ProRodeo Sports News - March 31, 2023

PRORODEO HALL OF FAME

ProRodeo Hall of Fame names 2023 inductees New Hall Class Bob Click photo Steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, shown competing, won five PRCA World Championships and will be inducted with the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class.

BY PRCA STAFF S teer wrestler Luke Branquinho, a five-time PRCA World Champion, heads up a star-studded 2023 induction class for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Branquinho is joined by two-time PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Cody Wright (2008 and 2010), World Champion Team Roper Doyle Gellerman (1981), pickup man Kenny Clabaugh, rodeo notables Butch Knowles and Tom Feller and standout bareback horse Night Jacket, rodeo committees from the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo and Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, N.J., and barrel racer Sherry (Combs) Johnson, the 1962 WPRA World Champion and WPRA notable Fay Ann Horton Leach. The 2023 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award, which recognizes those who have provided groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking that

help the development, advancement, and success of the PRCA and or the Hall of Fame and their missions is being awarded to Bryan McDonald, former bull rider, and National Finals Rodeo judge. His foresight on day money and work with PROCOM have set the industry apart. “It certainly wasn’t expected that’s for sure,” McDonald said. “It’s a great honor to be in the presence of all those people, knowing what they have contributed and did for the sport throughout the years. It’s pretty heavy company.” They will be enshrined July 15, during ceremonies at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. Branquinho, who won world championships in 2004, 2008, 2011 12 and 2014, is second all-time in ProRodeo Steer Wrestling World Championships behind only Homer Pettigrew, who had six.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/31/2023

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