An Interview with Chad Masters.

An interview with Chad Masters one of team ropings up and coming superstars.

A few weeks ago I was at the Middle TN Ropers Association (MTRA) finals and I got the chance to talk to Chad Masters. He agreed to do an interview with me and since then we have talked on the phone several times.

Chad is someone that I have admired for a long time. I first heard of Chad while I was at UT Martin from a friend of mine Keith Duke, who had like many other people, bought their first horse and learned to rope from Chad and his dad Bobby. I started seeing him at some local jackpots from time to time. Chad always stood out to me, not only for his roping ability but also for the character that he always displayed. Even at an age when it would have been easy to be cocky Chad always carried himself with class. You could just tell that there was something special about him. He seemed to always work a little harder than the rest. That hard work has paid off because he made his first WNFR.

JD: How old are you?

CM: I'm 22 and have a birthday Feb 3.

JD: Where did you grow up?

CM: Adams, TN

JD: How old were you when you started roping?

CM: I was eight when I actually started going to some ropings but I can remember my mom turning out steers for me to rope with a break away when I was probably 4 or 5. I would track lead steers and rope them all the time.

JD: Growing up who did you look up to?

CM: I would have to say Frank Graves and Speedy Williams. Those guys were and still are the best. Growing up in Tennessee I got to see them a lot more at the ropings and local rodeos and I always looked up to those guys.

JD: Since you looked up to those guys, did you pattern yourself after them?

CM: I wouldn't say that I have their style but my dad always told me to pay attention to those guys and I did. I pulled things from both of them and kind of used what worked for me.

JD: Who do you credit with your success and helping you get to where you are today?

CM: Without a doubt my Mom and Dad, they have always supported me! Mom used to turn steers out for me when Dad was at work. Dad and I used to practice all the time. He always stressed to me the importance of horsemanship. I contribute a lot of my success to the work ethic that was instilled in me.

JD: I know there are a lot of good ropers around where you grew up. What do you think sets you apart from some of them?

CM: Personally I think just having the opportunity to go. There are some guys around the house that rope well but just don't have the opportunity.

JD: I consider you an excellent horseman. You don't think that talent might set you apart?

CM: I don't know, I work hard at what I do and I have been fortunate enough to have a father that has taught me good horsemanship and I think it has given me an advantage but As far as setting myself apart I don't see it. I'm fortunate enough to be able to pursue my dream. This is all I want to do, it is my job and I work very hard at getting better everyday. Those guys are working jobs and still have to find time to practice. I'm just fortunate enough to get to make this my job!

JD: I have always said that you are only as good as the people you compete against. What do you think?

CM: Definitely! Since I've been out here I have had to work that much harder to get better and these guys will make you better.

JD: Are you a goal setter?

CM: Definitely. I remember when I was in the 6th grade our teacher asked us to write down our goals for life. I remember writing down win the IFR and then the NFR. Even then I knew what I wanted to accomplish.

JD: Do you have any other interests or hobbies?

CM: No, just Roping!! I watch TV a lot when we have down time.

JD: How was your first NFR?

CM: It was unbelievable! Making the finals is something I have dreamed of since I was little. Any body that ropes, dreams of making it their and I feel very fortunate to have gotten to live my dream.

JD: How nervous were you?

CM: You can't imagine! After the first two rounds I settled down and started going at it like it was just another rodeo. I was a little disappointed with myself. I know that I'm capable of doing a lot better.

JD: Tell me a little about your partner Michael Jones?

CM: Michael and I have joked around saying that if it weren't for roping we would have never crossed paths. We are a little different from one another but I think we complement each other personality wise and the way we rope.

JD: How do you compliment each other's roping?

CM: Michael lets me slow down with my roping. I can go out there and just try to be smart with my roping because he get them roped so fast. It helps knowing that Michael has got support from a great family as well. His folks have helped us with our roping a bunch. His dad keeps good cattle to rope and is always breaking our roping down helping us to get better.

JD: Who are your sponsors?

CM: Cactus Ropes, and this year I have a new sponsor Heavy Duty Truck and Trailer out of St. Louis, MO that I would like to thank for helping me out.

JD: What advice would you give to ropers trying to improve?

CM: I would tell them to always work on your horsemanship. Your horse is the greatest tool you have.

JD: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

CM: I want the World Champion title! That's why I'm out here.


An interview with Chad Masters one of team ropings up and coming superstars. A few weeks ago I was at the Middle TN Ropers Association (MTRA) finals and I got the chance to talk to Chad Masters. He agreed to do an interview with me and since then we have talked on the phone several times. Chad is someone that I have admired for a long time. I first heard of Chad while I was at UT Martin from a friend of mine Keith Duke, who had like many other people, bought their first horse and learned to rope from Chad and his dad Bobby. I started seeing him at some local jackpots from time to time. Chad always stood out to me, not only for his roping ability but also for the character that he always displayed. Even at an age when it would have been easy to be cocky Chad always carried himself with class. You could just tell that there was something special about him. He seemed to always work a little harder than the rest. That hard work has paid off because he made his first WNFR. JD: How old are you? CM: I'm 22 and have a birthday Feb 3. JD: Where did you grow up? CM: Adams, TN JD: How old were you when you started roping? CM: I was eight when I actually started going to some ropings but I can remember my mom turning out steers for me to rope with a break away when I was probably 4 or 5. I would track lead steers and rope them all the time. JD: Growing up who did you look up to? CM: I would have to say Frank Graves and Speedy Williams. Those guys were and still are the best. Growing up in Tennessee I got to see them a lot more at the ropings and local rodeos and I always looked up to those guys. JD: Since you looked up to those guys, did you pattern yourself after them? CM: I wouldn't say that I have their style but my dad always told me to pay attention to those guys and I did. I pulled things from both of them and kind of used what worked for me. JD: Who do you credit with your success and helping you get to where you are today? CM: Without a doubt my Mom and Dad, they have always supported me! Mom used to turn steers out for me when Dad was at work. Dad and I used to practice all the time. He always stressed to me the importance of horsemanship. I contribute a lot of my success to the work ethic that was instilled in me. JD: I know there are a lot of good ropers around where you grew up. What do you think sets you apart from some of them? CM: Personally I think just having the opportunity to go. There are some guys around the house that rope well but just don't have the opportunity. JD: I consider you an excellent horseman. You don't think that talent might set you apart? CM: I don't know, I work hard at what I do and I have been fortunate enough to have a father that has taught me good horsemanship and I think it has given me an advantage but As far as setting myself apart I don't see it. I'm fortunate enough to be able to pursue my dream. This is all I want to do, it is my job and I work very hard at getting better everyday. Those guys are working jobs and still have to find time to practice. I'm just fortunate enough to get to make this my job! JD: I have always said that you are only as good as the people you compete against. What do you think? CM: Definitely! Since I've been out here I have had to work that much harder to get better and these guys will make you better. JD: Are you a goal setter? CM: Definitely. I remember when I was in the 6th grade our teacher asked us to write down our goals for life. I remember writing down win the IFR and then the NFR. Even then I knew what I wanted to accomplish. JD: Do you have any other interests or hobbies? CM: No, just Roping!! I watch TV a lot when we have down time. JD: How was your first NFR? CM: It was unbelievable! Making the finals is something I have dreamed of since I was little. Any body that ropes, dreams of making it their and I feel very fortunate to have gotten to live my dream. JD: How nervous were you? CM: You can't imagine! After the first two rounds I settled down and started going at it like it was just another rodeo. I was a little disappointed with myself. I know that I'm capable of doing a lot better. JD: Tell me a little about your partner Michael Jones? CM: Michael and I have joked around saying that if it weren't for roping we would have never crossed paths. We are a little different from one another but I think we complement each other personality wise and the way we rope. JD: How do you compliment each other's roping? CM: Michael lets me slow down with my roping. I can go out there and just try to be smart with my roping because he get them roped so fast. It helps knowing that Michael has got support from a great family as well. His folks have helped us with our roping a bunch. His dad keeps good cattle to rope and is always breaking our roping down helping us to get better. JD: Who are your sponsors? CM: Cactus Ropes, and this year I have a new sponsor Heavy Duty Truck and Trailer out of St. Louis, MO that I would like to thank for helping me out. JD: What advice would you give to ropers trying to improve? CM: I would tell them to always work on your horsemanship. Your horse is the greatest tool you have. JD: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? CM: I want the World Champion title! That's why I'm out here.
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