Joel Nunneley of Caney, Kan. and Gable Hilderbrand of Bartlett, Kan. are making their mark in the team roping world one win at a time. The two rodeo for Coffeyville Community College as well as rope on in the U.S. Team Roping Championships (USTRC).
Coffeyville Community College (CCC) team ropers, Gable Hilderbrand of Bartlett, Kan. and Joel Nunneley of Caney, Kan. brought home big winnings following the U.S. Team Roping (USTRC) Regional Finals October 23-31 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The USTRC sanctions more than 400 events nationwide each year. According to the USTRC website, “there has been an evolution in rodeo over the past decade or so, with sport disciplines splintering into specific event categories and drawing a totally dedicated fan base. USTRC was among the first to take its sport into a powerhouse of prize money with rules and regulations that sharpened the sport and its professionalism.” Hilderbrand competed in the Open Tour. This event considered the combined total number of points earned over the year to determine an overall champion. Hilderbrand roped consistently throughout the season and took the top spot earning $10,000 and the championship buckle. Hilderbrand said this is the most money he has ever won. As a sophomore, he ropes for the CCC rodeo team and followed his big win at the USTRC Finals with a win at the last college rodeo of the fall semester. Hilderbrand ropes primarily off a 6-year-old quarter horse gelding named Cinco. Following graduation from CCC, Hilderbrand hopes to begin roping full time and eventually win the world title at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo (NFR). He hopes to make the NFR in the next three years. Nunneley roped in the 12 Shoot-Out at the USTRC Finals, a competition that pairs ropers based on their ranking and ability. Nunneley roped with Lane Reeves from Wann, Okla., a partner he’s roped with all year. The pair took second in the 12 Shoot-Out and each took home $21,000. Nunneley roped off his dad’s quarter horse gelding, Joe. His winnings at the Finals meant he now has a new horse to share with his dad who also ropes. Nunneley will graduate in May and plans to continue his education and earn a bachelors degree. He will also continue roping and hopes to one day ride at the NFR.