ProRodeo Sports News May 3, 2019

PRO RODEO HALL OF FAME

CODY STAMPEDE RODEO – Committee 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 east of Yellowstone National Park since 1919. Now in its centennial year, the Cody Stampede is being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“It’s amazing and outstanding, and it’s not just this year’s board, it’s 100 years of boards,” said Michael Darby, co-president of the Cody Stampede Board. “We were hoping it would be this year since this is our centennial. It’d be a good kickoff to our celebration.” The Cody Stampede won the PRCA’s Best

Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year in 1998 and 1999.

TOMMY LUCIA – Contract Personnel Lucia was a three-time Wrangler NFR Specialty Act

JEROME ROBINSON – Notable Robinson was a cowboy with many hats – a contestant, personnel and member of the PRCA Board of Directors. With so many titles on his résumé, Robinson is being inducted to the HOF as a Notable, a word that summarizes his career. “I was floored, to be truthful,” Robinson contractor, event producer, contract

and three-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year. For more than 50 years he worked as a barrelman and specialty act, entertaining at rodeos across the U.S. Lucia will be inducted posthumously, having passed away on his 75th birthday, June 1, 2016.

PRCA ProRodeo file photo

James Fain photo

said. “It was completely unexpected knowing all the other people who put into this association. I’m completely humbled by it knowing the other people who have done a lot for this outfit.” Robinson competed with the PRCA for 16 years, starting in 1967, and made 11 trips to the National Finals Rodeo (1970-75, ’77 and ’81). He mentored several PRCA world champion bull riders and many others involved with rodeo production. Robinson was instrumental in creating PROCOM in 1975, a system still in use today for entering rodeos. That task, along with starting the Winston Tour, are what he considers to be his most difficult achievements. He also played a role in bringing rodeo and Western experiences to France, Oman, Italy, Japan, Finland, Venezuela and Costa Rica.

His son, Anthony, is a ProRodeo announcer, trick rider and team roper. He said his dad was an amazing entertainer and inspired him to pursue a career in rodeo. Tommy Lucia’s popular acts included Glory, his swayback horse, and Whiplash, a monkey in cowboy attire who rode a dog. “My dad’s goal was to bring out the best in every animal, and he felt like his calling from God was to use his gift of training animals to bring joy to people in the arena,” Anthony said.

JIMMIE GIBBS MUNROE – Barrel Racer While 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 in the sport. “This is just great news,” Munroe said. “What an incredible honor this is.” Munroe made 11 trips

Rodeo 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 in 1975 served as the President of the Girl’s Rodeo Association.

Munroe

Brackenbury

Youree

FLORENCE (PRICE) YOUREE – Notable Youree is the first notable inducted into the Hall of Fame under the WPRA umbrella. Youree was among the Top 15 six times and 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. Youree served the association as a director, then president from 1960-64 and then secretary-treasurer, where she made the biggest impact. It was during that time that Youree worked to get the barrel racing included at the National Finals Rodeo as it is today. “I appreciate this so much,” Youree said. “I have loved and enjoyed everything I have ever done with the WPRA and still do.” The WPRA contributed to this report.

to the National Finals Rodeo on three different horses and was twice an NIRA National Champion Barrel Racer and once an NIRA National Champion All-Around Cowgirl. Munroe served as president of the WPRA from 1978-93 and again from 2011-12. During her first time as president, she led the association in acquiring equal prize money, obtained national sponsors and advanced the use of electric timers and better arena conditions. She joins her husband, Dan O. “Bud” Munroe, in the Hall of Fame. SAMMY THURMAN BRACKENBURY – Barrel Racer Brackenbury was an all-around talent, even roping and winning money in PRCA rodeos. Brackenbury qualified for the National Finals

ProRodeo Sports News 5/3/2019

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