ProRodeo Sports News - December 16, 2022

PRORODEO LEGEND

Mike Cervi receives applause at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Gold Buckle Gala on Nov. 28 at the South Point. Cervi was the 2022 Legend of ProRodeo. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

Mike Cervi Honored BY BECKY HILLIER P roRodeo Hall of Fame cowboy and stock contractor Mike Cervi is ever mindful of the full life he has lived. “I’m probably one of the most blessed people Cervi also found he had a gift for producing rodeos. In 1967, he bought the Beutler Brothers Rodeo Company and in 1974 purchased the Billy Minick Rodeo Company. Now known as Cervi Championship Rodeo, they have produced some of the largest rodeos in the United States, including RodeoHouston, the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Stock contractor recognized in front of sold-out crowd

that’s in this world,” he said in front of more than 500 people at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Gold Buckle Gala, Nov. 28 at the SouthPoint Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. “This may be one of the most precious nights I’ve ever gotten to enjoy in my life.” Cervi was introduced by emcees Bob Tallman and Boyd Polhamus who each shared personal stories of Cervi’s legendary generosity, humor, and his entrepreneurial spirit. In elementary school, Cervi sold flavored toothpicks and Christmas trees. He also hauled ashes and started riding racehorses at the age of 12. He was fascinated with rodeo clowns and eventually started clowning for rodeos professionally. His passion for and interest in rodeo also led him to try his hand at steer wrestling and even some bull riding. Stock contracting is where he would ultimately become a household name in the rodeo world. In 1958, the Cervis bought their family ranch near Sterling, Colo. and Mike worked as a foreman. Not long after, Cervi started buying cattle, including a herd fromOregon. At the time, the sale was reported to be the largest livestock sale in the history of Colorado.

Cervi’s long and storied career in rodeo also included a felony violation of the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act for which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five months in prison. “When I got a job in California working for the government, I moved out there for several months and I designed license plates.” His reference to the issue during his acceptance speech was met with a roar of laughter from the crowd. Though Mike Cervi’s accomplishments make him a natural recipient of the Legend of ProRodeo Award, he is quick to give credit where credit is due. “There are a lot of things I’d like to tell you, but I didn’t drink enough wine,” he said. “I don’t think anyone can be more fortunate than I’ve been. But always remember the guy up above really makes which way you go. God bless you all and thank you.” The Gold Buckle Gala is a fundraiser for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and this year it raised $100,000 for the Hall.

ProRodeo Sports News 12/16/2022

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