By Cheryl Hansard
Special To Ropers Sports News
We all know the sport of team roping takes two ropers, two horses and a roping steer in the middle. But would you believe that it would take place at the foot of the Italian Alps in the northwest town of Ciconio near Torino, Italy?
There were ropers from Germany, France, Czech Republic and the USA competing for the chance to rope in Las Vegas at the 2013 World Series Team Roping Finale in December.
Come along with me as I recap the two days of roping on September 7-8 for the 4th annual WSTR European Qualifier. The roping had 125 teams and another 35 in the Debbie Garrison European All Girl Championship.
Ropers from all over Europe began arriving on Monday to enjoy the pleasant Italian fall weather and to do a little roping practice under the guidance of the European Team Roping Center coach Mike Crouch. Friday evening there was also a 2 for $10 roping to give the international ropers a chance to make new friends and find partners for the WSTR on Saturday
The roping was two full rounds with the top 50 teams coming back for the short round on Sunday morning. The roping went along smoothly and the ropers where pleased with the arena conditions, cattle, and flagging.
In the short go the 15th high team of Tony Raffa (Italy) heading for G.T. Trabucatto (Italy) with a time of 57.93 on three. The next five teams all took no times, leaving the team of Jakub Kutner (Czech Republic) and Silvio Sciurba (Italy) to take the lead with a 10.09 for a total of 43.29 on three.
Tension was high in the arena and the next four teams took no times. The fourth high team of Giuliano Reano (Italy) and Matteo DelMastro (Italy) posted a time of 13.82, making their total 38.60 and the lead with three teams to sweat.
The third and second high teams took no times leaving Steffan Schorcht (Germany) and Giuliano Reano (Italy) 17 seconds for the win. Steffan got a late start and got the steer caught at the back end of the arena. Giuliano took a risky heel shot but it worked for a leg and a time of 15.92, making their total 37.44 for first place in the average, the buckles and the cash.
For the second year Debbie Garrison has sponsored the European All Girl Championship in conjunction with the WSTR European Qualifier. With 35 teams entered and beautiful Clint Mortenson buckles on the line, the competition was fierce between the ladies.
Matilde Podico and G.T. Trabucatto, both from Italy, finished fifth with a time of 17.35 on 1. Finishing fourth were Matilde Podico and Isabella Maffei (Italy) with a time of 15.48 on 1. Third place went to Chiara Milani (Italy) and Isabella Maffei with a time of 12.78 on one.
Reserve champion team was Karolina Podhajecka (Czech Republic) and G.T. Trabucatto with a time of 31.14 on two. That put all the pressure on the high team of Samantha Casetto (Italy) and 9-year-old Angelica Crouch (USA). Their total time on 2 was 31.07, making them the champions and taking home the buckles by .07 of a second.
I talked to producer Mike Crouch and asked him his thoughts on the 2013 roping:
“This is our fourth year and it just keeps getting better every year. It is a lot of fun to see all the ropers from the different countries enjoy roping in this caliber of roping. There is no language barrier in the roping world. I would like to thank Denny Gentry of the WSTR for allowing us to produce an event here in Europe. I would also like to thank Debbie Garrison for all she does for the All Girl Roping, and McCulloch Saddlery for the beautiful handbag for the high point lady roper in the WSTR Qualifier.
I also asked Steffan Schorcht, the champion header, his comments on the roping:
“It was a great time for my family and me. This is my second year to attend the roping and it is our favorite event-vacation of the year. I came a few days early to practice with Mike and my horse went lame. Mike talked to his friend Andrea Perenchio and he let me ride his good head horse Jimmy. Thank you, Andrea. I would also like to thank the European Team Roping Center for all their hospitality and professionalism.”
I also interviewed champion heeler Giuliano Reano:
“First I would like to thank Steffan for turning me three good steers. I am a header but I love to heel and this is my first big win as a heeler. I would also like to thank my family and my coach, Mike Crouch. I can’t wait to rope in Las Vegas. It has been a dream of mine for years.”
As my vacation came to a close, I will always remember the friendships that were established during this event. On Saturday evening there was a great barbecue with live music and dancing.
In closing, I would like to encourage ropers from the United States to attend the 2014 European Qualifier. You will not be disappointed.
For information contact Mike Crouch on Facebook or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Steffan Schorcht of Germany and Giuliano Reano of Itlay won first place in the average with a total time of 37.44, and were awarded buckles and cash.
Samantha Casetto from Italy and 9-year-old Angelica Crouch of the U.S. won the All-Girl roping. Presenting are Miss Rodeo Piedmont, Barbara Massaroni, and Mike Crouch.