PRORODEO Sports News - August 5, 2026

THE STARS CONVERGED JULY 18, AT THE PRORODEO HALL OF FAME AS IT OPENED ITS DOORS FOR THE 2026 INDUCTION CLASS. ProRodeo Hall of Fame 2026 Induction Class

PRCA Staff

Western lifestyle media mogul Jeff Medders, and a pair of PRCA World Champions – late steer wrestler Butch Myers (1980) and bull rider Jerome Davis (1995) – headlined a banner 2026 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class of inductees. The trio was joined by Keith Isley, a legendary bull fighter and rodeo clown; stock contractor Ike Sankey; notable, tie-down roper Bobby Goodspeed, a 12-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier (1959, 1962, 1963, 1967-71, 1974-77); Beutler & Son Rodeo’s star bare back/saddle bronc horse Killer Bee; San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo; and WPRA World Champion barrel

racers Loretta Manuel (1963 and 1967) and Mary Burg er (2006 and 2016). Troy Weekley was honored with the 2026 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award on July 17 as part of the Hall of Fame festivities. The award recognizes those who have provided groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking that help the development, advance ment, and success of the PRCA and or the Hall of Fame and their missions. Weekley has been a longtime stock contractor and influential voice for rodeo in the south east. Here’s what the inductees had to say:

“I love rodeo. Everybody asks, ‘What are rodeo cowboys like?’ And I say, ‘They’re the toughest athletes in the world.” “They’re so tough. They get beat up and they’re not making millions. Then they get back in the truck and drive five hours to do it all over again. They’re so welcoming.” JEFF MEDDERS

“My dad, he loved this sport. He loved all of you guys,” Butch Myers’ son Rope said. “He loved watching all of the events. He competed in nearly all the events. He competed in everything but saddle bronc riding. The thing he loved most was teaching it. That was the legacy he wanted to leave. And it’s nice then to have something like the Hall of Fame come along behind and recognize that legacy and kind of put a stamp that says, ‘Hey, you did leave a legacy.’” ROPE MYERS, ABOUT HIS LATE FATHER, BUTCH

BUTCH MYERS

20 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE August 5, 2026