One week before the start of falls semester at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, the two time Big Sky Team Roping Champion, Tom Williams, decides to transfer to Montana State University. “I was planning to go back to Northwest this fall to finish my associate degree, but things didn’t work out” Tom said. “I wanted to switch partners and rope with Jack Arnold. When I told my coach this he didn’t take it well and told me to call Andy Bolich, the rodeo coach at MSU and see if he would take me. I did and here I am.” Jack is also currently enrolled at Montana State too.
For the past two years Tom has partnered up with Dan Barsalay. They have won the championship in the Big Sky Region both years and were the favorites to repeat again this year. “Dan and I have grown up together in high school rodeo in Idaho. I really like Dan and I think he’s a great roper but roping isn’t his #1 priority. He excels in steer wrestling and that is where he puts his main efforts. After the college finals this past June, we didn’t enter the team roping together once this summer. That’s the main reason I wanted to switch partners. I want someone whose main passion is team roping. This may sound arrogant but I have bigger goals than just winning the region. ”
Time will tell whether this was a good decision for Tom. As of press time Dan had switched ends in the team roping and was heeling for Caleb Jones. They were currently in the number 1 position heading into the final fall rodeo this weekend in Dillon, MT. Williams and Arnold are currently in the #4 spot but within striking distance of catching the top team this weekend.
By: Shelby Williams
This weeks sports 