George Strait announces dates for his Team Roping Classic

NASHVILLE, TN. (MCA Records) - The 2005 George Strait Team Roping Classic dates have been announced. Team ropers from across the country will convene at the Rose Palace in San Antonio, TX on March 11 and 12 for the largest open roping competition in the nation.

Originally conceived 23 years ago by George and his brother Buddy as a small competition for friends and family, the GSTRC has become the premiere open in the sport with hundreds of thousands of dollars up for grabs each year. 'In my opinion, this is the best roping in the world for the money and the prizes, said heeler Kinney Harrell at last year's event. 'If you win 'The Strait,' it can set you up for the rest of the year.'
'My goal is, and has always been, to make the GSTRC the best roping out there. I won't be satisfied until I know it is,' said George Strait.

Strait and his family have certainly achieved that goal. The GSTRC consistently attracts the biggest names in the sport each year including past GSTRC champions Jake Barnes, Speed Williams, Rich Skelton, Tyler Magnus, Allen Bach and Clay O'Brien Cooper among others.

The GSTRC is not just for the big names though. As an open roping, ropers of all levels may compete alongside each other for a chance at the big winnings. Last year 479 teams registered to vie for over $400,000 in cash and prizes.
'The most gratifying thing about putting on the GSTRC comes when we present the awards to the winners, said Strait. 'The looks on their faces, the excitement and their words of appreciation make all the hard work worth every minute.'
Details on how to register to compete and buy tickets are coming soon. Log onto www.gstrc.com for up to the minute information.