Excerpt from: Shain Sproul: Roping in miles, memories and money

Thelma Grimes
San Pedro Valley News-Sun

One goes for the head, the other goes for the feet and seconds after the gate snaps open these team-roping cowboys have to catch a steer. That seven- to eight-second race brings a great adrenaline rush, which is why St. David's Shain Sproul continues to compete year after year.The 29-year-old cowboy begins traveling in January looking for victories and money that will lead him to the finals in December.Along with teammate Cory Petska of Marana, Sproul travels year-round, leaving little time for family and a personal life.Sproul hits the road with three traveling buddies.

"In all these competitions, you have more than 100 contestants and most only pay out up to six or eight places," Sproul said. "You have to do pretty well to afford to keep going."

Sproul said he fairs pretty well throughout the year. This year, he is currently ranked sixth by PRCA's ProRodeo World Standings, and has raked in more than $31,000 in winnings.Spending a few days at home after the 4th of July holiday, Sproul has hit the road again this week planning a trip that will take him and his crew through Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho and California.This kind of life isn't as tough as it sounds, Sproul said. Coming from a long line of team ropers, Sproul said it takes a lot of practice to become a professional.

"There's no one key thing to this sport; you need a lot of practice, but you also need a lot of luck," he said. "Only the best guys are competing, so you have to stay sharp.