The 2nd Annual John Cook Team Roping Classic brought top competitors, strong payouts and meaningful support for Nebraska rodeo to Lincoln over the weekend.
Held at the Sandhills Global Event Center, the event paid out more than $150,000 across multiple ropings while continuing its mission to grow team roping and support the University of Nebraska rodeo team.
“We have several goals in mind with this roping — to promote Western sports team roping across Nebraska, bringing some of the best from around the country here to compete in Lincoln,” said organizer and rodeo announcer Travis Schauda.
In addition to competition, the event serves as a fundraiser for UNL rodeo scholarships. After presenting a $27,000 check in 2025, organizers expect this year’s total to exceed $32,000.
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The weekend also highlighted the giving spirit of the rodeo community. A special auction raised $25,000 for a family who lost their home in the Morrill Fire.
“It was really neat to help out that family that lost everything,” Schauda said.
Planning for an event of this size begins months in advance, with Schauda noting a nine- to 10-month process that includes securing livestock, lining up sponsors and coordinating logistics.
Beyond the arena, Schauda said interest in rodeo and Western culture continues to build, driven in part by broader exposure and cultural trends.
“As long as the money, the purses and the interest keep going up, usually everything will go with it,” he said.
Alongside the team roping classic, Nebraska athletes were also in action across the region. Chadron State College’s women’s team placed third in the Central Rocky Mountain Region, while Nebraska High School Rodeo competitors turned in strong performances in McCook, including back-to-back barrel racing wins by Taylor Rosander and multiple all-around standouts.
Full interview with Travis Schauda
