13th Annual Johnny Wayne Hampton Memorial Brings Breakaway Ropers Together

The 13th Annual Johnny Wayne Hampton Memorial Breakaway Roping brought the best of the best breakaway ropers to the Tarleton State University Rodeo Arena once again. This special day is always about more than roping a calf and winning a check. Hosted by 18 time world champion JJ Hampton in honor of her dad, Johnny Wayne Hampton, the annual event gives breakaway ropers a chance to compete for big money in a one of a kind atmosphere. 

From some of the best breakaway ropers in the country to college and high school competitors and local girls, the memorial brings together different generations and levels of the sport. The competition is strong, but Hampton has built the event around an idea her dad believed in.

“My dad loved rodeo and always wanted us girls to rope for more money,” Hampton says every year.  

That idea continues to shape the memorial 13 years later. Now, even with the sport of breakaway growing at a rapid pace and more opportunities arising all the time, this event is still a favorite. 

Martha Angelone took home the top check in this year's main roping, stopping the clock in 2.43 seconds to win $10,000. Angelone is no stranger to the winner's circle, but it was her first time winning the Johnny Wayne Hampton Memorial. She also won the average side pot. Angelone is headed back to the National Finals Breakaway Roping this year. 

Tarleton State Rodeo cowgirl Addison Kinser finished second in 2.65 seconds, earning $8,100 and qualifying for Rope for the Crown through the event. Hadley Thompson placed third in 2.71 seconds for $6,300, followed by Samantha Kingsbury in fourth at 2.83 seconds for $5,600. Emilee Charlesworth rounded out the top five with a 2.88, earning $4,000.

Taylor Munsell finished sixth in 2.90 seconds for $3,300, followed by Kadey Urbantke in seventh at 2.95 for $2,900. Wacey Trujillo placed eighth in 3.00 seconds for $2,100. Haiden Thompson finished ninth in 3.03 for $1,200, and Alex Poole rounded out the top 10 with a 3.12, earning $900.

The main roping format gives each competitor two calves, with her fastest time counting toward the final standings. The format gives every girl another opportunity to put together a winning run and helps keep one difficult draw from determining her entire day. 

The memorial also gives young women an opportunity to earn money toward their education through scholarship ropings. Five scholarships were awarded this year, including opportunities for high school and Tarleton students.

Sadey Yates received the Mary Guy Memorial Scholarship. Sienna Ricciardi earned the Row Hampton Memorial Scholarship by winning the Tarleton scholarship roping. Karmen Martin received the Sharon Hanson Memorial Scholarship for second place, Madie Richmann earned the Johnnie and Helen Hampton Memorial Scholarship for third and Kaylie Garza received the Barbara Hampton Memorial Scholarship for fourth.

The event also supports Backpack Buddies of Erath County, which helps provide food for children. A bake sale is part of that effort, with JJ and Ricky's son, Kasen Prince, helping with it since he was little. It has become another family tradition tied to the memorial.

For JJ, the event reflects the support she has received throughout her own career. She credits her family and support system for helping her reach 18 world championships, and she continues to use the memorial to create opportunities for other girls in the sport.

As the breakaway roping specialty coach for Tarleton's rodeo team, Hampton works with college athletes who are developing their own careers. The memorial extends that support beyond the college arena, giving high school students scholarship opportunities and bringing local ropers into the same event as some of the sport's top competitors.

Thirteen years after the memorial began, the Johnny Wayne Hampton Memorial continues to honor Hampton's dad through the sport he loved, while giving back to the next generation of ropers and the community around them.

The winners will take home their checks, students will have help toward their education and local children will benefit from the fundraiser. That is what keeps the memorial going year after year. The roping is a place for big money to be won in the arena, and also a way to make a difference beyond it.