Tarleton rodeo hall of fame to induct five new members

Photo courtesy: tarleton.edu/rodeo

Photo courtesy: tarleton.edu/rodeo

On Nov. 15, the Tarleton State University Rodeo Hall of Fame will induct its five newest members during their annual steak dinner and auction.

The five new members are Bob Doty, former Tarleton rodeo coach, and his wife Darla; former member J.J. Hampton; Ryan Watkins, 2004 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) All-Around Cowboy and national tie-down roping champion and 2005 All-Around Cowboy reserve champion; and former president of student life of Tarleton and supervisor of the Office of Rodeo Activities Wanda Mercer.

“This auction and dinner is a way to honor previous members and supporters of the Tarleton rodeo team. The coaches put a lot of hard work into this to make it a special event. The team really pulls together to make the banquet night special for those who have competed and set the bar so high for us,” said Tarleton breakaway roper Karly Johnson.

A silent auction and mixer will kick off the banquet at 6:30 p.m. in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center ballrooms. The induction ceremony, steak dinner, and live auction will follow.

Current rodeo team members and supporters contribute to the silent and live auctions. This year there will be artwork, gift certificates, clothing, tack, jewelry, a free breeding to two-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo-qualifying stallion Slick by Design, Hard 8 BBQ    catering for up to 40 people, guided hunting trips, and much more. All money contributed to the auction helps to give scholarships to current and future members of the rodeo team.

Tickets for the event will be $80 per couple and are available for purchase until 5 p.m. Fri., Nov. 7. To order a ticket contact the Office of Rodeo Activities at (254)968-9187.