Were any of you in the building when Chad Masters and heeler Jade Corkill broke the world record for team roping last Friday (12/11)? I was there, and my ears are still ringing from the roar of the crowd.
The amazing thing is that moments earlier, JoJo LeMond and heeler Randon Adams had lowered the Thomas & Mack Center record (and world record) by one tenth of a second with a 3.4-second run. The building erupted, of course, and gave the pair a standing ovation. But not five minutes later, Masters and Corkill posted a 3.3-second run, and people were delirious. The rafters shook with applause and hoots, as the pair raced around the arena, waving their hats.
I had the honor of sitting in the same box with The Duke of the Chutes, Larry Vold, and I got a chill from the entire experience. If the level of competition at NFR 2009 is any indication of what's in store for 2010, I can't wait for the new year. In the meantime, Merry Christmas and congratulations to the champs!