ProRodeo Sports News - Dec. 20, 2019

“It’s pretty humbling when you go through (the Hall of Fame) displays of all the predecessors who are in here and to think that you’re in with this group,” Brown said. Peabody, a Montana native, made a steady climb in rodeo to his 1984 bareback riding world title. Within three years of becoming a member, Peabody had qualified for his first NFR. He went on to make five total, all consecutive, and crowned it with the 1984 bareback riding championship. “Yes, it did (catch me off-guard),” said Peabody about his induction. “You get emotional, you get to wondering why you got chosen.” Robinson was a cowboy with many hats – a contestant, contractor, event producer, contract personnel and member of the PRCA Board of Directors. “It’s very humbling to be recognized for accomplishments, and you almost feel guilty because you know there are others who did as much as you did,” Robinson said. “I’m thankful and appreciative to the PRCA for everything they contributed to my life.” Robinson competed with the PRCA for 16 years, starting in 1967, and made 11 trips to the NFR. He was instrumental in creating PROCOM in 1975, a system still in use today for entering rodeos. This task, along with starting the Winston Tour, are what he considers to be his most difficult achievements. Cody, Wyo., is often called the “Rodeo Capitol of the World” – and for good reason, as it’s home to the Cody Stampede Rodeo , which has attracted countless tourists to the small town just east of Yellowstone National Park since 1919. With 2019 as its centennial year, the Cody Stampede was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. “It is still really overwhelming, and to be part of this impressive class of inductees means the world to us,” said MarcThompson, a co-president of the Cody Stampede with Mike Darby. The Cody Stampede won the PRCA’s Best Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year in 1998 and 1999. Lucia was a Wrangler NFR Barrelman (1973), three-time Wrangler NFR Specialty Act (1997, 1999 and 2004) and three-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year (2003-05). For more than 50 years he worked as a barrelman and specialty act. Lucia passed away June 1, 2016, on his 75th birthday. “We’re proud of the way that he was, and we’re proud of how hard he worked to achieve the things that he did,” said Lucia’s son Anthony, a ProRodeo announcer, trick rider and team roper. While Gibbs Munroe initially made a name for herself in the rodeo arena, winning a world title in 1975, her love and commitment to the association cemented her legacy. Munroe was an 11-time NFR qualifier and WPRA president from 1978-93. “It’s just a tremendous honor to be included in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame because it’s the only hall that’s solely dedicated to the sport of professional rodeo, and I’m just so excited that women have a place now and can be included in the Hall thanks to the PRCA,” Munroe said. Brackenbury qualified for the NFR 11 consecutive times, winning the world title in 1965. During her career she served as the California Circuit Director, All-Events Director, vice president of the Association and president of the Girl’s Rodeo Association in 1975. “I’m very proud to be honored, and I’m glad to be here,” Brackenbury said. Youree is the first notable inducted under the WPRA umbrella. She won the WPRA all-around title in 1966. But it was her services to the GRA/WPRA in an administrative capacity that landed her induction. During that time, Youree worked to get barrel racing included at the NFR as it is today. “This is the biggest honor I could ever receive,” Youree said. “…When you do things that you really enjoy doing, you really don’t think you’re doing anything.” The WPRA contributed to this report.

knew it.” Elra and his son, John Arthur “Jiggs,” Beutler formed Beutler & Son Rodeo Company in 1956. The Beutler name has been part of professional rodeo for decades, from the onset of Beutler Brothers Rodeo Company in 1929 to the collaboration of Beutler & Son Rodeo Company. Beutler & Son sent livestock to the NFR every year between 1959-62 and from 1964-88. “I always thought Jiggs and Elra should have been in the (ProRodeo Hall of Fame) before me,” said Bennie Beutler, who was inducted in 2010. “Elra taught me all about the stock and being a horseman, and Jiggs taught me how to run the rodeos.” Gorsuch , a steer wrestler with two world titles, eight qualifications to the Wrangler NFR, two Tour titles and $1.3 million in career earnings certainly earned his spot in the Hall of Fame. “Oh, gosh, it’s still a dream come true,” Gorsuch said. “I’m very humbled and can’t tell you how awesome it is, it’s something you want when you start your career, but you never know if you will be part of it.” The Nebraska cowboy started his PRCA career in 2002, made his first Wrangler NFR qualification in 2005 and won his first world title in 2006. He went on to qualify again ever year from 2008-13, picking up his second world title in 2010. Whether he believes it or not, Brown will soon be surrounded by the legends he’s admired. Brown won the 1969 bull riding world championship with $27,610. It was one of 13 total NFR qualifications – five in bull riding and eight in saddle bronc riding (though one year he did not compete due to injury).

ProRodeo Sports News 12/20/2019

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