Beau Peterson Making Breakaway History

Goodwell, Okla. — Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s very own Beau Peterson is a part of the first ever Breakaway Roping event at The American in Arlington, Texas, at the prestigious AT&T Center.

It was a tough process making it to this historical moment. Each roper had to qualify for the semi-finals through qualifiers all over the country. A total of 481 breakaway ropers qualified for the semi-finals that occurred in Fort-Worth, Texas. Each roper got to rope two calves in the semi-finals and the top 40 fastest ropers on two, headed to the performances. There were four performances with 10 girls in each one. The top 16 fastest ropers on one calf advanced to the first round of The American at the AT&T Center on Saturday, March 2nd. The top eight out of the 16 advanced onto the final step, The American. These eight girls competed for a chance to win $100,000.

Beau Peterson turned in two impressive times of 2.55 and 2.61 seconds in the semi finals giving her a cumulative time of 5.16 on two head placing her 21st out of the 481 qualifiers. Peterson had a hard running calf in the performance Wednesday and roped her calf in 3.57 seconds. This time qualified Peterson for the first round of The American. Beau Peterson made another excellent breakaway run in the first round on Sunday with a time of 2.84, but unfortunately was just out of the top four making it back to Sunday’s short round.

Peterson says, “It’s been such a fun week here and I’m so thankful and excited to be a part of this history making day for breakaway ropers!”

Anyone who has been in Peterson’s presence knows that she is a hard working young lady that deserves nothing but success. Way to keep the winning tradition alive Beau!

Congratulations also go out to alumni, Orin Larsen, for winning the Bareback Riding event. Larsen had an outstanding score of 91 points in the short round setting a new record at The American and walking away $100,000 richer. Many other Panhandle State alumni were present at this years American, including Joe Frost, Jake Watson, Cort Sheer, and Jake Finlay. Panhandle State is very proud to be a part in these amazing athletes’ journey to success!