Team Roping • Inducted 1997 Movie star, television actor, accomplished tie-down roper, premier team roping heeler, multiple world champion – Clay O’Brien Cooper has led a charmed life. Cooper, born May 6, 1961, in Ray, Ariz., started roping at age 6. He made his first movie debut with John Wayne in...
Stock Contractor • Inducted 1997 Swanny Kerby started his rodeo career more than 50 years ago, rounding up wild mustangs and range bulls. He trailed that string to his first rodeo at the Grand County Fair in Moab, Utah, in 1945. From that first rodeo, Kerby and the Bar T have...
Rodeo Notable • Inducted 1997 Bill Hervey was affectionately known as “Mr. Wrangler” for his involvement with the Wrangler company and support of rodeo for over thirty years. Hervey started working for Wrangler in 1957 in the sales department. He moved his way up the ladder, becoming president of the men’s...
Bull Riding • Inducted 1997 Richard “Tuff” Hedeman truly lived up to his nickname. Born March 2, 1963, in El Paso, Texas, he rode his first calf at age 4. He roped calves, winning the first roping he entered, rode saddle broncs, and at 13, started riding bulls. He won the...
Rodeo Notable • Inducted 1997 Eldon Evans’ father threatened him with his life if he ever became a rodeo cowboy. While he never competed in the arena, Evans of Twin Falls, Idaho, did become a true friend of the sport. He has given countess hours to the PRCA for more than...
Contract Personnel • Inducted 1997 *Inducted as a pair with Bobby Clark. The Clarks began their rodeo career as competitors — both as tie-down ropers, and Gene in steer wrestling and Bobby in bareback riding. Gene, born March 27, 1926, in Seminole, Okla., quickly moved to the contract side of the sport...
Contract Personnel • Inducted 1997 *Inducted as a pair with Gene Clark. The Clarks began their rodeo career as competitors — both as tie-down ropers, and Gene in steer wrestling and Bobby in bareback riding. Gene, born March 27, 1926, in Seminole, Okla., quickly moved to the contract side of the sport...
Team Roping • Inducted 1997 Jake Barnes says he was born to swing a rope, and few would disagree. After joining the PRCA in 1980, he qualified for the National Finals Rodeo his rookie season, heading for Allen Bach. He then partnered with legendary Leo Camarillo, before joining forces with Clay...
