Bruce, who was tough as nails competing in barrel racing into her 80s, passed away at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. Just to be a part of that elite club is truly an hour., The horse was unlike any other as far as that many offspring and colts that have moved on to be great ProRodeo animals. Ample Free Parking. The information enclosed in this release is courtesy of the Womens Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) for media use. This is quite an honor. Rosser has had a hand in rodeo production all her life and in 1986 was named the PRCA Secretary of the Year, in 1998 she was selected as the NFR Rodeo Secretary and in 2012 was the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo secretary. During that time, the horsehelped six different cowboys reach the pay window in Las Vegas. I know this is really special. Read More About the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, WPRA 75th Exhibit Set To Open at ProRodeo Hall of Fame on May 1, 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class Announced, WPRA News-Ranching a Family Affair for Joey Williams. Medicine Woman was the four-time PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year (2011, 2014-16) and the two-time saddle bronc horse of the National Finals Rodeo (2010 and 2015). Rodeo has a way of humbling you. I knew when Jimmie (Munroe) called me that she wasnt fibbing, but it is still just so hard to grasp. 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class Announced By Ann Bleiker COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - The Class of 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees were announced on Monday, March 27 and will mark the 44th annual induction. Oh, my goodness. Medicine Woman was the four-time PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year (2011, 2014-16) and the two-time saddle bronc horse of the National Finals Rodeo (2010 and 2015). COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Steer wrestlerLuke Branquinho, a five-time PRCA World Champion, heads up a star-studded 2023 induction class for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Mote, who retired in 2017 at the age of 41, qualified for 15 consecutive NFRs for 2001-2015 and was reserve world champion in 2001 and 2006. Only ProRodeo Hall of Famer Descent of Beutler Brothers and Cervi has won more saddle bronc horse of year honors than Medicine Woman. Oh wow, said Bruce upon learning of her induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Oh my gosh, are you serious? They will be enshrined July 15 during ceremonies at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. Branquinho, who won world championships in 2004, 2008, 2011-12 and 2014, is second all-time in ProRodeo steer wrestling world championships behind only Homer Pettigrew, who had six. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Frontier Rodeo has won PRCAs Stock Contractor of the Year seven years in row 2015-2021. She joined the GRA/WPRA in 1969 and served 20-plus years on the Board of Directors. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. The 2023 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award, whichrecognizes those who have provided groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking that help the development, advancement, and success of the PRCA and or the Hall of Fame and their missions is being awarded to Bryan McDonald, former bull rider, and National Finals Rodeo judge. A small town with some serious roots is a good place for rodeo and we have been one of those. 1 on the wins list for state college baseball coaches, and pro rodeo great Steve Duhon among a star-studded group of nine 2022 competitive ballot inductees chosen for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Thats the big thing about it, thats whats so nice about it. More than 100 individuals are nominated each year, but only a few are . By nature, Clabaugh wasnt about the spotlight at all. Knowles made a name for himself as a TV commentator, including countless broadcasts from the NFR. A guy starts his rodeo career just wanting to be the best that he can and win a world championship and to win five is pretty special. WPRA notable Cindy Rosser, barrel racer Ardith Bruce, and famed bucking horse Medicine Woman, will be enshrined July 16 during the festivities in Colorado Springs. Rodeo is about all I know.. In 1995, she was named the Coca-Cola WPRA Woman of the Year, in 2015 she received the Lenora Reimers Heritage Award through the WPRA and in 2019 was honored with the Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy Museum. ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy, ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Announced, 103 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919, Copyright 2021 ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy. Some of my heroes are in there obviously, John W. Jones Jr. and John W. Jones Sr., and a lot of the California cowboys that helped put ProRodeo on the map and to be able to be in that Hall with them is very special.. He was a great horse and the greatest horse that I ever owned. Many more are lighting up the ProRodeo ranks as we speak, carrying on this once in a lifetime horses legacy. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy educates the public about rodeo, its history and impact on Western American culture, and provides recognition to rodeo notables of the past and present and serves as an inspiration for the future. 2022: Hostage, Broken Sky, Drunk at Midnight with colt, and Early Bird with colt from Cervi Championship . RV and Truck Parking also available. To bring an appreciation of the American Cowboy and the sport of professional rodeo to the hearts and minds of the public through education, recognition, inspiration and preservation. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. Cindy Rosser, like Bruce, has been a staunch supporter of the WPRA for decades and has worked every facet of the rodeo business. Horton Leach led the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA-now WPRA) as a founding member, competitor, and board member. I dont know that I truly deserve it but know it is a big deal, said Leach, who makes her home in Kilgore, Texas. I wanted to be known as a cowboy and not specialized in any one discipline. We did that in a way that it made up for some of the shortcomings. It is just truly a great day.. Gellerman qualified for the NFR 25 times, the fifth most by any team roper in PRCA history. She has also carried the American flag in the opening ceremonies and has trained numerous horses to jump through paper, stand in a Liberty Bell, a birthday cake, a ring of fire, and more. Ive never ever thought my place would be in the Hall of Fame, Im just that type of guy. He was always behind the chutes and the guys loved him. Bruce will be inducted posthumously on July 16 at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. We preserve rodeo history of lesser-known trailblazers who were darn good cowboys and cowgirls willing to lend a hand and give advice or encouragement to a youngster just starting out. Our entire family is going to be there to celebrate his accomplishment, itll be great, Bennie Beutler said. Together they founded Billy Leach Ropes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. She was inducted into the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1997. Induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is the highest honor for rodeo contestants participating in the PRCA today. Burwell has such pride in our 1,200-volunteer rodeo. It was quite a life and an enjoyable life thats for sure. [1] The hall opened its doors in 1979. Johnson gave back to the WPRA, serving on the Board of Directors from 1963-1971, including a stint as the Vice President. When I got my card and went to the first NFR in Clayton (N.M.), I would have never dreamt of this day and what the Association has become. Rodeo fans from around the world can help honor and preserve Americas original sport for generations to come by joining the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Membership Program. Its amazing, I dont know what to say. Going Digital - The equine industry experiences radical growth in digital sales. In 1974, Young was selected to work the NFR in Oklahoma City and in 1980 he was named PRCAs Clown of the Year. As recently as 2010, he qualified for the RAM Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo as a team roper, and on July 17, 2013, Potter and partner Garrison Dixon won the Green County Fair ProRodeo in Monroe, Wis. She joined the GRA/WPRA in 1969 and served 20-plus years on the Board of Directors. I have a connection with a lot of these people that are going into the Hall of Fame with me. She currently resides in Marysville, California. Brazile also has won a PRCA record 74 career round wins at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in tie-down roping and team roping and steer roping. His foresight on day money and work with PROCOM have set the industry apart. Even with Night Jackets success inside the arena, the horse may be more known for his star-studded offspring. In 1967, she and Red won the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo the first year it was held in the Astrodome. This isnt even something that I thought would be possible when I was picking up at rodeos. Combine Potters longevity as a competitor with his decade of success (1964-73) as a stock contractor with Rodeos Inc., and his time served on the PRCA Board of Directors and being selected the 2015 Legend of ProRodeo, and it adds up to him going into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. I am honored to be put in the same category as Florence, an early member of the GRA. You are kiddingwow, wow, wow, said Rosser when she learned of her induction while working cattle on the family ranch. It isnt a horse we bought at a sale. Oh, my goodness. It does not store any personal data. That same year, Red was the AQHA Reserve World Champion Barrel Horse and in 1965 was the first GRA/WPRA barrel horse to ever be featured in color on the cover of the Quarter Horse Journal. Colorado Springs is a huge sports town and is the headquarters for several major sports organizations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Lane McGehee, Victoria, Texas, 64 4. In addition to barrel racing, she spent a great deal of time on the racetrack and became the first female licensed outrider in the State of Colorado. Ardith Bruce, who was born July 22, 1931, and currently resides in Fountain, Colorado, has been a member of the WPRA since 1960, reaching the pinnacle of the sport in 1964 when she won the world title aboard a horse known as Red, registered as Straws Kingwood Snip. In 1967, Fay Ann married Billy Leach, who competed in the RCA roping calves and steer wrestling. Over 50 percent of them turned into fantastic horses from Night Jacket. Famous Night Jacket raised byJim and Maggie Zinser, who founded J Bar J Rodeo Company, is a horse that will be remembered for decades to come. They are lifelong friends and people who you can count on.. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. I would definitely say winning my first and second world championships were memorable and winning the second one made the first one that much sweeter to me. COWGIRL inspires the Modern Western Lifestyle. Duvall, who won world titles in 1967, 1969 and 1972 spent nine years riding Whiskey. Luke won world championships in 2004, 2008, 2011-12 and 2014, is second all-time in ProRodeo Steer Wrestling World Championships behind only Homer Pettigrew, who had six. Its a great honor for the Board (Of Directors), past board members, and the community. That horse had so many offspring that were buckers throughout their lives. Combine Potters longevity as a competitor with his decade of success (1964-73) as a stock contractor with Rodeos Inc., and his time served on the PRCA Board of Directors and being selected as the 2015 Legend of ProRodeo, and it adds up to him going into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. That was one of my goals and I got that accomplished. Eddy Akridge, 1979. Harris qualified 18 times in team roping in 1981-82, 1984-95 and 1997, 1999, 2002, and 2010. Brian Brown, La Barge, Wyo., 75 2. American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees Announced Elite barbecue enthusiasts recognized for achievement and service KANSAS CITY, Mo. It was quite a life and an enjoyable life thats for sure. Ample Free Parking. I dont care if it was a horse, a dog, or any animal she could train them in short order. One of the 38 women who met in San Angelo, Texas, on February 28, 1948, to form the very first professional sports association created solely for women by women. She was selected in saddle bronc riding from 2010-2020. Only ProRodeo Hall of Famer Descent of Beutler Brothers and Cervi has won more saddle bronc horse of year honors than Medicine Woman. Harris qualified 18 times in team roping in 1981-82, 1984-95 and 1997, 1999, 2002, and 2010. Im at a loss for words, I really am. Ardith was the one to put together a celebration party when Scamper was the first barrel horse to be inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and was once again on hand to see the first WPRA members inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2017. To have multiple world championships and records is great. What better way to support the Hall than to have sports fans of all types spend an evening together enjoying their passions., I was honored when they asked if I would speak at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Gossage said. Full information on the PRCA inductees can be found at www.prorodeo.com. Rodeo All-Star Announces New Dates: October 6-7, 2023. I think us being inducted became more surreal this morning walking through the Hall of Fame and seeing our display. In 1995, she was named the Coca-Cola WPRA Woman of the Year, in 2015 she received the Lenora Reimers Heritage Award through the WPRA and in 2019 was honored with the Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy Museum. I tell you what Ive never seen anything like it with the outpouring of support Ive gotten for my induction, Young said. One of the 38 women who met in San Angelo, Texas, on February 28, 1948, to form the very first professional sports association created solely for women by women. 2017: Bill Pickett and Powder Wash from Summit Pro Rodeo. Feller also was a barrelman at the NFR in 1981 and was an alternate in 1976, 1982, and 1985. Editor's Note: The information enclosed in this release is courtesy of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) for media use. "Thank you very much," said Cervi, 85. When I got my card and went to the first NFR in Clayton (N.M.), I would have never dreamt of this day and what the Association has become. But it doesnt really hit you until you walk through these halls and see people who have been icons in the sport, who you dont hear about everyday but when you come through this Hall you realize what they have done and their contributions to the sport. I dont whether this has sunk in yet or not, said Frontier Rodeos Jerry Nelson. It kind of doesnt matter anymore. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Im not concerned with whether Im entered or if my last ride was good or not. I was on the Board of Director for a while, and I think I kept them from blowing up, but thats about it. This is mind-boggling, Feller said. Bruce landed among the top 15 seven consecutive years from 1963 thru 1969. All Rights Reserved. This road has road has been awful good to me. 8th Performance of the NHSFR, Rock Springs, Wyo, Local contestants excel at Cheyenne Frontier Days and current leaders, 21,000-Fan Crowd Shows Out for RFD-TVs The American Rodeo Presented by DISH. At his peak, back in 1959, Potter competed in the inaugural National Finals Rodeo in Dallas as a tie-down roper, finishing 14th in the final standings. I look at guys who are in the Hall of Fame and you know thats a pretty great honor, said Frontier Rodeos Jerry Nelson. Then to be able to consider myself as one of the greatest with what you guys are saying being inducted to the Hall, I dont have words to describe it. Subscriptions are $30 per year. When you start off as a kid you just dream about being a rodeo cowboy, thats all I ever wanted to be. An Evening Goose Gossage to benefit the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. She rode with authority theres no doubt about that. Trevor Brazile Heads Up Star-Studded 2022 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 16) - The stars of ProRodeo converged when the 2022 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees led by Trevor Brazile, the King of PRCA cowboys with 26 world championships, were inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame on July 16. I didnt ever think that would happen in the lifetime that we lived, Maggie Zinser said. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Medicine Woman was a ranch-raised mare out of Big Medicine (sire) & Showtime (dam). This has kind of been a whirlwind, and it is darn sure exciting, Rosser said. Medicine Woman was the four-time PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year (2011, 2014-16) and the two-time saddle bronc horse of the National Finals Rodeo (2010 and 2015). July 16, 2022. Bruce landed among the top 15 seven consecutive years from 1963-1969. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is the only heritage center in the world dedicated to the sport of professional rodeo and it is located right here in Gooses hometown of Colorado Springs.. Two cowgirls (and one amazing mare) are amongst the star-studded ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductees! Most PRCA cowboys today dont compete in three events, but thats something Brazile took great pride in during his decorated career. It kind of made it feel like you know this is really happening, said Jess Helgoth, President of Nebraskas Big Rodeo Board of Directors. That horse had so many offspring that were buckers throughout their lives. They look at your career and it means that they thought it was respectable and meant a lot to people. All Rights Reserved. When I started my career, it wasnt anything I really even thought about. 103 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919; PHONE: (719) 528-4764; EMAIL: halloffame@prorodeo.com; HOURS OF OPERATION: Summer Hours: . COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Trevor Brazile, the King of PRCA cowboys with 26 world championships, heads up a star-studded 2022 induction class for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. In fact, she broke her mentors streak of six consecutive titles in the calf roping when she beat Bush for the world title in 1957. By nature, Clabaugh wasnt about the spotlight at all. DIRECTIONS, (719) 447-4627|(719) 447-4631 (fax), WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARREL RACING Where the Elite Compete, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARREL RACINGWhere the Elite Compete. This is a surprise to me but I feel deserving of this recognition. A small town with some serious roots is a good place for rodeo and we have been one of those. Ardith Bruce, who was born July 22, 1931 and currently resides in Fountain, Colorado, has been a member of the WPRA since 1960, reaching the pinnacle of the sport in 1964 when she won the world title aboard a horse known as Red, registered as Straws Kingwood Snip. I would definitely say winning my first and second world championships were memorable and winning the second one made the first one that much sweeter to me. Medicine Woman was a ranch-raised mare out of Big Medicine (sire) & Showtime (dam). I think learning to fly was what really helped my rodeo career. I never was my lively hood, but I certain spent a big part of my life involved in the sport of rodeo.. Itll be an honor to share a stage with them.. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The Class of 2022 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees were announced on Tuesday, April 12 and will mark the 43rd annual induction. Jake is long overdue to be selected for the Hall of Fame because its always been the Buetler brothers, Bennie said. During that time, the horsehelped six different cowboys reach the pay window in Las Vegas. My dad asked me when I got out of college what I was going to do and I said, Im going to rodeo and make a lot of money. But after my first year he asked me again and that time I said, well I think I better go up there and learn to grow cranberries now. That way I can afford my rodeo hobby.. Rodeo News carries advertising and editorials as a service to the readers. 1964 WPRA World Champion Ardith Bruce will be inducted into the WPRA Barrel Racing category, while Cindy Rosser will be inducted as a WPRA notable. Winning a world championship was something I wanted since I was a kid. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In 1995, she was named the Coca-Cola WPRA Woman of the Year, in 2015 she received the Lenora Reimers Heritage Award through the WPRA and in 2019 was honored with the Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy Museum. As for Potter, back in 1951, at the age of 16, he began his journey in the Rodeo Cowboys Association, now known as the PRCA. My husband and I have been doing this for 44 years and we never saw this coming. She also gave back and remained loyal to the association for decades even after retiring from full-time competition. The 2023 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award, whichrecognizes those who have provided groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking that help the development, advancement, and success of the PRCA and or the Hall of Fame and their missions is being awarded to Bryan McDonald, former bull rider and National Finals Rodeo judge. Its in my hometown and its for the cowboy way of life that I love. A total of 11 will be inducted including two representatives from the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) on July 16. Now, Jake is a ProRodeo Hall of Fame member like family members Lynn, Elra, Jiggs, and Bennie. Our rodeo committee is just four of us, my son-in-law and daughter and my husband Grant and me. Probably more so than me winning world titles was to watch my boys win.. Click on the link, and "GET IT DONE" today!! Not to mention he had a great bucking career as well.. I didnt want to be specialized. It is truly a great honor to be in there with some great people.. This is wonderful.. In 2011, she was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame under the category of Trailblazers and now she will be immortalized in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame for her dedication to building a strong foundation for women in rodeo, Bareback Performance 1. Photo by Fred McClanahan, Jr. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 27) Steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, a five-time PRCA World Champion, heads up a star-studded 2023 induction class for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is honored to announce a new fundraising event with Colorado Springs native and member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, Rich Goose Gossage.