Pro Rodeo Canada Insider
ANNOUNCING THE 2020
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Due to COVID, the awards will be presented to these worthy inductees in 2021.
Contestant
Todd Boggust
Contestant
Contestant
Raised in Fort St John, B.C., Robert Bowers personified both toughness and hard luck in his rodeo career. This amazing cowboy first made his mark on the rodeo scene in 1993 when he won the CPRA Permit Award. Then based in Brooks, Alta., Robert earned eight rough stock CFR qualifications: four in bull riding (1997, 1998, 2002, 2004) and four in bareback riding (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003). He earned three bull riding NFR qualifications (1997–1999) and two PBR World Finals qualifications. In 2004, he won $85,677 bull riding at the Calgary Stampede. This dual-event cowboy is also famous for riding and winning with either hand and is one of the few men in history to qualify for the PBR World Finals, Wrangler NFR and the CFR. Robert won his Canadian Bull Riding title in 1997 and later was the 2002 High Point Champion. Known as a world-class competitor, this decorated individual is a humble cowboy who has inspired many young rough stock riders. We’re privileged to induct Robert as one of our 2020 Class into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Guy Shapka of Alix, Alta., has a list of accomplishments as long as a bronc rein. His rodeo career in saddle bronc riding spanned from 1974 through 2002, with 17 CFR qualifications and three NFR qualifications. He was crowned the Canadian Novice Saddle Bronc Champion in 1982, and National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Saddle Bronc Champion in 1983. He was named the Rookie of the Year in both the CPRA and PRCA in 1984. Guy went on to win the Canadian Saddle Bronc Championship in 1987. In both the 1988 and 2002 Olympics he represented Canada. Guy was the season leader in 1995 and the CFR Saddle Bronc Average winner in 2000. Named CPRA Cowboy of the Year in 2002, Guy retired after his final ride at the CFR that year. For these accomplishments and so many more, Guy has earned his seat in the Hall of Fame.
Robert Bowers
Guy Shapka
His 12 CFR steer wrestling (SW) qualifications and five NFR SW qualifications speak for themselves where Todd is concerned. The cowboy from Paynton, Sask., was an outstanding steer wrestler and an ambassador of the event, and was liked by absolutely everyone. Todd won the Canadian Steer Wrestling Championship title in 1995 and the $50,000 at Calgary Stampede in 1996. Sadly, we lost Todd in August 2001 to cancer. He was awarded the CPRA Douglas Lake Ranch “Cowboy of the Year” in 2001 posthumously. Many of today’s steer wrestling competitors credit Todd with much of their success, stating, “He was there influencing me when I got started.” Todd was a rancher and a cowboy at heart. For these reasons and more, we recognize and welcome Todd Boggust to his rightful seat in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
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Canadian Cowboy Country October/November 2020
ILLUSTRATIONS: STOCK ADOBE/NOBELART
(1964–2001)
