Sportrait

John Claffey started team roping on the farm as a youngster, following in his father's footsteps.

"I started because my father is a team roper," said Claffey. "I learned how to do it when I was around eight or nine."

Team roping is not an easy sport to master.

"It hard to pick up because you need someone who knows how to rope to teach you," said Claffey. "They need to show you what you are doing wrong so you get better."

Claffey now competes in 20 high school rodeos a year, as well as other senior events. The 16 year old has made a name for himself around the team roping circuit.

"I have won coats, belt buckles, rope bags and money," said Claffey. "I have been to competitions where people are more experienced than me."

Claffey practises roping often to keep his skills sharp.

"I practise roping every night on a dummy," said Claffey. "I also practice roping on a horse three to four times a week."

Aside from team roping, Claffey has distinguished himself in badminton, track and field, volleyball and hockey.

"I have qualified for the team roping provincial finals," said Claffey. "Our volleyball team won the bronze medal at the senior boys high school provincials. I also competed at the track and field provincials in the 1500 m."

At last year's provincial high school team roping competition, Claffey and Bengough area resident Kevin Gee finished fourth. Claffey's friends Robert Schmidt and Graham Schmidt finished third at the same competition.

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