Coleby Payne, a team roping heeler from Stephenville, Texas, had a dream five years ago: he vowed not to return to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as a mere spectator. Many rodeo athletes consider an annual trip to Las Vegas in December essential, regardless of whether they are competing. Payne had made the pilgrimage to Vegas several times, but always as an observer.
Partnering with head roper Clay Smith marked a significant milestone in Payne’s career, especially considering the challenging path they took to qualify for the prestigious Thomas & Mack Center event. Smith, a seasoned roper with two world championship buckles, had participated in the NFR ten times during his 12-year career. Payne sought Smith’s expertise when they joined forces last year.
Despite facing obstacles, including a controversial decision by the PRCA Grievance Committee that initially denied Payne’s bid to compete with Smith, the duo persevered. After a rollercoaster of ups and downs, including Smith narrowly missing the cut while Payne secured a spot with his stellar performance, the partners finally clinched their chance to compete together at the NFR.
Overcoming Adversity
The road to the NFR was far from smooth for Payne and Smith. Last year, they experienced a heartbreaking setback when a last-minute decision dashed their hopes. However, this year, they navigated through the challenges of the regular season, strategically selecting rodeos to maximize their chances of qualifying together.
Seizing the Opportunity
Their determination paid off during a crucial weekend in September when impressive showings at the Omaha River City Rodeo and the North Dakota Roughrider Cup secured their spots at the NFR. The duo’s hard work and dedication culminated in a successful regular season, with Payne ranking 10th in the heeler standings and Smith 11th in the header standings.
Embracing the Journey
As they compete at the NFR, Payne and Smith continue to demonstrate their skill and resilience, each earning significant prize money and climbing the world standings. Despite the challenges they faced along the way, their unwavering focus on achieving success together has been unwavering.
In the face of adversity, Payne’s positive outlook and determination to overcome setbacks serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in pursuing one’s dreams. Despite the obstacles they encountered, the partnership between Payne and Smith exemplifies the power of teamwork and shared goals in achieving success in the world of professional rodeo.
