Snake River Stampede Team Roping Qualifier Sees Over 1,000 Entries Competing for a Spot in the SRS Rodeo This Week -- 18 Finalists Competing for More Than $10,000 in Prize Money

Eighteen local team ropers will compete this week in the Snake River Stampede for more than $10,000 in prize money after they qualified July 16-17 at Homedale, ID.

The Snake River Stampede Rodeo and SRC Sports combined to host 1,013 team roping entrees at Badiola Arenas this past Saturday and Sunday at Homedale, all hoping to win a spot in the five-day event this week.  The top three teams from each of six divisions earned a spot to compete this Wednesday through Saturday at the 107th Snake River Stampede at the Ford Idaho Center.  In addition to $10,000+ in additional prize money and the prestigious opportunity to compete at the SRS rodeo this week, ropers from four generations competed for more than $80,000.

Marty Akumura was the overall money winner, qualifying in two divisions with teammates Spencer Gordan and Elisa Pendergrass.  In addition to his cash winnings, he took home a pair of tires from longtime SRS sponsor Commercial Tire.  Ironically Marty's daughter Haily, 18, will also be competing in two divisions, just not with her father as a team mate.  “It’s exciting to be there in the same competition with my dad again,” said Akumura (Haily) who also qualified when she was 13 and again when she was 15.

Hailey and her heading horse Dollar compete in numerous team roping events around the West with Marty and says she’s ready to rope under the lights this Wednesday and Thursday. “I want to do my part and give my partner a good turn.  I’ll be more prepared than I was the last two times (I qualified).”

Marty is a multiple-time qualifier, and previous champion and is not a bit surprised by Hailey’s success.  “We train and we compete.  She raised Dollar (Dollar) and she started roping when she was six years old. This is what she works for. ”

Hailey’s best friend Sammie Dunn, 18, also qualified in two divisions and will compete Tuesday and Thursday after taking first and third place as a header in the #5.5 section with heelers Lucas Cruz and Conor Ward respectively.

“I’m so excited to qualify.  My family has been there so many times.

Other multiple qualifiers include Drew Hummel, Conor Ward, Jake Telford and Trey McFarlane.  The complete list is below.

Running over a thousand teams through a competition over two days takes an efficient facility and staff.  SRC Sports and the Badiola Arenas host over 150 local and regional events a year plus three national World Series Championships per year.  “We love this!” Said Ben Badiola, President and CEO of SRC Sports.  “The hard work, the competition, the appreciation and respect for everyone involved.”

“We’ve met more genuine people in this (Western) lifestyle and made more good friends than anyone can imagine,” Lori Badiola added.

SRS Qualifier Results
Saturday, July 16
#8.5: Drew Hummel and Tom Nelson – Wednesday; 2. David Temple and Marlow Eldridge – Thursday;  Jake Telford and Trey McFarlane – Thursday
#7.5: Sean Schnabele and Jake Telford -- Friday; 2. Drew Hummel and Kurtis Barry -- Friday; 3. Cole Garland and Jake Ruby – Tuesday
#6.5: Sylais York and Conor Ward – Tuesday; 2. Delaney Kunau and Rob Webb – Thursday; Hailey Okamura and Glen Nelson – Wednesday
Sunday, July 17
#5.5: Sammi Dunn and Lucas Cruz – Thursday; 2. Marty Okamura and Spencer Gordon – Tuesday; 3. Sammi Dunn and Conor Ward – Tuesday
#4.5: Elisa Pendergrass and Marty Okamura – Friday; Dalli Bean and Gus Fuller – Tuesday; Hailey Sharp and Brian Sharp – Friday
#3.5: Sage Raine and Michelle Rutan – Friday; Hailey Okamura and Sam Kofoed – Thursday; Hanna Moyle and Dalle Mason -- Wednesday