At the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, on June 19, team ropers Mason Appleton and Rance Doyal set a new world record in the team roping with their lighting fast 3.2-second run.
While many names held a place in the record books next to the previous fast time of 3.2 seconds, this pair of young guns now stand alone at the top. What was originally thought to just be an arena record in Nampa was later confirmed to be the fastest time ever recorded in the event. The time was also good for the second round win in Nampa, worth $4,143 each.
The previous record of 3.3 seconds was most recently matched by Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp at the 2023 National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Originally set by Chad Masters and Jade Corkill at the 2009 NFR, the time had also been matched by Brock Hanson and Ryan Motes, Kaleb Driggers and Junior Noguiera, Clay Smith and Jade Corkill, and Dustin Equsquiza and Travis Graves.
With $25,895 in season earnings, Appleton and Doyal both sit No. 30 in the World Standings, for heading and heeling, respectively. Appleton, of Chelsea, Okla., is 21 years old and Doyal of Kenefic, Okla., is 24-years old. No strangers to roping fast, the duo won the Liberty Hill (Texas) Pro Rodeo in mid-May with a 3.6-second run.
The 2024 Prairie Circuit Finals Champions held onto the lead in the circuit throughout most of the season, ultimately earning a spot in the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colo. Coming up in July, this event gives circuit cowboys and cowgirls a huge opportunity to win big money and get into even more limited rodeos.