A local connection with Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook has led to a team roping event coming to Lincoln this April.
Travis Schauda, a Broken Bow resident who announces the Burwell rodeo each summer, has developed a friendship with Husker volleyball coach John Cook. Schauda said the origins of the team roping event began at a local ranch.
“He bought this horse at the Pitzer sale called Bobs, but he really wanted this other horse. When the AD from the University of Nebraska, Troy Dannen, was approaching him about extending his contract and getting a raise, he basically said I don’t care about a raise I just want this horse.”
Schauda said that this story went viral across the nation, and that led to a contest to have people name the horse. Over 14,000 people voted.
Schauda said that interest gave him the idea of hosting a team roping event in Burwell to raise money for student scholarships. He said Cook has added his “dream big” mentality to help grow the event.
“It was going to be a one day event, and kind of a simple deal, and he is all about youth, he wanted a youth roping and a clinic. He wanted an opportunity for kids in Nebraska. We’re bringing the clinician here.”
Team roping legend Billy Jack Saebens from Oklahoma will be heading up the clinic. Schauda said entries will open March 1st, and he expects entries to fill up quickly. He said the goal is to raise $25,000 for scholarships, which will come from numerous sources besides ticket sales.
The event will take place April 12th and 13th at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln.
For more information, check out the official facebook page for the John Cook Team Roping Classic https://www.facebook.com/p/John-Cook-Team-Roping-Classic-61566955853788/
