Tryan, Graves win George Strait Team Roping

Travis Graves is one of the local cowboys who is a safe bet to make the National Finals Rodeo while others are scrambling to lock up their spot. || Courtesy DUDLEY BARKER/DudleyDoRight.com

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(March 15, 2015) — Most cowboys dream of reaching the National Finals Rodeo and winning the gold buckle as world champion.

But Lipan cowboy Clay Tryan already has three world championships. What he had not won – until Saturday – was the George Strait Team Roping Classic.

That all changed this weekend when Tryan and Stephenville roper Travis Graves teamed up to win the event named for one of country music’s all-time legends and a roper himself.

Tryan may have the world titles, but its Graves who’s captured two of team roping’s biggest championships this month. He won $100,000 in the RFD-TV The American at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on March 1, and picked up another $100,000 in the Strait Classic.

“It’s been one of my goals for a long time to win the George Strait Team Roping Classic,” said Graves on his Facebook page. “Glad I finally did it. What a great month. Super blessed!”

Both ropers earned $100,000, and also were awarded new pickups and trailers.