Legacy I.

Before Roy Cooper there were several notable ropers - Toots Mansfield and Dean Oliver to name a few - but Roy Cooper is often referred to as the man that revolutionized calf roping.

Roy began his career as the 1976 Rookie of the Year and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame just three years later. Throughout three decades, he broke every roping record in the books, claiming eight world titles in calf roping, steer roping and all-aronud categories, and joining an elite group of athletes who've won the 10-head championship at the NFR in two different events. Cooper was the first cowboy ever to earn $2 million. Cooper won virtually every major rodeo in the country.

Known as "Super Looper," Roy Cooper is regarded as one of the greatest calf ropers in history. Roy still ropes competitively but finds his greatest rewards in helping develop the roping skills of his three sons and working with horses to keep the boys mounted on quality roping horses.

Legacy II.

All three of Roy’s boys are qualified to compete at PRCA rodeos. All three plan on focusing on the tie-down roping event (traditionally known as “calf roping”). The oldest son, Clint, has had his pro card since 2002. The middle son, Clif, obtained his card in September 2007 and the youngest son, Tuf, obtained his card as soon as he turned 18 January 30, 2008. The primary goal is to have all three sons each compete in the maximum allowed 70 PRCA rodeos and qualify for the 2009 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Additionally, Shane Hanchey, 19, from Lake Charles, LA is traveling with the Coopers in pursuit of the Rookie of the Year title in tie-down roping.

Traveling on the road to coach and manage the young men will be Mike Arnold of Flatonia, Texas. Along with a history of rodeoing and training great rope horses, Mike has driven and road managed for world champion tie-down ropers Joe Beaver and Trevor Brazile.

Managing their business, publicity and appearances will be Karen Herbst of Dallas, Texas. Karen was raised on a working cattle ranch in Wyoming and owns among other businesses, numerous exceptional roping horses ridden by the roping team and other PRCA cowboys.

Not only will the four boys be striving to make the top 15 that go to NFR 2009, Shane has already qualified and Clif is working toward requalifying for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY during June 2009.