Turtle powell team roper biography of mahatma

Of all the headers in the world, only six ever won at least three of the Big Four jackpots (the Wildfire Open to the World, George Strait Team Roping Classic, US Open and BFI) during the 20-year span they all existed.

Speed Williams and Clay Tryan won all four.

Aaron Tsinigine and Turtle Powell notched three each.

Turtle Powell's Otoe - The Team Roping Journal

And Chad Masters, incidentally, won every roping but the BFI – six times. For Powell, who collected Strait and Feist wins in back-to-back years (2003-2004), it’s indescribable. 

“Face it, for most of us who enter, our living is made at rodeos,” said Turtle, now retired from pro rodeo. “To get that amount of money in one shot is one of the greatest feelings in the world.” 

He credits the mentorship of his BFI partner Monty Joe Petska with making the difference in his 2004 victory.

“His attitude was, ‘Hey, we’re not competing against these guys, we’re competing against the steer,’” recalls Turtle.

“’We’ll make th 21st Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic LIBE