Daily Archives: February 1, 2010

Stetson Vest is taking full advantage of being a member of one of pro rodeo’s royal families.

When the 23-year-old cowboy backs into the box, he thrives on the coaching of his uncle Stran Smith, the 2008 world champion tie-down roper. He’s also learned from his grandfather, Clifton Smith, who qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in the early 1960s.

He’s also a cousin to Tuf Cooper, who last year finished second in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tie-down roping world title race. His father, Vance, is a prize winning steer roper. If that’s not enough, he’s a cousin of Shada Brazile, wife of seven-time world all-around champion Trevor Brazile.

“When there’s problems, I can talk to any of them any time of the day,” Vest said. “I’m fortunate because a lot of kids dream of having role models like that.”

Vest, a Texas Tech alumni who lives in Childress, is learning well. During the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo last weekend, Vest tied for third in the first round of tie-down roping after turning in a time of 8.4 seconds and earned $3,714.  (read more)

Scott Kormos considers himself to be among the extremely fortunate.

The five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Teague took the lead in tie-down roping at the Fort Worth Stock Show after drawing two very cooperative calves.

During Friday night’s performance at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, Kormos turned in a time of 9.0 seconds and he moved to No. 1 in the title race with a two-run time of 18.2.

The 18.2 should easily advance Kormos to the Feb. 7 final round.

“I drew on the better end of it both times,” said Kormos, who posted a 9.2 against his first-round calf.

Turning in two speedy times was a moral victory for Kormos, who said he doesn’t fare so well at the Stock Show in most years. The Fort Worth rodeo has a long-time reputation for using larger calves that challenge even the best of ropers.

“It’s been a challenge to get two qualified runs because they bring in pretty good-size calves,” Kormos said. “You also have to have a horse that works really good.” (read more)