Is this an April Fool’s Joke? Not hardly. For the first time in history, the Bob Feist Invitational on April 1 will pay back 100 percent of the pot to ropers.

Over the 46 years of the world’s most prestigious and lucrative Open roping, it has traditionally paid back 97 percent, compared to the 80 percent typical of most jackpot team ropings.

“It was always our intent to pay back 100 percent,” said Daren Peterson of Ullman Peterson Events, whose BFI on April Fool’s Day will showcase the world’s 125 best teams over five full rounds and a finals. “The 97 percent we’ve paid for years has been unheard of, but Bob Feist wanted this roping to be for the ropers while giving fans an unbelievable show, and we’re continuing that.”

Last year, Jake Clay and Billie Jack Saebens bested 125 other teams from third-high callback to hit the $150,000 jackpot after roping six steers in 47.11 seconds.

This year, the Wrangler BFI will again be preceded by the annual Cowboy Auction and Dinner, this time at the Chicken Shack in Arcadia, Oklahoma, on Friday night, March 31. Doors open at 5 p.m. and a ticket to the BFI will get you in free.

And the BFI again anchors Wrangler BFI Week, which last year paid out $2,972,900 in cash and prizes. It kicks off this year on March 29 with the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl ropings, and of course the BFI on April 1. Throughout the seven days are also the Hooey Jr. BFI Championships and high-stakes 15.5, 12.5, 11.5 Buseinssman’s, and 10.5-Over-40 ropings. BFI Week concludes April 4 with the new 9.5-Over-40, 8.5 and 7 ropings.

Read More: BFI 46 Adds Ropings, Clinic, And After-Party

Tickets for the BFI can be purchased on site at the Lazy E Arena, by phone at 405-282-RIDE or online at www.ticketmaster.com. A special roper rate is available at the Hampton Inn and Suites of Guthrie, by calling (405) 293-9595. Entries for the BFI must be postmarked by March 1. Entries for all other ropings can be mailed by March 1 or taken on-site with a $100 per team late fee. Visit www.bfiweek.com for schedule details and entry forms.

In 2021 Kory Koontz became a member of an elite club-a club of 3 time Bob Feist Invitational winners. With wins in 2021, 1996 and 1995 Koontz officially ranked among other BFI Legends Rich Skelton and Clay Tryan, who have also won three titles each. This win also pushed Koontz to the top of BFI earning leaderboards, with over $240,000 won over the course of his career.

Koontz explained he couldn’t have reached these historic accolades on his own. He graciously accredits his many great partners and horses. Koontz reflected on his 2021 BFI win with Manny Egusquiza explaining, “The day just went our way. I couldn’t have been happier to win it with my partner and friend, Manny. He’s a great header and I was so excited for him to get the big win.” He explained that being able to return to the BFI and win another title years later was a truly special moment in his career.

The 22-time NFR qualifier also accredited his long-term success at the BFI to his strong string of equine partners. In 2021, he rode to success on “Remix”, a dun gelding whom he named after his past champion horses “Iceman” (who led Koontz to two BFI titles, multiple NFR qualifications, and Horse of the Year Titles), “Jackyl” and “Switchblade” in hopes this horse would be a remix and combination of the greats. Koontz joked he wasn’t much of a yearling and pretty broncy, but has worked out pretty well for himself and Travis Graves, who rode “Remix” at the 2022 NFR. Koontz explained how important horsepower is, especially at the BFI. “In 2021, we drew a few tough steers and Remix did a great job of giving me my shot and making sure we could get the job done.”

This spring, Koontz will return to the prestigious roping with header Peyton Walters in hopes of continuing his success at The Feist. Koontz described the BFI as the most prestigious open roping and an event that will forever have a large impact on his career. He further reflected on his career explaining, “It has been an honor to be grouped in with so many guys that I look up to. I will always cherish the prestige of The Fiest and the impact it has made on my life.”

 

Aggregate: 1. Josie Conner, 12.59 seconds on 3 head, $10,000; 2. Cassidy Kelly, 14.3 seconds on 3 head, $6,000; 3. Sarah Angelone, 14.42 seconds on 3 head, $4,500; 4. Shelby Whiting, 15.27 seconds on 3 head, $3,500; 5. Rylea Fabrizio, 15.92 seconds on 3 head, $2,500; 6. Amber Coleman, 16.13 seconds on 3 head, $2,000; 7. Darcy Good, 17.35 seconds on 3, $1,750; 8. Jenna Lee Adams, 18.29 seconds on 3, $1,500; 9. Bailey Gubert, 23.19 seconds on 3, $1,000

 

First Round: 1. Beau Peterson, 3.21 seconds, $1,000; 2. Tia Wallace, 3.42 seconds, $750; 3. Halle Tatham, 3.55 seconds, $500

 

Second Round: 1. Bailey Gubert, 3.23 seconds, $1,000; 2. Sammy Taylor, 3.57 seconds, $750; 3. Hali Williams, 4.25 seconds, $500

 

Short Round: 1. Sarah Angelone, 3.67 seconds, $750 

 

18 & Under Incentive: 1. Josie Connor, 8.85 seconds on 2 head, $1,000; 2. Caydence Crawford, 10.1 seconds on 2 head, $600; 3. Harley Meged, 18.27 seconds on 2 head, $400

Aggregate

1.     Hope Thompson and Whitney Desalvo, 30.78 seconds on four head, worth $20,000
2.     Rylea Rae Fabrizio and Debbie Fabrizio, 38.64 seconds on four head, worth $7,500
3.     Dana Markham and Courtney Crites, 39.84 seconds on four head, worth $5,000
4.     Kylee Herrin and Jessy Remsburg, 40.86 seconds on four head, worth $4,000
5.     Emily Gately and Rylie Smith, 41.94 seconds on four head, worth $3,500
6.     Kayelen Helton and Lorraine Moreno, 42.16 seconds on four head, worth $3,000
7.     Casey Warford and Kersti Passig, 43.27 seconds on four head, worth $2,500
8.     Deb Raulerson and Danielle Lowman, 43.55 seconds on four head, worth $1,750
9.     Utah Ward and Danielle Lowman, 44.34 seconds on four head, worth $1,250
10.   Kylee Herrin and Lorraine Moreno, 45.70 seconds on four head, worth $1,000

 

First Round:

1.     Lari Dee Guy and Annette Stahl, 6.89-second run, worth $1,000
2.     Alex Loiselle and Becky Cannizzaro, 7.16-second run, worth $800
3.     Lari Dee Guy and Whitney Desalvo, 7.68-second run, worth $400

 

Second Round:

1.     Morgan Sutrgeon and Whitney Desalvo, 6.03-second run, worth $1,000
2.     Sarah Angelone and Rylie Smith, 6.06-second run, worth $800
3.     Cadee Williams and Kim Grubbs, 6.11-second run, worth $400

 

Short Round:

1.     Kelsey Barry and Jessica Johnson, 8.48-second run, worth $1,000
2.     Utah Ward and Rylie Smith, 10.57-second run, worth $800

 

Incentive

1.     Kersti Passig and Lenay Willie, 27.42 seconds on three head, worth $7,500
2.     Utah Ward and Danielle Lowman, 28.88 seconds on three head, worth $3,500
3.     Deb Raulerson and Chelsey Bushnell, 28.92 seconds on three head, worth $2,500
4.     Carly Wettlaufer and Ruby Magnus, 34.12 seconds on three head, worth $1,500

 

Aggregate (on 4): 1. Manuel Rocha and Stephen Stewart, 34.53 seconds, $120,000; 2. Brian Jeffreys and Jason Jones, 35.43 seconds, $80,000; 3. Ferron Lucero and Perri Sanchez, 36.62 seconds, $60,000; 4. Sonny Anderson and Bubba Hartis, 37.51 seconds, $40,000; 5. Craig Moore and Dustin Payton, 37.84 seconds, $30,000; 6. Geg Graden and Guy Graden, 38.40 seconds, $20,000; 7. Nathan Coffelt and Chris Pomeroy, 38.52 seconds, $15,000; 8. Nicky Delgado and Kevin Parker, 38.68 seconds, $14,000; 9. Arnold Felts and Jahew Thorp, 39.45 seconds, $13,000; 10. Larry Rice and Alan Chappell, 39.63 seconds, $12,000; 11. Terry Butt and Cody Taton, 39.94 seconds, $11,000; 12. Bob Herrington and Scott Seiler, 40.35 seconds, $9,000; 14. Kenny Kuykendall and Scott Adrian, 41.56 seconds, $8,000; 15. Steve Hinson and Shane Holder, 43.57 seconds, $6,000; 16. Richard Nolen and Michael Raney, 43.71 seconds, $5,000

 

Incentive (on 3) : 1. Manual Rocha and Stephen Stewart, 24.98 seconds, $20,000; 2. Greg Graden and Guy W. Graden, 28.93 seconds, $12,000; 3. Xavier H. Villarreal and Hook Kindle, 30.64 seconds, $4,500; 4. Corey Sanchez and Trent W. Ward, 31.47 seconds, $8,000. 

 

First Round: 1. Corey Sanchez and Trent W. Ward, 6.15 seconds, $4,000; 2. Jeff Schieber and Hank Morgan, 7.12 seconds, $3,000; 3. Chick Wilfong and Cory Lloyd, 7.29 seconds, $2,500. 

 

Second Round: 1. Jack Foster and Clay Armstrong, 6.20 seconds, $4,000; 2. Xavier H. Villarreal and Benny Tamez, 6.76 seconds, $3,000; 3. (tie) Lonnie Cox and Travis Patterson, 6.86 seconds, $1,250; 3. (tie) B Rad Lands and Jon Cody Sanchez, 6.86 seconds. 

Short Round: 1. Kirby Hill and Tony Lang, 13.0 seconds, $4,000; 2. Brian S. Jeffreys and Jason Jones, 7.63 seconds, $3,000; 3 Terry Butt and Cody Taton, 8.03 seconds, $2,500.

Aggregate (on 4): 1. Rusty Goforth and Andy Anaya, 34.19 seconds, $140,000; 2. Jeff Schieber and Nathan Golay, 34.47 seconds, $90,000; 3. Samuel Livingston and Danny Zuniga, 34.76 seconds, $58,000; 4. LaRaye Stipes and David Walker, 36.75 seconds, $30,000; 5. Barry Berg and Dustin Noblitt, 36.76 seconds, $20,000; 6. Ernie Cordova and Chance Kiehne, 38.1 seconds, $15,000; 7. Joe Beaver and David Markham, 38.88 seconds, $12,000; 8. Ricky Schultz and Jesse DeBord, 38.39 seconds, $10,000; 9. Mike Row and Steve Harrison, 38.41 seconds, $9,000; 10. Mark Calagna and Justin Saulters, 38.63 seconds, $8,500; 11. Chick Wilfong and Billy Simmons, 39.07 seconds, $8,500; 12. Justin Turner and Seth Schafer, 39.79 seconds, $8,000; 13. Anna Gregory and John Gregory, 40.14 seconds, $8,000. 

 

Consolation Average (on 3): 1. Mel Smith and Larry Cox, 21.64 seconds, $7,500; 2. Ricky Bolin and Brock Middleton, 23.47 seconds, $6,000; 3. Beverly Robbins and Guy W. Graden, 23.59 seconds, $4,000; 4. Tish Luke and Harrison Teixeira, 23.82 seconds, $3,000; 5. Xavier H. Villarreal and Jesse Beam, 24.99 seconds, $2,000.

 

First Round: 1. Kyndall K Bates and Dustin Darling, 6.18 seconds, $5,000; 2. Cody Stutenkemper and Chris Pomeroy, 7.02 seconds, $3,500; 3. Shane Dockrey and Daniel Chartney, 7.32 seconds, $1,500

 

Second Round: 1. Rusty Carter and Ryan Victory, 6.12 seconds, $5,000; 2. Matt Raulston and Bradley Ball, 6.29 seconds, $3,500; 3. Gaylon Robinson and Scott Morlan, 6.48 seconds, $1,500

 

Third Round: 1. Joe Rios and Bobby Simmons, 6.35 seconds, $5,000; 2. Ryan T. Benton and Shaun Berry, 6.41 seconds, $3,500; 3. Mike Woolven and Dennis Moore, 6.43 seconds, $1,500.

 

Short Round: 1.Herman Wheaton and David Miller, 8.14 seconds, $5,000; 2. Cameron Southard and Tooter Silver, 11.57 seconds, $3,500; 3. Brandon Foster and Gary Hughes, 13.71 seconds, $1,500

Aggregate: 1. Chick Wilfong and Todd Thompson, 32.58 seconds on four, $180,000; 2. Tim Robinson and Jerry Skaggs, 32.90 seconds on four, $120,000; 3. John J Thompson and Levi Pettigrew, 33.22 seconds on four, $80,000; 4. Wyatt Rita and Chaz Rita, 33.77 seconds on four, $60,000; 5. Granger Insco and Chad E Martin, 33.79 seconds on four, $40,000; 6. Denver Collins and Steve Mauldin, 34.25 seconds on four, $30,000; 7. Mel Smith and Tee Woolman, 34.61 seconds on four, $20,000; 8. Matthew Barnes and Jabin Rice, 34.91 seconds on four, $18,000; 9. Emily Gately and Zack Woods, 34.94 seconds on four, $16,000; 10. Chance Hanna and Brent Mays, 35.06 seconds on four, $15,000; 11. Hunter Stanley and Darrell Tatum, 35.10 seconds on four, $13,000; 12. Mickey Miller and Danny Teel, 35.50 seconds on four, $11,000; 13. Matthew Barnes and Jeff Hilton, 35.69 seconds on four, $10,000; 14. Luke Dufrene and Guy Norris, 35.86 seconds on four, $9,000; 15. Sage Lamunyon and Mitch Murray, 36.66 seconds on four, $8,000; 16. Nathan Poss and Jon Pudwill, 39.28 seconds on four, $7,000; 17. Mike Row and David Miller, 39.29 seconds on four, $6,000; 18. Brother Campbell and Derrick Davis, 39.71 seconds on four, $6,000; 19. Heithe Williams and Taylor Biggs, 40.63 seconds on four, $5,000; 20. Darin Simpson and Rodney Wilcox, 40.88 seconds on four, $5,000

 

First Round: 1. David Berry and Adam Hubler, 6.22 seconds, $5,000; 2. Joshua Bray and Gary Hughes, 6.78 seconds, $4,000; 3. Ricky Mellman and Trent W Ward, 6.80 seconds, $3,000

 

Second Round: 1. Clint Peverley and Clinton I Jackson, 6.30 seconds, $5,000; 2. Jim Matlack and Jay Ellerman, 6.40 seconds, $4,000; 3. Donald Wilson and Nick Deleon, 6.44 seconds, $3,000

Short Round: 1. Hunter Stanley and Darrell Tatum, 7.26 seconds, $4,000; 2. Emily Gately and Zack Woods, 7.37 seconds, $2,500; 3. Mickey Miller and Danny Teel, 7.37 seconds, $2,500

Aggregate: 1. Jake Cooper Clay and Billie Jack Saebens, 47.11 seconds on six, $150,000; 2. James Arviso and Josh Patton, 47.21 seconds on six, $100,000; 3. Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler, 47.35 seconds on six, $70,000; 4. Chad Masters and Cory Petska, 47.92 on six, $50,000; 5. Bubba Buckaloo and Joseph Harrison, 48.33 seconds on six, $30,000; 6. Blake Hughes and Brady Norman, 48.54 seconds on six, $20,000; 7. Wyatt Bray and Cutter Thomison, 48.83 on six, $15,000; 8. Kaden Richard and Brady Ramone, 49.23 seconds on six, $12,000; 9. Dawson Graham and Dillon Graham, 49.24 seconds on six, $10,000; 10. Dustin Egusquiza and Travis Graves, 38.92 seconds on five, $9,000; 11. Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins, 39.37 seconds on five, $8,000; 12. Brenten Hall and Chase Tryan, 39.68 seconds on five, $7,500; 13. JC Yeahquo and LJ Yeahquo, 40.56 seconds on five, $6,500; 14. Clay Tryan and Jake Long, 40.82 seconds on five, $6,500; 15. Casey Hicks and Steve Orth, 41.13 seconds on five, $6,500

 

First Round: 1. Erich Rogers and Paden Bray, 6.92 seconds, $8,000; 2. Riley Minor and Brady Minor, 6.99 seconds, $6,000; 3. Keven Daniel and Adam Plyler, 7.55 seconds, $4,000; 4. Jake Cooper Clay and Billie Jack Saebens, 7.56 seconds, $2,000. 

 

Second Round: 1. Clay Smith and Jade Corkill, 6.45 seconds, $8,000; 2. Tanner Tomlinson and Patrick Smith, 6.74 seconds, $6,000; 3. Brenten Hall and Chase Tryan, 7.03 seconds, $4,000; 4. Hayes Smith and Cullen Teller, 7.06 seconds, $2,000. 

 

Third Round: 1. Aaron Tsinigine and Landen Glenn, 5.47 seconds, $8,000; 2. Clay Smith and Jade Corkill, 5.79 seconds, $6,000; 3. Dustin Egusquiza and Travis Graves, 5.97 seconds, $4,000; 4. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, 6.39 seconds, $2,000. 

 

Fourth Round: 1. Britt Smith and Jake SMith, 5.58 seconds, $8,000; 2. Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins, 5.59 seconds, $6,000; 3. Clint Summers and Ross Ashford, 5.66 seconds, $4,000; 4. Kolton Schmidt and Wyatt Cox, 5.73 seconds, $2,000

 

Fifth Round: 1. Chad Masters and Cory Petska, 5.68 seconds, $8,000; 2. (tie) Braden Pirrung and Lane Siggins, 5.70 seconds, $5,000; 2. (tie) Marcus Theriot and Jim Ross Cooper, 5.70 seconds, $5,000; 3. JC Yeahquo and LJ Yeahquo, 5.89 seconds, $2,000.

 

Short Round: 1. Bubba Buckaloo and Joseph Harrison, 6.95 seconds, $4,000; 2. James Arviso and Josh Patton, 7.32 seconds, $3,000; 3. Dawson Graham and Dillon Graham, 7.54 seconds, $2,000; 4. Kaden Richard and Brady Ramone, 7.71 seconds, $1,000

Aggregate: 1. Spencer Mitchell and Trigger Hargrove, 31.22 seconds, $40,000; 2. Trevor Kirchenschlager and Spencer Mitchell, 31.46 seconds, $26,000; 3. Casey Hicks and Trigger Hargrove, 32.43 seconds, $20,000; 4. Justin Parrish and Kyle R Crick, 33.22 seconds, $15,000; 5. Casey Hicks and Shawn Trimble, 33.37 seconds, $12,000; 6. Brandon Farris and Tyler Coleman, 33.96 seconds, $11,000; 7. Cutter Cain and Blayne Horne, 34.14 seconds, $8,000; 8. Cason Richey and Justin Lynn Copp, 34.27 seconds, $8,000.

First Round: 1. Spencer Mitchell and Trigger Hargrove, 7.01 seconds, $4,500; 2. Eli Green and Daniel Reed, 7.12 seconds, $3,000; 3. Gary Hill and Jessen James, 7.41 seconds, $1,500. 

Short Round: 1. Bobby Mote and Derrick Jantzen, 6.7 seconds, $4,500; 2. Anthony Lucia, 6.71 seconds, $3,000; 3. Brandon Farris and Derrick Jantzen, 6.77, $1,500. 

Aggregate: 1. James Arviso and Landen Glenn, 32.93 seconds on four head, $25,000; 2. Jace Thorstenson and Denton Dunning, 35.75 on four head, $17,000; 3. Mason Appleton and JR Gonzalez, 35.93 on four head, $12,500; 4. Cole Smith and Michael Eugenio Calmelat, 36.6 on four head, $9,000; 5. Kyler Beshirs and Belden Cox, 41.34 on four head, $7,500; 6. Cutter Cain and Trey Moore, 41.34 on four head, $5,000; 7. Shye Pate and Catcher Gasperson, 43.53 on four head, $4,000; 8. Eli Green and Chase Helton, 45.13 on four head, $3,000

First Round: 1. Zane Collins and Chase McGuire, 6.68 seconds, $2,400; 2. Mason Appleton and Landen Glenn, 7.11 seconds, $600; 2. Brayden Schmidt and Logan Cullen, 7.11 seconds, $600

Second Round: 1. Cole Smith and Michael Eugenio Calmelat, 6.42 seconds, $2,400; 2. Jake Jet Toberer and Cashton Weidenbener, 6.77 seconds, $1,200

Third Round: 1. Cole Smith and Denton Dunning, 6.44 seconds, $2,400; 2. Raesh Casebolt and Nicky Northcott, 6.47 seconds, $1,200

Short Round: Daxtyn Feild and Howdy Jackson, 9.08 seconds, $2,400