The Ak-Chin Indian Community hosts Edward Miguel Jr. memorial roping

The inaugural Edward “Eddie” Miguel, Jr. roping took place Saturday, August 13 at Ak-Chin Circle Arena located within the Ak-Chin Indian Community. This event commemorated Miguel, known for his rodeo skills, overall friendliness, and sense of humor.

Miguel passed away suddenly last July, and his friends from the rodeo circuit created the event to bring Miguel’s family and friends together to honor his life and remember what he loved to do – roping. During his life, rodeo brought Miguel together with the event coordinators: Gila River Community Members Bobbie Riggs, Narin Williams and Ak-Chin Indian Community Council Member Gabriel Lopez.

Competitors and spectators packed this event to remember Miguel. Silas Johnson, Jr., an elder of the Tohono O’odham Nation, opened the ceremony with a blessing, followed by an opportunity for friends and family to speak in remembrance of Miguel.

Buckles were awarded to all first-place average winners. The event was sponsored by Sunstate Equipment Rentals, Casa Grande Rent A Can, The Ak-Chin Indian Community, Zabawa Cattle, Gila River Sand and Gravel, Dynamite Horseman Supply, Cowboy Lifestyle Network, and Designs by Kendra Williams.

Miguel participated in the Southwest rodeo circuit and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), winning many events over the years. Miguel was also a three-time qualifier for the Indian National Rodeo Finals. He rode bareback and bulls, was a bullfighter, rodeo judge, and flagger for many rodeos in the community.

Professionally, Miguel was a self-employed welder. In his personal life, Miguel was a member of the St. Anne Mission and was well known for his horse training skills. He played a variety of sports in addition to rodeo and enjoyed drawing. Most of all, Miguel loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his kids, according to his obituary in the Casa Grande Dispatch.

Proceeds from this year’s memorial roping event will be used for organizing future events in Eddie’s memory.