COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Commissioner Karl Stressman announced at his State of the PRCA address on Nov. 29 that, starting in 2017, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame will include Women’s Professional Rodeo Association inductees.
“The PRCA and the WPRA have been longstanding partners in this great sport, and we look forward to an even closer working relationship moving forward,” Stressman said. “Including the WPRA in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is a natural extension of that relationship, and it just makes sense to honor and recognize rodeo greats in every event.”
The WPRA is equally ecstatic about this historic news.
“I am beyond thrilled to see this partnership come to fruition – not only for the WPRA and its members, but for all of rodeo,” said WPRA President Doreen Wintermute. “I can’t thank the PRCA and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame enough for making this happen.”
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame, which is a popular Colorado Springs attraction for rodeo fans and tourists alike, has already inducted 250 people, 27 rodeo committees and 31 animals – including the legendary Scamper, who was Charmayne James’ partner in 10 of her 11 world championships. Scamper was enshrined in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1996.
“The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is thrilled to have the opportunity to induct WPRA champions, who make up another popular segment of professional rodeo that deserves to be recognized,” said ProRodeo Hall of Fame Executive Director Kent Sturman. “The PRCA and the WPRA are great partners, so this is a next step that just makes sense for the entire sport. It will be the ProRodeo Hall of Fame’s honor to include the stories and history of barrel racing’s true legends, which the museum tells through its exhibits, displays and educational programs.”
The WPRA will implement its own selection process, and WPRA inductees will join the PRCA at the annual Hall of Fame inductions starting with the Class of 2017.