Cowboy used to pressure

Shawn Hagler is used to performing under the bright lights.

He knows what it takes to be a part of a team working toward one common goal.

When Hagler took his seat on his horse aside teammate Adam Worthen for the team roping event at the Greeley Independence Stampede at Island Grove Regional Park on Wednesday, he competed in a event that has some obvious differences from the high-stakes game in played in 10 years ago, but isn't completely dissimilar.

Hagler and Worthen placed fourth Wednesday with a time of 7.1 seconds.

A decade ago, Hagler took top honors while playing defensive tackle for the University of Northern Colorado's Division II National Championship Football team in 1997.

By nature, the sports of football and roping share more differences than similarities, but Hagler said when he throws on his cowboy hat prior to a rodeo, he experiences many of the same emotions as when he would pull on his helmet prior to a football game.

With both sports, Hagler said getting into the right mental state of mind is just as important, if not more so, than anything he could do to prepare himself physically.

"I prepare all week to get ready mentally," said Hagler, a 30-year-old car auctioneer from Platteville.

Another similarity between football and team roping is the trust and faith every member of the team must have for each other.

In football, Hagler relied on the 10 other guys he shared the field with. He team roping, he relies on just one.

That's where Worthen comes in.

Worthen and Hagler have been friends for 20 years but just starting teaming together recently.

Like with football, Hagler said team chemistry is crucial in team roping; fortunately for Hagler and Worthen, the longtime friends have no lack of chemistry and cohesion.

"We've known each other since we were little kids," Hagler said of Worthen, 32, who hauls hay and trains horses in Black Forest. "Having that friendship is important."

Another key factor in both football games and rodeo competitions: Location.

Worthen and Hagler have competed at the Stampede for years and both say they enjoy competing at the annual Greeley rodeo.

"I love it, I think it's a great rodeo," Worthen said.

As in football, it's much easier competing in front of a venue full of fans than a stadium packed with adversaries.

Hagler said when he competes in the Stampede at Island Grove, he's reminded of his days playing with a home-field advantage of Nottingham Field.

"It's my home-town rodeo," he said. "It's nice to be out there in front of family and friends."

Greeley Independence Stampede

Pro Rodeo

Wednesday

Top 3

Bareback Bronc Riding -- 1. Monte Downare 79, 2. Micky Downare 78, 3. Mac Erickson; Steer Wrestling -- 1. Clint Knutson 5.6, 2. Clay Dahl 6.4, 3. Kyle Callaway & Dennis Hepp 8; Saddle Bronc Riding -- 1. Rusty Allen 80, 2. Wes Bailey 79, 3. Levi Berry 76; Tie Down Roping -- 1. Arlie Hulm 10.7, 2. Zane Marty 11.9, 3. Chad Ostenson 12.2; Team Roping -- 1. Jake Barnes/Clay Cooper 5, 2. David Key/Kory Koontz 6.2, 3. Garrett Tonozzi/Kyle Crick 6.4; Barrel Racing -- 1. Jill Moody 17.45, 2. Stephanie Kryar 17.49, 3. Kali Parker 17.89; Bull Riding -- 1. Josh Berburg, 2. Clint Craig 80, 3. Beau Schroeder 77