For 14-year-old Stockton Cribbs of Billings, Missouri, roping isn’t just a sport—it’s his everyday life.
With rankings placing him third on the Division Youth Heeling Leaderboard and sixth in Tie-Down, Stockton is proving that consistency, dedication, and a whole lot of nightly practice can add up to big-time results.
“It feels great. It’s exciting,” he said when asked how it feels to sit among the top youth ropers in the country.
Stockton’s schedule is relentless. He ropes every night—dummies, live cattle, horseback—and switches between team roping and calf roping depending on the night. It’s a routine that reflects the discipline behind his success.
His dad, Hooter Cribbs, says the focus has always been on two things: practice and horsemanship.
“It’s just the lifestyle we live,” Hooter said. “It’s good to see our son succeed where we couldn’t. The availability wasn’t there when we were that age.”
While Hooter’s proud of the progress, he’s also honest about the constant pace.
“We’re saddling horses right now, headed to a rope,” Hooter said. “It never stops, it seems like.”
Stockton’s been around the sport of rodeo his entire life.
“That’s all I know is to rope,” Stockton said.
Both of his parents rope, and they previously produced ropings of their own. Inspired by that environment, Stockton’s even started his own goat roping production.
“I’m just getting started and trying to grow it,” Stockton said.
It’s a passion project with purpose—he’s hoping it helps fund his rodeo expenses.
His nominations for WCRA Division Youth points have come primarily from Bronc Evans‘ ropings and National Little Britches Rodeos. But he’s also competing in junior rodeos across the Missouri Junior Rodeo Circuit and the Missouri Family Rodeo Association. While he isn’t quite sure what all his mom, Lacie, nominates, he’s showing up and making it count.
Last year marked Stockton’s first appearance at the World Championship Junior Rodeo. He made it back to the short round, which he called his favorite moment of the event.
“Just seeing all my hard work improve was cool,” Stockton said. “It was awesome. The event was awesome.”
Now, with a strong shot of returning to the Lazy E Arena this summer in two different events, he’s keeping his preparation simple and steady.
“I plan on practicing just like I am now,” Stockton said. “I’m just going to keep practicing every night to prepare.”
He’s teamed up with ropers like Jaden Bartosh, Colton Charleston, Wyatt Walker and Bronc Evans to earn points, and while he enjoys both events, team roping has his heart.
With the WCJR getting closer, Stockton is staying focused, doing what he’s always done: roping and getting ready for the next opportunity. And judging by his current position in the standings, it’s working.
