11/01/2026
This week’s article
With baited breath, we waited…..
The storyline has been built for months, two of the all-time greats were gonna go at it again. Millions or at minimum hundreds of thousands of fans across the United States, Canada, Brazil Australia, and I don’t even know the other countries where they have Cowboys, waited for this day to come.
The press leading up to the event was like the Super Bowl, newspapers, magazines, TV, social media all hot for the latest scoop. Finally the day arrived October 25, 2026 the legends match. Cody Ohl 53 years old bad knees versus Fred Whitfield 59 years old and plagued by neck injuries. A ten calf match roping between two of the greatest to ever step inside the rodeo arena.
In the months leading up to the event both men shared their workout routines and preparations on social media. Both men live in Texas, they got up in the middle of the night for ninety days straight to avoid the Texas heat. They practiced, prepared and fine tuned their game plan for the big match.
The event took place in Uvalde, Texas in front of a sold out stadium with standing room only. The Fire Marshall would have had to turn a blind eye because the venue was overpacked. It was standing room only, pure pandemonium and chaos.
As the roping began some trash talking ensued between the two legends. It was reminiscent of Ali and Frazier boxing matches from years ago. “Rumble, young man, rumble or maybe “they going to get it on, because they can’t get along.” I could almost hear Howard Cosell’s voice calling the match.
The first half of the match it was all Fred Whitfield. He had a commanding lead after five calves were roped. The match was halted after five calves so the last round of the open roping could be completed. It also gave the two legends a chance to catch their breath and plan for the next five rounds.
The seventh calf Fred Whitfield missed and had to use his second loop. Then the nefarious ninth round jinx happened. For years at the National Finals Rodeo the ninth round has cost someone a World Championship. It doesn’t matter which event, the ninth round is known as the dream killing round. On his ninth calf, Fred Whitfield missed again. This pretty much guaranteed Cody Ohl the victory. In Cody Ohl style, he made a commanding run on his last calf.
The promoter of the event announced the prize money would be doubled for the next year, and once again it will be a Fred Whitfield and Cody Ohl rematch.
On one hand I was on the edge of my seat the entire match. On the other hand Father Time is undefeated. It was painfully obvious to watch two of the all time great performers struggle.
Their prime may be behind them, but their place in history is secure. Over the years applause may grow quieter, and the victories may become fewer, but greatness doesn't disappear when the spotlight fades. To Fred and Cody I say, thanks for all the memories, and thanks for a day full of reminiscing my youth.
James Lockhart lives near the Kiamichi mountains in southeast Oklahoma. He writes cowboy stories and fools with cows and horses.
