers, friends and family gathered on August 1st at the Diamond Bar Arena in full force to help raise money for Cole Bunting. A whopping check for $13,200 was sent to the Bunting family from the roping producers to help Cole with his rehabilition. Cole is a very talented young roper from Red Bluff, Calif. who suffered a very serious TBI (tramatic brain injury) while competiting at the 2019 ACTRA National Finals in Reno. Cole continues to improve daily through hard work and dedication. We all send our prayers for healing to Cole.
448 teams entered the first pot of the day, a #8 Handicap, four steers for $50. The first round was won with a smoking run in 5.09 seconds by Tanner Kent and Dean Sherbo. They won $730 each. Tanner James and Danny Leslie emerged the winners, 30.01 on four head and $2,140 each.
The ropers hung in there for the second pot with 249 teams in the #8 Handicap, three steers for $40 per man. Tanner James struck again, winning the first round with Brent Lockett, 5.16 seconds and $430 each. Tanner also won the average, this time with Zach Varian, 21.76 and $1,295 each.
After a very long day of roping, Tanner James won the Best Ever saddle as the high money #2.5 & Under with almost $4,000 won on the day. The #2 & Under saddle was won by Joey Rawls Reserve high money #2 & Under and #2.5 & Over winners were: Gavin Wheatley and Danny Leslie.
Winners of the averages and short rounds of each roping won buckles.
Eric Cozzitorto’s V7 supplied the cattle and photos were taken by Phil Doyle.
This roping would not have taken place without the generous donations and support from the following:
Saddle sponosors: Bettencourt Livestock, LLC; Paddock, Inc.; Southwest Fence & Supply; Rodeo Boosters; Best Ever Saddles and DeWitte Custom Sweeping. Buckle sponsors: Crown Cattle Ranch; Craig Edling; Hammer Fence; Spur X Ranch Improvements, Imhof Tractor Service; Gonsalves Ranch; Genoa Livestock, LLC; Dave Buchanan; Moyle Excavation; LanceCo Sprinkler Repair & Landscaping; Duvall Plumbing; Premier Equine Center and Brian Quadros Hay. Award donations: Gus Rodriguez and Heel-O-Matic; John and Jane Cronin and Rancho Rio Vsita; Alameda Contra Costa County Cattleman’s; Stephanie Anderson; Leslie Moore and Ropers Sports News.
Results follow; all payouts are per man:
#8 Hdcp: 4 for $50, 448 teams
1st go: 1. Tanner Kent and Dean Sherbo, 5.09, $730. 2. Lance Harvey and Clayton Moore, 5.16, $605. 3. Ryan Reed and Rhett Kennedy, 5.48, $485. 4. CR Wilken and Rhett Kennedy, 5.51, $365. 5. Doyle Hoskins and Cody Cowden, 5.65, $245.
Short round and buckle winners: 1. Tanner James and Danny Leslie, 5.83.
Average: 1. Tanner James and Danny Leslie, 30.01, $2,140. 2. Mike Christensen and Danny Leslie, 30.48, $1,650. 3. Bryar Minton and Spencer Mitchell, 32.4, $1,360. 4. CR Wilken and Lane Wheeler, 32.81, $1,170. 5. Doyle Hoskins and CJ DeForest, 33.30, $925. 6. Justin Stacy and Jeff Sparrowk, 34.12, $825. 7. Sergio Silva and Justin Spence, 36.35, $635. 8. Travis Xavier and Tanner Smith, 37.30, $435. 9. Adrian Macias and Monty Joe Petska, 37.74, $340. 10. Matt Griffith and Cody Alvernaz, 38.63, $245.
#8 Hdcp: 3 for $40, 249 teams
1st go: 1. Tanner James and Brent Lockett, 5.16, $430. 2./3. (tie) Doyle Hoskins and CJ DeForest and CJ DeForest and Andy Holcomb, 5.49, $285 each.
Short round and buckle winners: 1. CR Wilken and Lane Wheeler, 6.79.
Average: 1. Tanner James and Zach Varian, 21.76, $1,295. 2. Joey Rawls and Gavin Wheatley, 22.50, $1,070. 3. Cameron Senigal and Jacob Guererro, 23.61, $845. 4. CR Wilken and Lane Wheeler, 24.27, $625. 5. Hank Bunting and Travis Stewart, 24.31, $400. 5. Ryan Bettencourt and Spencer Mitchell, 24.91, $220.

Tanner James and Joey Rawls were presented Best Ever saddles for their high money roper win. Michael and Ryan Bettencourt present.

Cole Bunting.

Michael and Ryan Bettencourt presenting a Heel-O-Matic Hox and Bones to second place winners of the first pot of the day, Mike Christensen and Danny Leslie. – Phil Doyle Photo