2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductees

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A constellation of rodeo stars came together on Saturday as the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class was enshrined, forever cementing their legacy in the sport.

Leading the pack was steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, an exceptional five-time PRCA World Champion, who spearheaded the star-studded 2023 induction class for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

Branquinho was joined by the illustrious two-time PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc rider Cody Wright (2008 and 2010), PRCA World Champion Team Roper Doyle Gellerman (1981), pickup man Kenny Clabaugh, rodeo luminaries Butch Knowles and Tom Feller, outstanding bareback horse Nightjacket, 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, honoring those who have contributed groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking to the development, advancement, and success of the PRCA and/ or the Hall of Fame and their missions, was presented to Bryan McDonald, a former bull rider and National Finals Rodeo judge. His visionary work with day money and PROCOM has set new standards for the industry.

Luke Branquinho Secures His Place in the Hall of Fame

Branquinho, renowned for his signature “booty shake,” qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo an impressive 14 times (200104, 2006-15) and claimed the average title three times (2008, 2011, and 2014). He holds the record for the most NFR rounds won by a steer wrestler at 25.

Reflecting on his induction, Branquinho humbly remarked, “I don’t even know if words can describe it. A guy starts his rodeo career just wanting to be the best that he can and win a world championship, and to win five is pretty special. To be considered one of the greatest and be inducted into the Hall, I don’t have words to describe it. Some of my heroes are in there obviously, John W. Jones Jr. and John W. Jones Sr., and a lot of the California cowboys that helped put ProRodeo on the map. To be in that Hall with them is very special.”

Cody Wright’s Unbelievable Journey to the Hall of Fame

Cody Wright, from the esteemed Wright family of saddle bronc riders, became a two-time PRCA World Champion in 2008 and 2010, a feat that secured his place in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. With great humility, he expressed his amazement at being inducted alongside rodeo legends.

“I never did see this happening for me,” Wright said. “I never imagined all this was going where it was going. I was just a young kid with a dream. I just wanted to rodeo and have fun, and it has turned into so much more.”

Doyle Gellerman’s Honorable Induction

Doyle Gellerman, a mainstay in the team roping world for 40 years, now finds himself enshrined in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, a testament to his dedication and achievements in the sport.

“It has sunk in all right, and it sunk all the way in when it happened (July 15),” Gellerman said. “This is something I never thought would happen to me. I never thought I would ever be going into the Hall of Fame, but here I am going in, and what a great honor. It means the world to me.”

Kenny Clabaugh: “The Invisible Man” Becomes Inductee

Kenny Clabaugh, known as “The Invisible Man” for his modesty and dedication, was recognized for his contributions as a pickup man for the National Finals Rodeo seven times. He became only the second pickup man to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, alongside Charles “Lefty” Wilken.

The Historic Voice of Rodeo, Butch Knowles

The unmistakable voice of Butch Knowles, a fixture in the sport of rodeo, resonated through the broadcast booth at every National Finals Rodeo since 1988. Now, his longevity and passion for rodeo have been acknowledged with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

Tom Feller: Loyalty to Rodeo Rewarded

Tom Feller’s unwavering loyalty and commitment to ProRodeo earned him a place in the Hall of Fame as a notable. His dedication to programs such as the Justin Sportsmedicine team and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, along with his role as Chairman of the PRCA Board Directors, exemplified his cowboy spirit.

Nightjacket’s Legacy Continues in the Hall

Stock animals are integral to rodeo success, and one exceptional bareback horse, Nightjacket, raised by Jim and Maggie Zinser, will forever be immortalized in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Nightjacket’s influence extended beyond his own bucking career, as his offspring have carried his legacy forward, becoming renowned in the rodeo circuit.

St. Paul Rodeo Committee Receives Esteemed Honor

The esteemed St. Paul Rodeo Committee was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, reflecting decades of hard work and dedication to making the rodeo one of the finest and most unique events on the PRCA trail.

Cowtown Rodeo Joins the Hall of Fame

Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, N.J., earned a well-deserved place in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame for its storied history and continuous commitment to the sport since 1955. The rodeo has become a true family and community tradition that will be cherished for generations to come.

Sherry Johnson: An Accomplished Rodeo Legend

Sherry Combs Johnson, a founding member of the Girls Rodeo Association (now WPRA), achieved remarkable success in her rodeo career. Her induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame alongside her world champion horse, Star Plaudit “Red,” and her sister, Florence Youree, is a testament to her dedication to building a strong foundation for women in rodeo.

Fay Ann Horton Leach’s Dedication Recognized

As a founding member of the Girls Rodeo Association, Fay Ann Horton Leach’s years of devotion to rodeo earned her an induction as a notable in the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class. Her role in shaping the sport for women was acknowledged with this prestigious honor.