09/11/2026
🖤 WHO IS ZACH? — STORIES OF JOSH 🖤
As we keep this page going after the roping, we want to share more than results and event updates. We want to share the people, stories, and memories that help tell you who Josh really was.
So, who is Zach Herrin?
Zach met Josh back in junior high at a Coors roping at the West Texas Horse Center in Odessa. A mutual friend introduced them and told them they should rope together. According to Zach, Josh roped way better than he did 😂 — but Josh took a chance, heeled for him, and they did pretty good.
That started a friendship built around a whole lot of roping, horses, cattle, and miles.
As they got into high school rodeo, they became even closer. Zach was just getting into that scene, while Josh seemed to know everybody. Josh took Zach under his wing and helped bring him out of his shell.
After Zach tried for years to get Josh to rope with him at the Region 2 High School Rodeos, Josh finally agreed their senior year in 2008–2009.
And they practiced. A LOT.
Zach would go to Midland to rope with Josh while he worked for Shot Branham, and they spent countless hours roping at Noel Olivas’ house.
110 degrees? They roped.
25 degrees? They roped.
If Josh wanted to practice, they practiced. 🤠
They made the State Finals together that year. After graduation, Zach headed to Sam Houston State University and Josh stayed in Midland, but every time Zach came home, they found a way to rope.
Josh also became part of Zach’s family. He helped them work cattle every spring and fall and helped Zach’s brother, Zane, tremendously with his roping — even helping him get what Zach calls “the best horse he will ever have.”
Then came the summer of 2011.
Josh and Zach traveled to amateur rodeos together and placed almost everywhere they went.
“Talk about two kids living the dream!”
Zach says he’ll forever be grateful for the memories they made that summer.
But one of the biggest things Josh gave his friend had nothing to do with roping:
“Josh always had a good attitude no matter what we did. He taught me how to have a good time no matter what the circumstances were.”
They continued roping, working cattle, and making memories through the spring and early summer of 2012. Josh passed away on July 27, 2012.
All these years later, Zach says:
“I still miss him as much as I ever did. But I’m so thankful to have gotten to know him.” 🖤
And that’s exactly why we want to keep sharing these stories.
Some of you knew Josh personally. Some knew him through roping. And some of you who have become part of the JU never got the chance to meet him.
Through people like Zach and stories like this, we hope you get to know a little more about who Josh was.
🤠 HAVE ’EM, Josh.
Roping in his memory. Giving back in his honor.
