Western sports fans have the chance to witness the skills of seasoned cowboys who battle against the clock during the upcoming 35th annual George Strait Team Roping Classic. The GSTRC remains the largest team-roping event in the country. The family-friendly rodeo takes place on March 10 and 11, 2017 in the Texas San Antonio Rose Palace. There is seating for up to 4,500 spectators in the expansive indoor arena, which regularly hosts a number of equestrian events.
About GSTRC
George Strait and his late brother Buddy began the friendly competition as a rodeo between family members in 1982. The activity soon attracted the interest of other Texas cowboys. Over the decades, more and more competitors joined in on the team roping fun, which eventually included prize money. The open roping competition welcomes novice and experienced alike to demonstrate their skills while competing against one another. Today, nearly 600 team-roping teams from Texas, across the United States and around the world participate in the prestigious two-day event in hopes of winning some of the more than $600,000 in prizes. In 2016, the team of Dustin Egusquiza and Kyle Lawrence were crowned winners and walked away with $115,500 each. Other notable cowboys sure to be in this year’s competition include the team roping duo of Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill along with Andrew Ward and Cody Doescher.
The Legendary Cowboy
The Texas cowboy is probably most widely recognized for his country music career, which has spanned more than 30 years. Unlike other CW artists who emerged during the 80s, his music remained loyal to traditional country. With a little bit of honky tonk and a little bit of Western swing, he has enjoyed having a top-ten hit every year of his career. Strait has also managed to surpass other artists in the genre by having more than 60 number one singles. Additionally, he leads the pack over artists in all genres by having 33 platinum and multi-platinum selling albums. His sales are only behind those of Elvis Presley and the Beatles. George Strait has also earned more than 60 entertainment awards. Nevertheless, along with music, he enjoys fishing, golf, hunting, skiing and of course team-roping.
Media Coverage
Seeing as how the rodeo is one of the most popular in the United States, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Earnhardt Auto Centers and Papa John’s Pizza Road Team will be there to report on the progress of all the GSTRC participants. Tune in to catch frequent updates.
Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.
