About 200 people watched 36 modern-day cowboys in pursuit of cattle and prizes on Saturday for UF's third-annual Ropin' in the Swamp competition.
The event, hosted at UF's livestock pavilion, is held once a year by a UF animal science class to give students management experience.
Teams of two, donning cowboy hats and plaid shirts, took turns working together on horse to catch a steer. The "header" had to rope it by the head, neck or horns, and a "heeler" had to rope its legs.
Lori Warren, instructor for the class that hosts the event, said she was impressed with the turnout, which she said has grown since the competition began three years ago. Most of the competitors were professionals or had extensive cattle-roping experience, Warren said.
Bryan Rice, one of the two winners, said he and his wife, Holley, have been cattle-roping as a hobby for about 20 years.
He and Holley own a ranch in Fort McCoy, a town south of Gainesville in Marion County. Rice took home a cash prize, a bag full of gifts and a belt buckle.
"Everyone dreams of being a winner," he said. "It's sure nice to be one."
The other winner, 16-year-old Clint Summers, left for a rodeo immediately after the competition and could not be reached for comment. Summers won tickets to UF's Homecoming football game next season.
About 50 businesses donated nearly $3,700 in prize money. A portion of the $2,800 in roper entry fees also went to the winners. The rest will be used to improve next year's event - another chance at glory for participants who didn't place this year, including 65-year-old Joe Lander.
Lander, who graduated from UF in 1970 with a mechanical engineering degree, said he took up cattle-roping five years ago. He said with a laugh that he was probably the oldest participant in the competition.
"If the good Lord's willing, I'll be back here next year," he said.
