Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame

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[edit] History

The organization, dedicated to the sport of rodeo and the recognition of Texas' contribution to that sport, the TRCHF was founded in 1975 by Johnny Boren and a group of Belton, Texas, businessmen. Boren was the manager of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Lone Star Circuit, the biggest circuit in Prorodeo's circuit system. Johnny Boren, a Ford automobile dealer in Belton, frequently had world champion cowboys across the desk from him at his dealership. Autographed photos of world champs adorned both his office and his home. He was a well-known bull rider and founder of the Old Timers Rodeo Association. The Hall of Fame was first housed in several spots in the Belton-area, including a western wear store. Eventually, the Hall of Fame moved to the Bell County Expo Center in Belton, only a block or so away from the Ford dealership where it was born.

They currently have an induction ceremony usually in March or April, that takes place at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton, Texas every year.

Funds are currently being raised for a permanent Hall of Fame building in Belton. The Hall contains pictures and biographies of famous Texas rodeo cowboys who helped to shape the sport from its inception until the present day.

[edit] Notable Hall of Famers

Moe Bandy -Country Recording Artist

Dean Smith -Actor/Stuntman/Olympic Gold Medal Winner

Dr. Tandy Freeman

Don Gay -8 time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider

Myrtis Dightman First Afro-American to compete at the NFR

Red Steagall Country Music Artist/Poet

Carl Nafzger Champion Race Horse Trainer, & Former Bull Rider

Monty "hawkeye" Henson-3 time World Champion Bronc Rider/Actor/entertainer

Joe Beaver World Champion Calf Roper & All Around Champion

www.trchf.com