2007 IPRA World Champion Tie-Down Roper

Steve Brickey

Steve Brickey was ranked 9th in the world standings coming into his first finals appearance at IFR38.  The 21-year-old cowboy had no idea when he left Tahlequah, OK that he would return the 2007 World Champion Tie-Down Roper.  “I sure didn’t think I would have ever had a chance to win the world,” reflects Brickey.  “I told my Dad when I was leaving that I wanted to try to win the average.  I thought winning the average would be a good deal, tie four calves down and win four thousand dollars, not a bad week.” 

“I hadn’t gotten to see the calves tied before the first round, I only knew they said the red calves were good and I had drawn a red calf.  He was a really good draw and I was 8.1 and won the round.”  Justin Thigpen of Waycross, GA had held tight to the number one seat in the world standings most of the 2007 rodeo season.  The “no-time” that he received in round one of IFR competition and Brickey’s first place check started the calculators humming on the chances of an upset. 

“My friend, Caddo Lewallen told me I had a chance to win this after winning the first round and I said there was “no way”.  I was 10.1 in the second round, my calf strained and cost me some time, but I was still in the average.  I was 8.5 in the third round and won second.  I was still just looking at winning the average.  Then, Saturday night when I heard the announcers talking about how the races were shaping up and I heard them say I was the one to watch in the tie-down roping, it hit me.  It made me nervous, but I tried not to think about it.  I talked and tried to act normal, but it was in the back of my mind.  Anybody that tells you otherwise, isn’t telling the truth, because it is on your mind.” 

“I knew if I had the right calf in this round, I could win the average.  I wanted to look at Justin’s draw, but I was afraid I would jinx myself.  That last loop was the toughest throw I had ever made.  I had 14 seconds to work with and ended up being 12.1 seconds.   Justin had another no-time, but I still wasn’t aware that I had won it.  I was back in the stall area with my horse when I heard them say something about coming from 9th position to win the world, then Caddo and I started whooping and hollering.” 

As for 2008, Steve plans to follow the same game-plan he implemented in 2007.  “I only went to 28 rodeos; I had a really good summer.  I’m just enjoying life right now and letting my horses and I get some rest.  I definitely want to make the IFR this year, but I’d like to qualify in the top five.” 

As Brickey’s “come from the middle of the pack” upset proved, it’s not over until it’s over and rodeo action is far from predictable.