Rogers and Gonzales Fight for Win at Clay Logan Open, Gonzales Fights Bigger Battle of His Own Behind Scenes

Some of the biggest names in team roping made their way to 377 Arena in Stephenville, Texas, Feb. 2-4 for record-breaking entries and over $1 million paid out over the weekend. Polaris Rangers, Kerry Kelley Bits, Maynard Buckles, Teskeys Rope Bags and big checks were given away to the winners at every level of the game. However, it’s the stories outside the arena that caught everyone’s attention.

The “main event,” the Reliance Ranches Open, took place on the final day of the weekend. With 131 teams entered, only five steers stood in the way of two men cashing in on a $42,000 payday. The stakes were high and the crowd came out to support, as well as cash their bids in on their favorite teams. The roping auctioned off teams in a Calcutta that ended up having over $40,000 in the pot to pay to spectators made up of friends, family and fans.

The short-go brought 20 of the best teams in the world coming from Wyoming to Tennessee to rope. Names like Patrick Smith, Jake Long, Jade Corkill, Kaleb Driggers and more sat comfortably in a position that they were no stranger to.

It came down to the wire, and second high-call back Kaleb Driggers and Wesley Thorp put the pressure on when they left the high-call team needing to be 6.34 or faster to get the win. Luckily, 12-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and World Champion Erich Rogers is no stranger to the pressure it takes to win.

Rogers and his partner Brandon Gonzales of Lipan, Texas, turned the pressure into poise and determination and put up a time of 6.16 seconds to secure their win at the Clay Logan Open.

Gonzales noted that this was his first win at an event of this prestige. After the roping, he took the time to say, “I’m fighting cancer right now, so if I can heal cancer like I heeled steers today maybe I will be alright. Maybe I will have some grandbabies one day.”

It is the moments like this one that are behind the scenes and beyond the wins, that make events like the Clay Logan Open memorable for everyone involved and bring people back each year.

Reliance Ranches Open Full Results

1. Erich Rogers and Brandon Gonzales, 30.45 seconds on 5 head, $42,000
2. Kaleb Driggers and Wesley Thorp, 30.63, $27,000
3. Dustin Eguisquiza and Travis Graves, 31.03, $19,500
4. Brye Crites and Jade Corkill, 31.21, $16,500
5. Tanner Tomlinson and Patrick Smith, 31.52, $13,000
6. Dustin Eguisquiza and Levi Lord, 31.61,$10,500
7. Brenten Hall and Kaden Profili, 32.17, $9,000
8. Pedro Egurrola and Michael Calmelat, 32.40, $7,500
9. Dustin Morgan and Jessen James, 33.42, $6,000

Fast Time: Brenten Hall and Tyler Worley, 5.90 seconds, $4,000

Beyond the Open, there are stories to tell from every level of roper that made the trip out to the Cowboy Capital of the World. It was a family affair for cousins, Cole and Birch Eiguren, as they took home the win in the #12.5. Their efforts were good for a $35,000 check and beautiful Maynard Buckles.

On Saturday, Polaris Rangers were given away for the first time at the Clay Logan Open in the #11.5. It was Cade Berger and Seth Morgan who drove out of the arena in style boasting their new ride and a $30,500 check to go with it. Seth Morgan decided he wasn’t done winning and came back later in the day to take the win in the #10.5 with Lucas Dunn, good for a $35,000 payday and a Maynard Buckle to wear to the bank.

Dan Keen showed his dedication to the Clay Logan Open and sported a walking boot fit with a custom stirrup and spur, just a few days after having foot surgery, so he could rope at the well-respected event.

Ropers come from far and wide and go to vast lengths to rope at the production put on by AQHA and APHA champion team roper and horse trainer Clay Logan and that just goes to show why their numbers totaled over 1,600 teams for the weekend.

The event numbers grow with each year, so be sure to watch for additional events throughout the year produced by this crew and add The Clay Logan Open to your calendar for 2025.

The Clay Logan Open Complete List of Champions

Friday, Feb. 2

#15.5 - Kelby Frizzell and Braylon Tryan, $16,000
#14.5 - Levi Schmidt and Sawyer Barham, $22,750
#13.5 - Chase Skocdopole and Jabin Rice, $22,000
#12.5 Warm-Up - Ryne Hutton and Cross Ringelstein, $8,700

Saturday, Feb. 3

#12.5 21 and Up - Cole Eiguren and Birch Eiguren, $35,000
#11.5 - Cade Berger and Seth Morgan, $30,500
#10.5 - Lucas Dunn and Seth Morgan, $17,500

Sunday, Feb 4.

Pro-Am Heading - Lance Mudd and Billie Jack Saebens, $4,200
Pro-Am Heeling - Kaleb Driggers and Ethan Hulme, $3,200
Reliance Ranches Open - Erich Rogers and Brandon Gonzales, $42,000