ProRodeo Sports News February 16, 2024

TIME CAPSULE ENOCH WALKER

DeVere Helfrich photo Saddle bronc rider Enoch Walker, right, was the 1960 Rodeo Cowboys Association Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion. He is flanked by Jack Buschbom, the 1960 RCA Bareback Riding World Champion, left and Harry Tompkins, the 1960 RCA All-Around and Bull Riding World Champion. They are all shown with spurs presented by Les Garcia. The awards were presented Jan. 19, 1961, at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver.

BY TRACY RENCK M Enoch Walker, the 1960 saddle bronc riding world champion and National Finals Rodeo average winner, took to the skies in his ascent to ProRodeo fame – qualifying for 10 NFRs during his lengthy Rodeo Cowboys Association career. Walker was born in Camp Verde, Ariz., on Jan. 28, 1932. He spent much of his time near Cody, Wyo. Although he was known for saddle bronc riding, Enoch Walker’s ProRodeo roots were laid down in steer wrestling and bull riding. Walker, however, was best at saddle bronc riding, and by 1960, the 28-year-old cowboy had been knocking on the door of a gold buckle for years, placing third in 1957, second in 1958, and third again in 1959. Walker, nicknamed the “The Bronc Man,” entered the 1960 season with a plan for earning the gold buckle that literally took flight, as he was Hall of Famer

1960 world champion’s lifetime of dedication led to 10 NFR qualifications known for having a knack for pinpointing the highest-paying rodeos and then finding ways to compete in two, or even three, rodeos on the same day. He teamed up with Paul Templeton, and they flew from one rodeo to the next when rodeo road trips got too hectic. Walker arrived at the 1960 NFR in Dallas, Texas, leading the pack and the NFR spotlight wasn’t too bright for him. Walker placed in six of the 10 rounds and won the NFR average. He won the coveted gold buckle by finishing the season with $20,832. Alvin Nelson was second in the world standings with $17,509. Walker was staple of consistency qualifying for the NFR in 1959-66 and 1969 and 1972. During his standout career, Walker won numerous rodeos, including Cheyenne Frontier Days, Fort Worth, Texas, Denver, Reno, California Rodeo Salinas, Red Bluff (Calif.) and Redding, Calif. Walker continued working with horses until he passed away on Aug. 30, 1979, in Boise, Idaho.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/16/2024

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