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Linsay Rosser-Sumpter has been the Head Rodeo Coach at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colo., since 2009. She and her husband, Wade, a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in the steer wrestling, live 30 miles away in Fowler, where they also farm and ranch. Rosser-
Sumpter grew up riding and roping in California. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she competed in all four women’s rodeo events. After her own college rodeo career she began searching for places women could team rope competitively, one of the best she found was the Wildfire Ladies Championship Roping, which she has attended since 2010.
What makes the Wildfire Ranch Arena one of the best in the country for team roping?
The facility is first class, the cattle are always fantastic and the ropings pay great. The Ladies Open to the World is one of the best ropings that female ropers can go to all year. There is always so much support and excitement, and a packed house for the short round, which we don’t always see.
In your experience, how does the Wildfire Cowgirls’ Only event compare to similar allgirl team roping events?
It is by far one of the best ropings I have been to in my career. They really take pride in the facility and their ground, so I never worry about my horse while I am at the Wildfire Arena. The staff is all top-notch, and make the experience one of a kind.
What do events like this mean for the sport of women’s team roping?
In my opinion women’s roping is one of the slowest growing events in the sport of rodeo. It’s so nice to see people willing to produce great events like The Wildfire. As women ropers we are always so grateful to the producers for allowing us to showcase our abilities. Very few places in the country put the money up to allow women ropers to win thousands of dollars. So events like the Wildfire are instrumental.
What do you think about family-friendly associations, like the NTR, producing events at the Wildfire?
As a mother, I think it is great for the sport. My 2-yearold already loves swinging a rope, so it won’t be too long before we start looking for ropings that we can go to as a family. I would love to take him to an event at a facility as awesome as the Wildfire.
