ICONIC RODEO Montana Cowgirl Williams Ropes Tough at The Daddy By Allie Bohus T he Daddy of ‘em All is a unique rodeo undoubtedly. The history, the huge outdoor arena, the score on timed event cattle, the slow gate, the fast calves… Add the top breakaway ropes in the nation and you have yourself a horserace.
NFBR Breakaway Roper Joey Williams of Volborg, MT has roped at Cheyenne since its inaugural event in 2020. Although it was not sanctioned by the WPRA in the first year, it quickly became a sanctioned event in 2021 and being able to rope at such a historical celebration, was “something I can’t put into words,” Williams said. “Since we’ve been kids [Cheyenne] literally has been one of the most iconic rodeos. Before [breakaway was added] I watched my husband [team] rope there. I remember the first year I roped, I was SO nervous,” she said. Despite not having luck there the last few years, her luck changed in 2023 and she left a champion! Cheyenne is such a unique rodeo for several reasons. The score is so much longer than the majority of rodeos sanctioned by the WPRA, the gate is slow, and the calves run hard. It is not a setup that is conducive for consistency. However, Williams proved, yet again, that she is a fearless competitor and her plan worked out. “It is totally different than what we do during the majority of the year. You really have to focus on the start, and you have to ride your horse correctly all the way through the run,” she said. Concentrating on her horsemanship and staying correct helped Williams stay focused and come out on top. Winning at Cheyenne was something extra special for Williams. “I’ve always loved Cheyenne… everything about it is unique. It has the feel almost like when you pull into Vegas, it has an extra pressure, prestigious type feeling,” she said. Although the win hasn’t really sunk in yet for Williams, she still feels elated. “I was just stocked I had a good run,” she said. Watching the tough girls rope after her was a bit nerve-wracking as she knew at any point she could be bumped. “It just worked out for me that day. It was a tough day in the breakaway.” At the time of press, Williams is sitting sixth in the WPRA World Breakaway Roping standings with $77,597 won and 45 rodeos attended. The money won has all but solidified Williams for her third
consecutive NFBR. Her approach this year is to continue to treat each rodeo like it’s important as she concludes the regular season rodeos in the Pacific Northwest. “If I am blessed enough to go to Vegas again, I will take the same approach by giving my mare some time off and then hit some jackpots to stay sharp,” she said. A big factor for Williams that dictates her approach is the weather in Southeast Montana in October & November. “I just do what I can. By November, you are already battling the weather element. So whatever Mother Nature allows… we just do the best we can with what we have,” she said. Lastly, Williams would like to thank her family and friends. None of this would be possible without their support. “It literally takes a village,” she said warmly. Williams shared the win with her husband, their 3 kids, her sister and her family. “This is what it is all about. My sister got to celebrate too and it made it so much sweeter.” Joey Williams turned in the fast time of the final round in 3.8 seconds to win the breakaway roping title and pick up a check worth $12,306. All totaled from Cheyenne, Williams added $19,624 to her 2023 earnings as she makes plans to return to the National Finals Breakaway Roping for the third straight year. Photo by Click Thompson
Joey Williams was honored to stand in the winner’s circle at the iconic Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo capturing the breakaway roping title. While Williams remembers watching this rodeo from a young age it wasn’t until recently that the rodeo added women’s breakaway roping giving her a chance to compete for the title. Photo by Jackie Jensen
Joey Williams runs down her calf in the final round in Cheyenne to capture her first Daddy of ‘em All title. Williams roped her calf in 3.8 seconds to edge reigning world champion Martha Angelone who finished in 3.9 seconds. Photo by Jackie Jensen
14 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2023
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