story by Lindsay King
The ACRA is the perfect association for Paul and Jimme Beth Hefner of Bixby, Oklahoma. “In 2007, the ACRA decided to give breakaway roping a trial run. This event has come so far in the past 11 years. I never dreamed that girls would have so many options to go breakaway rope, but now we do,” said Jimme Beth. Both Paul and Jimme Beth’s families are the reason they initially got into and continue to rodeo today. “When I was kid my dad Bobby and Uncle Bucky taught me everything I know about roping. My dad has always built up my confidence, even today. He brags on me even when I miss. And my uncle teaches me something new every time I rope with him. Now Jimme Beth’s dad helps me quite a bit, he has taught me not to beat up on myself too much, just do the best you can on what you got,” Paul said.
Though Jimme Beth is the breakaway roper and Paul team ropes, he is often found pushing breakaway calves more often than he is roping. “I hate to admit this, but I think breakaway roping is my favorite event to watch. It is a fast event and fun to watch. The cool part is that the girls support each other so much no matter what. But team roping is the sport I am passionate about. All these young kids keep making it faster and changing the style of roping, I love that,” Paul added.
When Jimme Beth was young, her mom put her own rodeo career on the back burner to take her to junior rodeos, leading her to where she is today. “She has always been my number one fan. My dad was always tough on me, which I believe is why I am the competitor that I am today. I used to think he was too tough, but now I see the impact he has had on my roping,” Jimme Beth said. For the past 17 years, her husband has been her biggest supporter. “I have hit several slumps where I wanted to quit completely, and he would not let me,” she added.
During the week, Paul is a foreman for KD Construction, keeping him away from home most of the week, while teaching is a family thing for Jimme Beth. She is a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Bixby Elementary School, the same place her dad was a PE teacher for 35 years and her brother John teaches kindergarten. “Since Paul works out of town, it is great to be able to compete with him in the ACRA. And I know I always have my number one pusher with me. ACRA events are never very far from home and they are very much a family event. My dad was an ACRA calf roping champion several times over and my mom qualified several times in the barrel racing,” Jimme Beth said. She has followed in her parents’ footsteps as the year end breakaway champion in 2007, 2010 and 2016, with several horse of the year awards as well. She thanks 19-year-old Cooty, CC Peppy Man, for her success. “My dad and husband always preach that a person should not beat themselves up, to just go make your run and see what happens. I try to stick to this game plan,” she finished.
Paul’s favorite day outside the arena was when he married his best friend and love of his life, Jimme Beth. “My favorite moment inside the arena was when the ACRA added breakaway roping. From the calf chute, I got to watch my best friend win the year end and average in 2007. In 2010 when she won it again, we got to take a picture with our niece and her saddle, that was a really special moment for me as well. One of the neat things about rodeo is Jimme Beth and I have collected more than our fair share of kids over the years. Every summer it seems like we end up with a whole new set,” Paul finished.
