Almost 800 teams battled for buckles

The best team ropers from across the country bit the dust in hopes of riding home with a title at the annual Kaua‘i Classic United States Team Roping Championships.

“In keeping with the traditional paniolo aloha spirit, local ropers and competitors from the neighbor islands shared horses and hospitality with the visitors,” event coordinator Joyce Miranda said.

The event, held at CJM Stables, reported the biggest team increase over the past years in most divisions.

“This larger percentage of lower number ropers shows how the USTRC is growing and thriving in the Hawaiian Islands,” Miranda said.

“The Robert Rita family of O‘ahu was a good example of how USTRC is a family-friendly organization. Dad roped along with four of his children from ages 14 down. Rick and Bradley Bonds traveled to Kaua‘i from Houston, Texas to enjoy the warm sunshine, borrow a good horse, and have some fun with the locals,” Miranda continued.

From May 5-7, ropers battled for supremacy over one another. Here are the results:

Open: Ross Farias (Kapa‘a) and Zanga Schutte (Kamuela), 42.58 on 5

#15: Ken Miranda (Honoka‘a) and Melvin Joseph (Kane‘ohe), 39.89 on 4

#13: Pat “Sam” Brun Jr. (Kapa‘a) and Melvin Joseph, 45.51 on 4

#12: Jerry Stutts (Kailua Kona) and Andrew Kaua‘i, Jr. (Kamuela), 35.53 on 4

Gold Plus: J.J. Joseph (Wai‘anae) and Melvin Joseph, 41.48 on 4

Century: Kahea White (Anahola) and Aletha L. Barkley (Kamuela), 52.91 on 3

#11: Freddy Rice (Kamuela) and Randy Brun (Kalaheo), 43.87 on 4

#10: Stanley Joseph, III (Wai‘anae) and Fern White (Hawai‘i), 48.03 on 4

#9: Terry Low (Lihu‘e) and Dustin Leach (Lihu‘e), 47.57 on 4

#8 Pick Draw: Laurie Ann Diego (Kailua-Kona) and Alex M. Gomes (Kailua-Kona), 44.57 on 3

For more information, contact Joyce or Jimmy Miranda at 742-6096.

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.