Stefan Ramone is the youngest of five children, growing up in Lehi, Utah, roping and riding from the time they could walk. Stefan’s mom, Patricia, says Stefan actually started swinging a rope before he could walk.
“As young kids we used to rope at the National Dummy Roping in Las Vegas each December,” says Stefan. “We would practice all year for it. My sister, Tashina, won it when she was about eight.”
Stefan and older brother, Brady, roped as a team as youngsters. They practiced every day using both a donkey and a lead steer for practice. Stefan credits his parents for pushing him to achieve his goals. Stefan’s father, Benson, is a horse trainer and farrier. His mom, Patricia, is a behavioral specialist at a children’s hospital.
“Stefan just doesn’t give up and has always had a lot of determination,” says Patricia. “He’s very easy going and doesn’t let things get to him. He’s able to shake it off and go to the next one. That has helped him in both roping and baseball.”
Stefan, a junior in high school, was recently crowned the Utah High School Rodeo Association Champion Heeler. He and his partner, Louie Ivie, plan to attend college in Texas after graduation.
In addition to roping, Stefan is an avid baseball player and has played varsity baseball since he was a freshman. He pitches and plays shortstop. Half Native American, Stefan is proud of his heritage and wears his hair in a long braid.
“I’m very thankful to have such a close family,” says Stefan. “My parents are always there to support us and help us achieve our goals.”
COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
Every day.
Do you make your own horses?
Yes.
Who were your roping (rodeo) heroes?
Speed Williams, Rich Skelton
Who do you respect most in the world?
My mom and dad.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My dad.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Go fishing.
Favorite movie?
Driven
What’s the last thing you read?
American Sniper
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Hard working, dedicated, motivated.
What makes you happy?
Roping, playing baseball and being with my family.
What makes you angry?
When my family gets beat roping.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
I’d pay our place off.
What is your worst quality
– your best?
My worst is I get distracted easily. Best quality is being easy going.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
On a ranch in New Mexico.
