Marvin Mills wins third World Championship calf roping title

Three-time World Champion calf roper Marvin Mills, with his granddaughters Madison and Makenzie Wright and his sixyear old bay gelding, Copper. The 2009 World Championship Calf Roping Competition, sanctioned by the United States Calf Roping Association (USCRA) was held in Stephenville, Texas September 16th through September 20th. When the dust settled on Sunday afternoon, it was like “deja vu all over again” for long time Leon County resident Marvin Mills. Mills, who lives near Corinth between Buffalo and Centerville, is the official World Champion Calf Roper for the third time in his storied career.

Mills was 65 years young when he first won the title in 2003 and he won the world champion title again in 2005. A severe injury kept him out of the competition last year but you can’t keep a born calf roper off his horse for long. Mills, now 71 years old, made his comeback this year and he was both up to form and up to the task.

The calf roping semi fi- nals in Stephenville began with ninety of the best calf ropers from around the world, many of whom were in their twenties. The next round was between the top forty, then the top twenty and finally, on Sunday, ten finalists were vying for the World title. When Mills’ draw came, the time to beat was 12.0 seconds. Being the champion that he is, Mills mounted his six-yearold quarter horse, Copper, a bay gelding and met the challenge, completing his last and most important performance of the day in 11.1 seconds. Throughout the competition, Mills roped 21 calves without breaking a barrier and never missed roping his calf.

Marvin Mills began roping for fun as a youngster. Now his two sons, Eddie and Dennis and three grandsons share his enthusiasm for the sport and supported him throughout the competition. Mr. Mills is an inspiration not only to his sons and grandsons, but also to this 68- yearold writer and, I‘m sure, to many others.
Photos by Mac Shadix