PRORODEO Sports News - March 27, 2026 Digital Edition

Bareback riders T.J. Walter and J.C. Trujillo, saddle bronc rider Bob W. Brown, bull riders John Davis and Bobby Del Vecchio, calf roper Joe Parsons, steer wres tler Joel Edmondson, team ropers Dick and J.D. Yates and barrel racer Kaki Lybbert all received buckles from President Reagan for winning their respective events at the Command Performance. That day remains one of the most special in the his tory of PRORODEO. It was a once-in-a-lifetime oppor tunity for athletes at the time, competing in front of the Commander in Chief and his special guests. The Command Performance was one-of-a-kind and is unlikely to be replicated, even if rodeo does return to the nation’s capital. But on March 13, history was made again for the PRCA, WPRA and its world champi ons. For the first time since the Command Performance, PRCA and WPRA world cham pions were invited to the White House as a special tribute to PRORODEO from Presi dent Donald Trump. All-Around and Bull Riding World Champion Stet son Wright, bareback riding world champion Rocker Steiner, steer wrestling world champion Tucker Allen, team roping world champions header Andrew Ward and heeler Jake Long, saddle bronc world champion Statler Wright, tie-down roping world champion Riley Webb, steer roping world champion Cole Patterson, barrel racing world champion Kassie Mowry, and breakaway roping world champion Taylor Munsell were all recog nized for their accomplishments last season by Presi dent Trump. The 10 world champions and Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero met with the President inside the Oval Office and posed for a group photo just steps away from the White House Great Lawn.

The recognition was part of an ongoing initiative by President Trump to recognize some of the United States’ elite athletes and teams. In February, the Pres ident welcomed the Team USA Men’s Hockey Team, which captured the gold medal in an overtime win over Canada during the Winter Olympics. Earlier in March, Inter Miami CF, the champions of Major League Soccer, were recognized. In honor of the historic meeting, President Trump was presented with the Resistol 1776 hat, a limited edition honoring the birth of the United States. The hat, which was presented by Resistol owner Dustin Noblitt, came in a special 1776 blue Resistol box and is No. 1 of 250 that will be made. Inside the lining of the hat is the Constitu tion. It also has a 10-karat gold United States flag. “You guys are crazy,” President Trump said as the cowboys and cowgirls entered the Oval Office. “I watch this all the time. You are totally crazy.” Stetson Wright was the first to be introduced after the President asked how strong a bull truly was. Everyone in the room turned to Stetson, who was greeted with a, “Are you kidding?” from the President when he learned the Beaver, Utah, cowboy was the bull riding world champion. Each athlete took time to introduce their discipline in PRORODEO. They were all met with a resounding, “It’s so cool,” by the President. “That’s amazing,” President Trump added. “You guys are amazing, really amazing. Unbelievable people.” The pivot to Washington D.C. was special for all 10 world champions, despite it taking them away from their regular travel schedule during one of the most pivotal times in the winter run and Texas swing. But just like in 1983, it was a once-in-a-lifetime op portunity. The 2025 PRCA and WPRA World Champi ons shared how special the day was for them following their visit to the White House.

MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 21 The 10 PRCA and WPRA World Champions gathered outside the White House alongside Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero before meeting with President Donald Trump. (White House Photo) MARCH 27, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 21