Born in December 1946, to Aline and O’dell Hudson, he was their only child. The family moved to Bryan, Texas in 1950. He attended Bryan public schools and graduated from Stephen F. Austin high school. His years growing up were spent with friends who lived on acreage or at his friend’s grandparent’s country homes. It was during this time in his early life that he developed a love of the western way of life that continues today.
Mike started in youth rodeo at the age of fourteen and continued through high school. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Sam Houston State University where he continued to participate in NIRA sectioned rodeos. He received a B.S. degree in Animal Science and chose Veterinary Pharmaceutical Sales as his occupation. He served his country as a member of the Texas Army National Guard in an airborne infantry unit, being honorably discharged in 1976. He became a member of the PRCA in 1979, and is now a gold cardholder.
In 1981, he accepted a job with Adolph Coors Company, Golden, Colorado in the sports marketing division. Coors became the third national sponsor for PRCA rodeos, along with Wrangler western wear and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Winston Rodeo Series. This was Coors first involvement with rodeo on a national scale, which continues to bring added money and incentives into PRCA rodeo today. He was one of two full time rodeo representatives who worked on the Coors Chute-Out program. He worked on the rodeo program for two years.
Mike served on the Lone Star Circuit board, as secretary – treasurer during Johnny Boren’s leadership as president of the Lone Star Circuit during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. For the last fifteen years, he has continued to serve his community as a committee member for the Southwestern Livestock Show and Rodeo, as well as a committee member of the Windy Ryon Memorial Roping, which raises funds for high school student’s scholarships.
Mike also serves as Vice President of The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall Of Fame, and was instrumental in the move from Belton, Texas to The Historic Fort Worth Stockyards in July 2010. Mike is a member of the Tejas Vaqueros, another organization that supports the deep beliefs of western heritage and preserving the western way of life. He currently works as a manufacturer’s territory sales representative for equine health. The company’s products focus on lameness and reproductive products for embryo transfer work in the upper end performance horse. He now makes his home on some acreage outside Decatur, Texas along with his wife, Kimberly and son, Tanner.
