Talsma competes in WSTR for 2nd straight year

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SPRINGFIELD — Jonathan Talsma had his sights set high for the World Series of Team Roping.

The Springfield native, who now lives in Grandview, Texas, teamed up with Gary Lyn, of San Antonio in the WSTR and competed against 300 teams Dec. 15 in Las Vegas.

The duo were able to rope their first two steer and record a time. But they missed the third, leaving them out of the final round and without prize money. Winners of the average time in four rounds can earn up to $137,000 per roper and the payout lessens as the places descend.

This was Talsma’s second WSTR. In his first go-around last December, the 25-year-old and his partner made the short go, or the fourth and final round. The team roped three steers in 27 seconds but was unable to rope the steer in the final round, knocking them out again.

Despite coming up short of his goal both years, which is winning the competition, he’ll continue to do what he loves.

“It’s a fun hobby for me,” said Talsma, who began roping 10 years ago. “I don’t get too pressured up at the events. I know it’s a big deal, but I look at it like any other go.”

Talsma qualified for the largest team roping event in September with partner Lyn. To qualify for the WSTR, a team must earn over $25,000 in a qualifying team roping event, which is usually a top three finish. These qualifying events have anywhere between 150 to 200 teams participating.

Talsma’s goal is in sight for next year as he has already qualified for the WSTR next December. He qualified for the event for the second time in October with Ty Hill, of Cloud Station, Texas. But the WSTR was at full capacity, so the committee granted the cowboys an automatic place in next year’s event.

“You try to rope with the same partner, but since we’re not professionals, sometimes someone can’t make it to an event,” Talsma said. “I’ve picked up some good partners and am lucky to have made it this far. I’m going to keep roping for as long as I can.”

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