All-Around contender is a rodeo newcomer

Weatherford College rodeo competitor Lane Webb is a man who lives by a simple philosophy. He knows what he likes and doesn't spend too much time examining why. 

Take roping, for example, his favorite thing to do in the rodeo arena. He started young, loved it right away, and figured it's something he'd simply keep on doing. 

"I started roping when I was 10. I just always loved everything about it and that's what I wanted to do," he said. "I've been roping for a long time I don't really know what brought me to it but I've just always loved it. 

And suffice to say he's doing it quite well. With the season almost at its midpoint, the WC sophomore is in the running for the title of All-Around Cowboy in the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. 

"Being second in the all-around is pretty cool. It would be cool to be able to win that," Webb said. 

As of this writing, Webb was only 80 points behind Brey Smith of South Plains College in the all-around standings. But that's not the only title he has a chance to win. 

Webb is tied for first place with Chisum Allen of Sul Ross State University in tie-down roping and is fourth in team roping-header. 

"My favorite event is the calf roping. I like the team roping too, but I've always wanted to rope calves," he said. 

Webb, who is from Byrdstown, Tennessee, doesn't come from a rodeo family. His family does, however, train Tennessee walking horses. 

"I've always been around horses, but not rodeo," he said. "But as soon as I wanted to, my mom jumped on it and started taking us." 

He proved worthy of her support. On the high school circuit in Tennessee, he was quite successful. In fact, it was while competing there he got a glimpse of his future. 

"I had a pretty good high school career. We were always going places and we came out to Texas quite often," he said. 

So, when it came time to choose a college for which to compete, he didn't hesitate in knowing where he wanted to go. 

"I wanted to come to Weatherford because of Coach Johnny Emmons, and the location it seemed like the right choice," Webb said. 

Texas, especially the Fort Worth and North Texas area, are legendary rodeo hotbeds. Webb wanted to be a part of that, and now he is. 

He's even competed some professionally. Unlike other college sports, rodeo athletes can do so. 

"I've gone to a few circuit rodeos and just eased around a little. Hopefully, we will be able to make the circuit finals this year," he said.