Glasgow Rodeo Committee Hosts Annual Twist of Lime Team Roping

The heat of Saturday's noontime sun at Glasgow's Cherry Creek Roping Arena was tempered by a wavering summer breeze, chasing from the conscious mind any stray musings of one's ability to fry an egg on a bald spot while setting the scene for a day in lassoing paradise.

Each individual participant competed on three discrete teams of two ropers; one partner was selected at the entrant's discretion, while the remaining two were assigned by a name-in-the-hat drawing. In total, 118 pairs entered the weekend's competition.

Myron Malnaa served as the emcee, calling out the names of each contestant and paying tribute to the event's sponsors over the rhythm of steel guitars and deep countrified vocals blaring through the loudspeakers. His sparkling eyes stared out at the dirt enclosure; his lips were perpetually creased into a serene smile.

"Team number one, team number one, the box is yours," he intoned through his handheld microphone. And the competition commenced.

A diverse tapestry of ropers descended on Glasgow for the afternoon; some, such as Steve Schwenke of Harlem, Mont., claim a long history with the sport. "Schwenke," Myron says, turning towards his companions in the announcer's booth. "He's been to the NFR [National Finals Rodeo] before." Schwenke, alongside Jesse Fleming of Wolf Point, comprised the second-place finishing duo. Others, such as fifth-place finisher Jace Bishop, a Malta high-schooler, have a long odyssey left before reaching their respective roping pinnacles.

Indeed, the spirit of competition not only coaxed an array of divergent backgrounds to this Hi-Line city, but also brought ropers from all corners of the state – everywhere from Dillon to Miles City to Billings – out from their home stables and into the wild. The number of teams, too, increased, up from last year's total of 99, an indication of both the event's relative youth – 2015's was the fourth annual Twist of Lime Team Roping – as well as the heady winner's payout of over $1500 when compared to the mere $40-a-head entry fee.

"It's open to the world," says Malnaa. "Anyone can enter. It's one of the highest-paying ropings around"

As the action unfolded, the field winnowed down. Every so often the cattle needed to be shepherded back across the arena and into the starting paddock. The riders deputized in order to complete the task in a timely fashion, aware only of the feel of their boots' insteps as they hugged their horses' thick bodies.

There were, however, spectators who also reveled in the ropers' steady movements. A boy in a black cowboy hat – perhaps a five-gallon rather than a ten, small enough to fit snug around his ears – ran around the base of the metal bleachers on the spectator's side of the arena, swinging a black lasso in circles above his head. The horses whinnied. The steer ran from the faux dangers of man's pleasure. "Now I know," the voice of Kenny Chesney sings over the crackling speakers, "how forever feels."

Results:

1st prize ($1516/roper): Brandon Krueger (Zortman, Mont.), Jim Cole (Harlem); 19.31/3 head

2nd prize ($1299): Shane Schwenke (Harlem), Jesse Fleming (Wolf Point); 20.83

3rd prize ($909): Brady Williams (Broadus, Mont.), Cole; 22.02

4th prize ($430): Levi Luman (Billings), Gary Woodworth (Huntley, Mont.); 24.28

5th prize ($175): Jace Bishop (Malta), Woodworth; 27.09