Unusually cool temperatures and hectic hauling schedules couldn’t keep some of the roping world’s biggest names from competing in the 2010 Shawn McMullan Memorial Tie-down Roping and the Lady Wrangler Breakaway Roping in Stephenville on Feb. 20.

Sixty-two tie-down and 48 breakaway ropers braved the cold weather and gathered at the Lone Star Arena to take their shot at added money and prizes.

In the tie-down roping, Ace Sloan edged out Stephenville local Sterling Smith to win the average with a time of 29.1 seconds on three head. Sloan’s quick time roped checks worth $1,170 for his second-place finish in first round and $3,530 for the average. He also received a David Barnes saddle for winning the average.

Ashley Moreau won the average in breakaway roping with a total time of 7.8 seconds on three head. Her fast loops earned her a Lady Wrangler Red Bluff buckle and checks of $460 for first place in the short go and $1,390 for the average.

Finishing second in the breakaway average was Tibba Smith of Stephenville with a time of 8.3 seconds on three.

The roping is held annually to pay tribute to the memory of Shawn McMullan, a former Tarleton State University student and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. McMullan was killed in an auto accident in Oregon while traveling on the Pro-Rodeo Circuit.

“We are honored to offer this event to the roping community in tribute of Shawn’s memory,” said Mark Eakin, Tarleton’s head rodeo coach.

Shawn’s parents, Kenny and Glenda McMullan, spoke with 2010 ropers during a church service delivered by Dennis McKinley. The McMullans encouraged contestants to follow in their son’s footsteps and lead a life of integrity.

“It’s with the continual support of ongoing contributors and the many student and community volunteers that we are able to make this roping a success,” Eakin said. “I’d especially like to thank the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce, Cowboy Sports News, Cowboy Times, Capital Hatters of Stephenville, Equibrand and Wrangler for their monetary and product contributions to this year’s roping.”

Full Results: Tie-Down First Go – 1. Justin Brashear-8.3 ($1,570), 2. Ace Sloan-9.3 ($1,170), 3. Blair Burk-9.4 ($780), 4/5. George Rowland-9.8 ($200), 4/5. Jason Timberman-9.8, ($200) Second Go- 1. Clint Caprenter-8.3 ($1,570), 2. Tyler Fagerhaug-8.6 ($1,170), 3. Logan Hofer-8.8 ($780), 4. Tuff Cooper-8.9 ($400) Short Go- 1. Sterling Smith-7.5 ($980), 2/3Lance Millican-8.9 ($490), 2/3. Catfish Brown-8.9 ($490) Average- 1. Ace Sloan-29.1 ($3,530), 2. Sterling Smith-29.4 ($2,650), 3. Catfish Brown-30.3 ($1,860), 4. Lance Millican-30.8 ($1,170), 5. Josh Erickson-31.5 ($590)

Breakaway First Go –1. JJ Hampton-2.1 ($620), 2. Jennifer Lege-2.4 ($460), 3. Karen Little-2.5 ($310), 4. Brandy Sladen, Kayelen Helton, Erica Creswell, Hope Thompson-2.7 ($35) Second Go – 1/2. Chelsea Wells-2.2 ($540), 1/2. Lindsey Ewing-2.2 ($540), 3/4. Brandy Sladen-2.5 ($230), 3/4. Kaki Herring-2.5 ($230) Short Go- 1. Ashley Moreau-2.1 ($460), 2. Tibba Smith-2.8 ($310) Average- 1. Ashely Moreau-7.8 ($1,390), 2. Tibba Smith-8.3 ($1,040), 3. Jacquline Pannel-9.8 ($730), 4. Staci Sorenson-9.9 ($460), 5. Kirsten Stubbs-11.4 ($230)

Tie-Down Picture Caption- L-R: Glenda McMullan (Shawn’s mother), Ace Sloan (2010 Shawn McMullan Memorial Roping Champ), Casey Sisk (flagger), Mark Eakin (Tarleton Rodeo Coach), Kenny McMullan (Shawn’s father), Dennis McKinley (Western World Missions).