Legendary Lineup Announced for 2024 ProRodeo Hall of Fame
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame has unveiled its star-studded class of 2024 inductees, honoring some of the biggest names and most influential figures in the sport of professional rodeo. This impressive group includes legends across various disciplines, from record-breaking competitors to pioneering event organizers and beloved personalities who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
The inductees represent the pinnacle of achievement in professional rodeo, showcasing the incredible talent, determination, and passion that have propelled them to the highest levels of the sport. From dominant champions and trailblazers to iconic animals and essential behind-the-scenes contributors, this 2024 class is a true testament to the rich history and bright future of ProRodeo.
Kaycee Feild
Kaycee Feild is widely regarded as one of the greatest bareback bronc riders in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) history. The Utah native has a remarkable resume, having won a record six PRCA bareback riding world championships.
Feild's dominant run started in 2011, when he claimed the first of four consecutive world titles from 2011 to 2014. He then reclaimed the championship in 2020 and 2021, breaking the previous record of five world titles held by Joe Alexander and Bruce Ford.
In addition to his world championship pedigree, Feild is the first cowboy to win three straight bareback riding average titles at the prestigious National Finals Rodeo (NFR). He qualified for the NFR an astounding 13 times between 2008 and 2022, cementing his status as one of the most consistently elite performers in the event.
Feild's bareback riding prowess runs in the family - he is the son of Lewis Feild, a three-time PRCA World All-Around Rodeo Champion in the 1980s. Kaycee began honing his skills at age 13, despite his father's initial concerns about his small stature at the time.
After a Hall of Fame-caliber career spanning over 15 years, Feild announced his retirement from professional rodeo in November 2023 at the age of 36. He leaves the sport as its most decorated bareback rider, having secured his place among the all-time greats of the discipline.
J.D. Yates
J.D. Yates is a true icon of professional rodeo, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats in team roping and steer roping. The Texan's illustrious career includes an astonishing 21 qualifications to the prestigious National Finals Rodeo (NFR), along with over $1.5 million in career earnings in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
Yates' rise to stardom began at a remarkably young age, as he qualified for his first-ever NFR at just 15 years old - the youngest cowboy to ever accomplish that feat. He would go on to qualify for the NFR a total of 20 times as a team roper, while also making it to the National Finals Steer Roping on 11 occasions.
Yates' success extended well beyond the rodeo arena, as he emerged as one of the most decorated and awarded horse trainers in the history of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). He has won an incredible 34 AQHA World Championships, including five coveted "Super Horse" titles, and was the AQHA's leading exhibitor an astounding nine times from 2003 to 2014.
Yates hails from a true rodeo family, as his father Dick and sister Kelly were also accomplished rodeo competitors. In 2022, both J.D. and his father were inducted into the prestigious Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, further cementing their family's indelible mark on the sport.
Now retired from professional competition, Yates continues his legacy in the equine world, running a successful horse training business called "Hitch Rack Performance Horses" alongside his father. Additionally, Yates' son Trey has followed in his footsteps, winning a College National Finals Rodeo team roping championship and placing 3rd in the PRCA standings.
Blue Stone
Sadly, one of the 2024 inductees into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is no longer with us. The late, great Blue Stone is being posthumously honored for his remarkable accomplishments as a two-time PRCA World Champion bull rider.
Though his career was tragically cut short, Blue Stone left an indelible mark on the sport of professional bull riding. Hailing from Ogden, Utah, he competed as a pro from the late 1990s through the early 2000s, qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) on just two occasions.
However, in those rare NFR appearances, Blue Stone made the most of his opportunities, winning the coveted PRCA World Champion Bull Rider title in both 2001 and 2002. His dominance was highlighted by a stunning 94-point ride in Round 1 of the 2001 NFR, which tied the existing record for the highest score ever recorded in that round.
Blue Stone's 94-point ride came aboard the bull Mr. USA from Gilbert Diamond G Rodeos, matching the previous mark set by the legendary Don Gay in 1974. This incredible performance was a testament to Blue Stone's raw talent and fearlessness in the arena.
Tragically, Blue Stone's life was cut short in March 2022 at the age of 43. But his legacy as one of the greatest bull riders of his era will live on through this posthumous induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Though his time at the top was brief, Blue Stone left an indelible mark on the sport, cementing his status as one of the true icons of professional bull riding.
Art Arnold
Art Arnold left an indelible mark on the world of professional team roping, emerging as one of the most dominant and respected heelers of his era. The Arizona native qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) an impressive 10 times over the course of his esteemed career, showcasing his elite skills in both heading and heeling.
Arnold's prowess in the team roping event was unparalleled, with a lightning-fast and nearly unbeatable style that earned him comparisons to some of the sport's all-time greats. He was hailed as being "to team tying what Guy Allen was to steer roping; Cody Ohl to calf roping" - a testament to his status as one of the true icons of the discipline.
The pinnacle of Arnold's career came in 1968, when he captured the coveted PRCA World Champion Team Tying title. His unmatched abilities in the heeling position were highlighted by his renowned skill at "rolling a steer over the top" of his header partner, consistently getting the animal tied by the time they hit the ground.
Arnold's success was often attributed to the elite headers he roped with, including fellow ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Glenn. However, even in the twilight of his career, the Arizonan was still considered one of the best team tyers in the business, with many suggesting he deserved a place in the Hall of Fame for his unrivaled skills.
Now at 82 years old, Art Arnold remains a revered figure in the sport of professional rodeo, having left an indelible mark on the team roping event through his dominant and pioneering performances over the course of his storied career.
Sammy Andrews
SSammy Andrews comes from a long lineage of rodeo royalty, carrying on a multigenerational legacy in the stock contracting business. His grandfather Sam Andrews produced rodeos in the 1940s, while his father, B.D. "Burr" Andrews, was a fixture in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) as a stock contractor for four decades in the 1940s and 1950s.
Growing up immersed in the rodeo world, Sammy took his first steps at the iconic Fort Worth Coliseum. He later competed in bareback riding and steer wrestling in college before transitioning into the family business of stock contracting.
Sammy began producing amateur rodeos in 1980 and received his PRCA card seven years later, which opened the door to collaborations with renowned stock contractors like Mike Cervi and Harry Vold. His exceptional work and contributions to the sport were recognized in 2002, when he was named the PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year.
Over the course of his storied career, Andrews has owned and raised some of the most legendary bucking animals in rodeo history. His most famous bovine athlete was the legendary bull Bodacious, a three-time PRCA Bucking Bull of the Year who was only ridden 8 times in 135 attempts before being retired. Other standouts include the multiple Texas Circuit Horse of the Year, Roany Wiggles.
Andrews' impact on the sport extends beyond his livestock, as he is widely regarded as a rodeo ambassador, with his animals featured prominently in the media. Today, he continues the family tradition, running the Andrews Rodeo Company alongside his son, James. In 2008, Sammy's contributions to the sport were further cemented with his induction into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Darrel Diefenbach
Legendary bullfighter Darrel Diefenbach has left an indelible mark on the sport of professional rodeo, earning 11 selections to work the prestigious National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Hailing originally from Australia, Diefenbach came to the United States with the goal of making a name for himself as a bullfighter, and he achieved that feat in just three short years.
Diefenbach quickly established himself as one of the most respected and accomplished protectors in the sport. He was known for employing a unique "gimmick" early in his career, riding bulls backwards during his performances to help make himself stand out and get hired for high-profile events. This unorthodox approach showcased Diefenbach's remarkable fearlessness and athleticism in the arena.
Over the course of his sterling career, Diefenbach was selected to work the NFR an impressive 12 times between 2001 and 2012, though injuries forced him to miss a few years. His skill and dedication in keeping cowboys safe at the highest levels of the sport earned him the utmost respect from the athletes he protected, with one rider describing him as "one of the toughest and most underrated bullfighters out there" and a "legend" in the profession.
Fellow bullfighter Dusty Tuckness praised Diefenbach's remarkable accomplishments, acknowledging that he "put together a list of accomplishments that speak for themselves." Diefenbach's contributions extended beyond the NFR as well, as he was a fixture at major events like the Cheyenne Frontier Days, further cementing his status as a crucial protector in the sport.
After nearly two decades as an elite-level bullfighter, Diefenbach announced his planned retirement at the end of 2015, citing his wife's pregnancy with their second child and the physical toll the sport had taken on his 41-year-old body. However, his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the profession will endure, and his well-deserved induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is a fitting capstone to a truly remarkable career.
Mr. T
The Burns Rodeo Company's iconic bull Mr. T is taking his rightful place in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most famous and unridable bucking bulls in the sport's history. Purchased by Pete Burns and his son Hal in 1983 from the National Finals Rodeo stock sale, Mr. T would go on to transform the Burns Rodeo outfit from a small operation in Wyoming into a nationally recognized brand.
The bull's reputation for extreme athleticism and an unpredictable bucking pattern made him an immense challenge for even the most elite professional bull riders. Over the course of his career, Mr. T managed to throw off a who's-who of the sport's greatest talents, including luminaries like Lonnie Wyatt, Cody Lambert, Charles Sampson, Gary Toole, Tuff Hedeman, Wacey Cathey, Charles Needham, and the legendary Lane Frost.
In fact, the search results note that even the best riders like Frost could only stay on Mr. T for a mere 4-5 seconds before being violently bucked off, with the bull somehow managing to buck even harder in those final moments. This unrivaled ferocity and unpredictability made Mr. T a star attraction, with the Burns family sub-leasing him to prestigious events like the Cheyenne Frontier Days, where he continued to maintain his unridable reputation.
The reports describe Mr. T as a true "star" who knew the extent of his fame, often strutting along the chutes and even knocking people's legs out after bucking off riders. His remarkable athleticism and undeniable charisma transformed the bull into an icon, helping elevate the Burns Rodeo Company to new heights in the sport.
Now, with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Mr. T's legacy as one of the greatest and most renowned bucking bulls in the history of the sport has been cemented for eternity.
Marlene Eddleman McRae
Marlene Eddleman McRae stands as a pioneering legend in the sport of barrel racing, etching her name among the all-time greats of the discipline. Inspired by cowgirl icon Dale Evans from a young age, McRae has been riding and showing horses since she was just 6 years old.
Her breakthrough moment came in 1983, when McRae and her trusted horse, Dutch Watch, captured the coveted WPRA World Championship title. This was no small feat, as the McRae family had "held on to" Dutch Watch for years before Marlene was able to harness the horse's full potential. Reports describe Dutch Watch as a "renegade" before coming under Marlene's expert guidance, with the duo transforming into the "darlings of the rodeo world."
Prior to her world title triumph, Marlene had already established herself as one of the top barrel racers of the era, finishing in 3rd place in 1982 behind the legendary Charmayne James. This consistency at the highest levels of the sport is a testament to McRae's incredible talent and competitive drive.
Beyond her unparalleled success in the arena, Marlene is also recognized as an influential mentor, guiding and supporting many up-and-coming barrel racers throughout her illustrious career. Her impact on the sport extends well beyond her individual accolades.
In addition to her 1983 WPRA World Championship, Marlene Eddleman McRae has also won 5 prestigious Calgary Stampede titles and even an Olympic gold medal in 1988. These remarkable accomplishments have cemented her status as a true pioneer and legend in the sport of barrel racing, earning her induction into the prestigious Cowgirl Hall of Fame.
Jeana Day
Jeana Day Felts, also known as Jeana Day, was a trailblazing and highly successful barrel racer who left an indelible mark on the sport. Hailing from Woodward, Oklahoma, she emerged as a dominant force in the 1970s, culminating in her crowning achievement - the 1974 WPRA World Championship.
Prior to her world title triumph, Day had finished as the reserve champion for an impressive four consecutive years, showcasing her remarkable consistency and talent. However, her career was not without its challenges, as Felts suffered devastating blows when her beloved horses Excuse and Peanuts both passed away unexpectedly in the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite these heartbreaking setbacks, Jeana's competitive spirit and determination never wavered. She made a triumphant comeback in 1982, riding a new horse named Peanuts (Easy Kashi) and reclaiming her spot among the sport's elite. Felts continued to compete at the highest levels, including at the Woodward Elks Rodeo, which had served as the launching pad for her barrel racing career as a teenager in the 1960s.
Jeana Day Felts' remarkable accomplishments and influence on the sport have cemented her legacy as a true pioneer in barrel racing. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame recognized her incredible career in 2024, with Felts being inducted as a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and the 1974 WPRA World Champion.
Even in the twilight of her career, Jeana remained a fixture in the Woodward community, serving as the parade marshal for the Woodward Elks Rodeo in 2016. Her remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to the heights of barrel racing glory, stands as an inspiration to aspiring cowgirls everywhere.
Tri-State Rodeo
The Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison, Iowa has established itself as one of the premier events on the PRCA's Great Lakes circuit, attracting thousands of spectators from across the country each Labor Day weekend. First brought to the Tri-State area in 1948 by C.E. "Eddie" Richards, this 4-day rodeo has become a highly anticipated annual tradition in the Fort Madison community.
The Tri-State Rodeo features all the standard PRCA events, from bareback riding and saddle bronc to bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, and barrel racing. Over the years, it has crowned champions across a variety of disciplines, including rising stars like Rocker Steiner and Emma Charleston, as well as legendary cowboys like JB Mauney.
In 2021, the Tri-State Rodeo saw impressive performances, with Wyatt Muggli earning the coveted all-around cowboy title after racking up over $3,000 in earnings from tie-down roping and team roping. The event is held at the C.E. Eddie Richards Arena, which offers easy access and ample parking for the thousands of spectators who flock to Fort Madison each Labor Day.
Beyond the world-class rodeo action, the Tri-State Rodeo provides sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to get involved with this long-running and prestigious PRCA event. As a highlight of the Great Lakes circuit, the Tri-State Rodeo continues to deliver an unparalleled experience for rodeo fans and competitors alike.
Bob Feist
The prestigious Ken Stemler Pioneer Award has been bestowed upon the legendary Bob Feist, honoring his immense and multifaceted contributions to the sport of professional rodeo. Feist is undoubtedly best known as the founder of the iconic Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) team roping event, which has become one of the most prestigious competitions in the discipline.
However, Feist's impact on the sport extends far beyond his work as an event organizer. The search results reveal that he has maintained a successful career as a professional rodeo announcer for over 45 years, lending his respected voice to some of the biggest and most high-profile events in the country.
Feist's skills as an announcer have made him a fixture at venues like the Lazy E Arena, which hosts the BFI and other major team roping competitions. His ability to engage the crowd and provide insightful, expert commentary has cemented his reputation as a true master of his craft, earning him the admiration of rodeo fans and athletes alike.
In 2015, Feist's immense contributions to the sport were honored with his induction into the Rodeo Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his status as a legendary figure in professional rodeo. Whether through his groundbreaking work as an event organizer or his acclaimed tenure as a renowned announcer, Bob Feist has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sport, earning him the prestigious Ken Stemler Pioneer Award.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 ProRodeo Hall of Fame induction class is a celebration of the sport's most celebrated and impactful figures. These inductees have not only excelled in their respective arenas but have also inspired generations of rodeo athletes, shaped the evolution of the sport, and captivated audiences worldwide with their exceptional skills and unwavering dedication.
As the ProRodeo community gathers to honor these legends, it serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless allure and enduring legacy of this truly American sport. The induction of these trailblazers into the Hall of Fame ensures that their contributions will be forever enshrined, inspiring future generations of rodeo enthusiasts and aspiring competitors to pursue their own greatness within the storied tradition of ProRodeo.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.