Idolizing Casey Tibbs, Bill Linderman, Jim Bob Altizer, Dean Oliver and my father, an RCA member and contestant, I was deeply inspired to follow rodeo tradition and lifestyle. At 14, joining the AJRA, proved just the beginning of a long-standing relationship with rodeo.
Serving two years in the US Army and a tour in Vietnam ultimately led back to true passion—rodeo. Joining the NIRA through Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, Texas, and earning a Masters Degree at Sul Ross University planted deep roots in community and rodeo.
25 years of PRCA membership led to many achievements. Two Texas Circuit Steer Roping titles and tying the fastest steer twice during eight Steer Roping Finals qualifications are fond accomplishments. (Other achievements; 1978 Team Roping and 1980 Calf Roping titles—Pecos, 1992 Steer Roping title—Pendleton, 1975 Calf Roping title—Phil Lyne Invitational, Steer Roping titles—Wesley Sims Memorial and Buddy Wheelis Memorial, placing at the Windy Ryon, San Angelo Roping Fiesta, Ben Johnson Memorial Roping, Cheyenne, Dodge City and San Antonio).
A current PRCA Gold Card Member and Sul Ross RAS Hall of Fame Inductee, rodeo has enriched my life. Serving future generations through 38 years of teaching and coaching at Southwest Texas Junior College, NIRA Board of Directors and Faculty Director service, have allowed me to give back to an industry that greatly elevated my life.