Steve Purcella
Team Roping • Inducted 2025
Steve Purcella began his professional rodeo career in 1986 when he joined the PRCA.
Ten years after his entrance into the PRCA, Purcella and partner Steve Northcott captured the National Finals Rodeo Average to win them the World Championship. The pair gained the lead in the average after the third round and held it to the finish.
Purcella credits part of his success to his horses. The best was 1996 American Quarter Horse Association Heading Horse of the Year Mark My Dream better known as Butterbean. The little sorrel gelding was not a fan of being caught in the first few months that Purcella had him but soon settled down and gave 110% every time out of the box.
During his career, Purcella won the Turquoise Circuit Title in 1991, the Texas Circuit Title in 1994, 1997, 2004, and a National Circuit Finals Rodeo Title in 1998. He appeared at the National Finals Rodeo 14 times.
Since 1995, Purcella has been involved with the Spicer Gripp Roping to benefit scholarships to West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. The rodeo has helped over 550 students earn scholarships totaling $1.5 million dollars to date. Purcella has served on the Executive Committee and continues to champion the Spicer Gripp cause.
Accolades
Biography
World Championships: 1
Team Roping: 1996
National Finals Rodeo Average Champion: 1
Team Roping: 1996
Circuit Finals Rodeo Champion: 1
Team Roping: 1998
Circuit Year-End Champion: 4
Turquoise Circuit:
Team Roping: 1991
Texas Circuit:
Team Roping: 1994, 1997, 2004
Born: November 12, 1966 in Roswell, New Mexico
Joined PRCA: 1986
NFR Qualifications: 12