John Stokes was a bull rider, bullfighter, team roper, steer roper, and stock contractor. He competed in FFA rodeos statewide and helped form the first Tarleton College Rodeo Club, where he won the All-Around.
A rancher, John competed in bullfighting and clowning events part-time until 1973. John’s bull riding career spanned twenty-four years and included 250-plus wins, including George Haynes Rodeos Bull Rider of the Year (1966); Southwestern Rodeo Association Reserve Champion Bull Rider (1969); Bernis Johnson B-J Rodeos Bull Rider of the Year (1970); and Texas Rope America Reserve Champion Header (2002).
In 1958, John began team roping (heading and heeling). He racked up numerous wins as a champion header in San Marcos (1979), Muscle Shoals, AL (2000), Laveen, AZ (2001), USTRC, and Lone Star Regional Finals Shoot-Out at San Antonio Rose Palace.
He won over 40 buckles during his competing year. He also competed in Senior Steer Roping and some of his wins were; Andrews, Guymon, OK; Decatur, Santa Anna, Dodge City, KS, Denton and more.
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