While Beau Cooper and Tuf Cooper share the same last name and excel in tie-down roping, the question arises as to whether the athletes are related.
Beau and Tuf are competing in the 2023 NFR among other ropers for the coveted average title.
Family legacies often play a significant role in the world of rodeo. And the surname “Cooper” is often associated with rodeo greatness.
Among the prominent figures carrying this name are Tuf Cooper, an accomplished tie-down roper, and Beau Cooper, a rising star.
Let’s explore each athlete’s family ties and find any possible relationship that binds these two rodeo personalities.
Meet Tuf Cooper
Tuf Cooper is a name synonymous with rodeo excellence. A native of Decatur, Texas, Tuf hails from a family deeply rooted in rodeo traditions.
A 15-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, Tuf has not only carried on the Cooper legacy but has also carved out a name for himself.
Similarly, he is one of his generation’s most successful and dynamic rodeo athletes. In 2013, he became the youngest cowboy millionaire in professional rodeo history.
Also, Tuf’s journey to rodeo stardom began at an early age. He was the Texas high school team roping champion for 2007-08 and the tie-down roping champion in 2006.
His prowess extended to the International Youth Finals Rodeo, where he claimed the all-around and tie-down roping championships in 2006.
Tuf has already secured three gold buckles as the World Champion Tie-Down Roper, with victories in 2011-12 and ’14.
Additionally, Tuf’s achievements reached a pinnacle in 2017 when he won the prestigious World Champion All-Around Cowboy title.
Meet Beau Cooper
Beau Cooper, like Tuf, is a skilled tie-down roper whose performances have garnered attention in the rodeo community.
Although not as widely recognized as Tuf, Beau’s potential and dedication to the sport suggest a promising future.
Hailing from Settler, Alberta, Beau qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo in 2023.
He also claimed the 2021 Rookie of the Year Title and continued his success since the start of his professional career.
Beau’s breakout moment came at the 2023 Calgary Stampede, where he delivered a stellar performance. He stood on the podium with a $50,000 check and a championship bronze.
The roper further showcased his talent at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer. He was amongst the favorites to win the Canadian title in only his second appearance.
Beau’s notable career victories include the Bruce Stampede, Medicine Hat Stampede, and Pile ‘O Bones Rodeo.
Currently standing at 14th place in World Tie-down Roping, Beau Cooper is undoubtedly making a mark in the rodeo arena.
Are Beau Cooper And Tuf Cooper Related?
No verified information indicates a direct relation between Beau Cooper and Tuf Cooper despite sharing the same last name and excelling in rodeo.
Although the rodeo community often sees family connections, the absence of concrete evidence suggests that their shared surname might be coincidental.
It’s essential to note that “Cooper” is a common last name within the rodeo industry. Thus, it is presumptuous to establish familial ties solely based on the name.
Family Tree
Tuf Cooper’s rodeo lineage is deeply embedded in greatness. He was born to ProRodeo Hall of Famer Roy “Super Looper” Cooper and Shari Smith Cooper.
Cooper and his brothers, Clif and Clint, have made history as the only three tie-down roping brothers to simultaneously compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Tuf’s sister, Shada, and brother-in-law, Trevor Brazile, also have notable rodeo careers. Evidently, Trevor is the winningest rodeo cowboy of all time.
In addition, Tuf’s uncle, Stran Smith, is a World Champion Tie-Down Roper.
On the other hand, Beau Cooper was born to Jim and Patty Cooper in Alberta, Canada, with an older sister named Brooke.
Beau is also cousins with World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Zeke Thurston, indicating that rodeo excellence runs in his family.
