ProRodeo Sports News - March 31, 2023

EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK

I n the world we live in, reality TV is everywhere. Sorry to burst the bubble, but reality TV is scripted reality for the most part for ratings. That’s a transition into March 27 at the PRCA headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo. That is the day the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees were chosen. So, cold calls were made and what you saw was raw emotion and some funny responses. Here’s what happened when steer wrestler Luke Branquinho was notified. Her response: “Seriously?” When PRCA CEO Tom Glause congratulated Harris, he said when we first called you hung up and we were wondering if you thought it was a robo call? “Was that just our thoughts here?” Glause said with a chuckle. Harris caught off-guard offered this response. “I’m terribly sorry,” she said. “I honestly thought I’m not taking this call. Who is this call? I’m so sorry. I was hoping you wouldn’t notice, but dang it.” There was plenty of emotion when a caller contacted Tom Feller about his selection. Caller: Are you going to be free July 14-15 to be inducted? Feller: I can be. When a caller let Butch Knowles know of his induction – Knowles’ reaction was real. “I’m going to ask you a question, what are you doing July 14-15?” Knowles said: “I really don’t know.” The caller said, “Well I do. You’re coming to Colorado Springs because you’re being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.” A stunned Knowles said, “Oh my gosh, are you serious?” The caller said “Yes.” Then Knowles said, “That’s pretty humbling. Holy cow. For a guy who does a lot of talking, I don’t have many words to say.” To see these candid responses was memorable to say the least and they all are deserving of this ultimate honor. Raw emotion of 2023 ProRodeo HOF inductees a treat Tracy Renck is the editor of the ProRodeo Sports News . He previously served more than seven years as a media coordinator at the PRCA. He has three decades of experience in sports journalism with the last several consumed by ProRodeo. Here was the dialogue: Caller: Are you retired? Branquinho: I’m retired. Caller: Can you clear up your calendar for July 14-15? There’s one more rodeo you have to go to. Branquinho: There’s a what? Sh*t. I have Calgary Stampede TV. Caller: Would you make an exception to be in the Hall of Fame? Branquinho: I signed my contract with them, but I could talk to them and see. Caller: Well congratulations because you are new member of the Class of 2023, my friend. Branquinho: Well, sh*t, now I have to clear my schedule. I appreciate that. Are you jacking with me? Caller: Nope. We are up here, and it was a unanimous decision, and you are inducted this year. Branquinho: I appreciate that. That is awesome. Betsy Harris of the Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, N.J., was called to let her know her rodeo was being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

A NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS OF OUR PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS : EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, REFUNDS OF SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL NO LONGER BE ISSUED.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/31/2023

ProRodeo.com

6