Since 1955, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has honored the legends of rodeo, preserving their legacies for generations. This fall, that tradition continues as a new class of inductees will be celebrated during National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend, presented by the Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation, Nov. 7–8, 2025.
The weekend includes inductions into the National Hall of Fame as well as presentations of the Ben Johnson Memorial Award, the Tad Lucas Memorial Award and the Directors’ Choice Award.
“For 70 years, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame has been the iconic home for honoring and preserving the great names and traditions of rodeo,” said Pat Fitzgerald, president and CEO of the Museum. “Induction into the Hall remains the sport’s highest honor — a recognition that transcends age, background and discipline.”
Nomination and Selection Process
The process began with Rodeo Historical Society (RHS) members, a global community dedicated to preserving rodeo history, submitting names for consideration. The RHS Advisory Board reviewed the submissions, selected a slate of finalists and official ballots were mailed to RHS members on June 1, 2025. Voting closed on August 1, and the final class of inductees has now been announced.
2025 Inductees and Honorees
LIVING
• Chad Berger
• Larry Allen Clayman
• Joel Edmonson
• Monty “HP” Evetts
• Bobby Goodspeed
• Charlie Throckmorton
DECEASED
• Neal Gay
• Wiley McCray
BEN JOHNSON MEMORIAL AWARD
• Mike “Hud” Hudson
DIRECTORS’ CHOICE AWARD
• Jon Taylor
TAD LUCAS MEMORIAL AWARD
• Lari Dee Guy
About the Awards
The Ben Johnson Memorial Award: Chosen by past recipients with support from the Museum’s Rodeo Committee, it recognizes an individual who exemplifies the Western lifestyle as lived by screen and rodeo star Ben Johnson.
The Tad Lucas Memorial Award: Presented each year by the family of Tad Lucas, the most decorated cowgirl in American history whose career spanned seven decades; to recognize a living woman whose actions promote the values Lucas embodied.
The Directors’ Choice Award: Presented at the discretion of the RHS Advisory Board to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the rodeo community.
A Weekend of Celebration
All inductees and honorees will be recognized during the National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend, which features a Champions’ Dinner, Induction Ceremony and Benefit Auction, Inductee Panel Discussion and the Rope ’N’ Ride Cocktail Reception.
Sponsorship and reservation information: nationalcowboymuseum.org/
About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the museum preserves and interprets the evolving history and cultures of the American West and shares that story with millions worldwide. Its internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts is complemented by dynamic educational programs that celebrate the enduring legacy of the American West.
A recent RegionTrack economic impact study projects the museum will contribute $313 million to Oklahoma’s economy through 2028, including $170 million in direct impact and $143 million in ripple effects, affirming its role as both a cultural cornerstone and vital economic engine. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.
About the National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Established in 1955 and located within the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the National Rodeo Hall of Fame is the original, preeminent and most iconic location for honoring, celebrating and preserving the heritage and the legendary names of the West’s original sport: Rodeo. Regardless of an individual’s background, professional affiliation or chosen event, induction in the National Rodeo Hall of Fame remains the highest honor to which a rodeo participant can endeavor.
Inductee and Honoree Bios
LIVING
Chad Berger
Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Rodeo Producer, Stock Contractor
Chad Berger of Mandan, North Dakota has been a lifelong contributor to the sport of rodeo. Competing in all six major events through high school — most notably bull riding and saddle bronc — he developed a deep passion for the sport early on.
After retiring from competition, he turned his focus to the bucking bull business, launching Chad Berger Bucking Bulls in 2003. He has since earned 12 PBR Stock Contractor of the Year titles and played a key role in developing world champion bulls, including Smooth Operator.
Berger later partnered with Joe Simon of Dakota Rodeo, producing some of the largest rodeos in the country, including the North Dakota Rough Rider Cup — a $500,000 added event. In 2018, he was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, and in 2024 he was inducted into the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. Alongside his wife, Sarah, and their children, Berger continues to shape the future of professional rodeo.
Larry Allen Clayman
Bullfighter, Rodeo Clown, Rodeo Producer, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Team Roping
Larry Allen Clayman, born July 11, 1941, is a third-generation rodeo clown. During his rodeo competition days, he participated in five events. After serving in the Marine Corps for four years, Clayman worked for several rodeo producers during his career including Jim Shoulders, Cotton Rosser and Andy Jauregui. Known for his many acts, especially his various animal routines (the most popular with Toto, the chimpanzee), Clayman was chosen to work the 1973 NFR as a bullfighter.
From 1973 to 1975, Clayman was the first non-Canadian rodeo clown to work the Canadian Finals, and he was chosen as a bullfighter for the inaugural Wrangler Bullfights produced by Jim Sutton.
Clayman also became a stock contractor and produced the Heart of America Championship Rodeo in Springfield, Missouri, from 1977 to 1979, and then produced a weekly PRCA rodeo in Branson, Missouri, from 1978 to 1980.
For 20 years, he announced the Clayman Rodeo, a non-profit rodeo for youngsters, and was known for never missing a single rodeo performance despite injuries.
After traveling to Europe with Buster Ivory for the 1970 Rodeo Far West tour, he had the honor of meeting the Queen of England at the 1974 Calgary Stampede. Today, Clayman lives in Florence, Texas and still works for the betterment of professional rodeo.
Joel Edmondson
Bareback Rider, Steer Wrestler
Joel Edmondson competed at every level of rodeo and at both ends of the arena, as he started as a bareback rider and had his greatest success as a steer wrestler.
While in college, he began steer wrestling. Upon graduation, he was drafted by the Kansas City Trailblazers, a major league rodeo team, and then joined the PRCA in 1979. He was a competing member for 25+ years and is currently a PRCA Gold Card member.
Edmondson’s PRCA accomplishments include: Five-time NFR qualifier (1981-83, 1985, 1988); 1983 World Champion Steer Wrestler with $68,747, a single-season earning record at the time;1988 runner-up World Champion Steer Wrestler after coming in just $32.50 behind champion John W. Jones, Jr.; Five-time Prairie Circuit Steer Wrestling Champion; Four-time Dodge National Circuit Finals qualifier and 1988 Dodge National Circuit Finals Champion Steer Wrestler.
Edmondson dragged his spurs through the carpet of the White House and met President Reagan and writer Louis L’Amour after winning the Presidential Rodeo, a command performance held for the President in 1983. He also conducted steer wrestling schools, served on the KHSRA board for several years, and currently serves on the committee for the Eureka Professional Rodeo.
After traveling millions of miles and seeing much of the U.S. and Canada through his windshield, Edmondson retired and started a construction company and operates a custom grazing program. A true ambassador of the sport, rodeo continues to be a major part of his life as he actively promotes all levels of rodeo competition.
Monty “HP” Evetts
Team Roping
Born November 28, 1951, to Hoke and Alma Evetts in Pumpkin Center, California, Monty Holcomb Paul “HP” Evetts entered his first rodeo against the men in Laton, California as an 8-year-old boy. The talented, fearless gunslinger went on to rodeo greatness and forever changed the game with his range and reaching ability with a head rope.
Trailblazing brothers Leo and Jerold Camarillo took notice of Evetts’ talent and drafted him onto their team. With Jerold heeling behind him, Evetts was the 1974 World Champion Team Roper. Evetts roped at the National Finals Rodeo nine times, including twice with Daddy Hoke.
Beyond the rodeo arena, Evetts worked as a stuntman and actor, and made appearances in such blockbusters as “Dances with Wolves,” “Wyatt Earp” and “Comes a Horseman.” Evetts defied the odds decades ago when he returned to roping after miraculously surviving a 1984 car wreck that broke his neck.
At 73, the unstoppable Evetts continues to stay active as a competitive jackpot and rodeo roper. This year he returned to the rodeo in Laton, heading for his son Monty Holcomb Paul II, and often ropes with Leo’s son Trey Camarillo.
Bobby Goodspeed
Calf Roping
Born in Wetumka, Oklahoma in 1938 to Jess and Ella Goodspeed, Bobby Goodspeed was surrounded by rodeo legends from an early age. His father Jess, one of the greatest calf ropers of all time, won the RCA Reserve National Champion in 1952, Cheyenne, multiple AQHA World Championships and induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. His Uncle Buck was a top steer roper in his day and was also inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame.
In high school, Goodspeed was the AJRA All Around Champion and Calf Roping Champion in 1954, 1955 and 1956. Goodspeed joined the RCA in 1958, making the first ever NFR in Dallas in 1959.
Goodspeed went on to win Cheyenne, Denver, Albuquerque and many other major PRCA rodeos, qualifying for the NFR 12 times, winning fastest calf in 1968, winning the Calf Roping Average in 1975, winning a total of 12 Go Rounds and placing a total of 35 times.
Goodspeed qualified for his last circuit finals in 1996. Over the years, he won the Great Lakes All Around and six Calf Roping titles. After judging for the PRCA for several years, Goodspeed recently stopped roping but still loves to help others learn the sport that gave him so much.
Charlie Throckmorton
Announcer
The PRCA Media Guide calls Charlie Throckmorton a repository of knowledge and rodeo history even among his peers and fellow Gold Card members. Throckmorton has been a rodeo announcer in the PRCA for 39 years. The great Harry Tompkins encouraged him to obtain a card and the rest is history. Charlie started announcing for Bernis Johnson and Jim Shoulders’ rodeos.
He has announced the National Finals Steer Roping 21 times, 19 of which were consecutive years, breaking a PRCA Record. He was part of the 1991 announcing team at the NFR, the National Circuit Finals, the Extreme Bull National Finals, 11 times at the Texas PRCA Circuit Finals as well as for the PBR World Finals three times.
Throckmorton worked the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo from 2007-2014; the Pro Tour at Woodward, Oklahoma for over 25 years; the Lawton Rangers Rodeo for 26 years; the Trinity Valley Expo for 35 years; Belton, Texas for 34 years and many more in 47 states. Throckmorton called the action at the Timed Event Championship of the World (The Ironman) several times.
Throckmorton announced the closest race in PRCA History when in 2015 Scott Snedecor beat Guy Allan for the World Steer Roping Title by $1.67 at the NFSR in Amarillo, Texas.
Throckmorton has co-announced with the likes of Clem McSpadden, Tom Hadley, Hadley Barrett, Bob Tallman and all the greats in his career. Both Larry Mahan and Trevor Brazile called him a class act of rodeo. Throckmorton was born and raised in Cleburne, Texas.
DECEASED
Neal Gay
1945 – 2022
Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Producer
Neal Gay’s professional rodeo career began in Atoka, Oklahoma in 1945. He competed in saddle bronc, bull riding and bulldogging. Neal traveled with sixteen-time World Champion Jim Shoulders and others. When the mother of his sons Pete and Donnie died of leukemia, Gay’s life as a rodeo competitor ended, and he began raising his two young boys.
In 1957, Gay founded Rafter G Rodeo, which still runs strong four generations later. In 1958, Gay put Mesquite, Texas on the map with the opening of Mesquite Championship Rodeo in partnership with several other cowboys including Shoulders. The rodeo grew from a small Saturday night rodeo to a cultural icon watched by millions on TV.
In 1956, Gay married Kay, who became an instant mother to his two sons, and welcomed their son, Jim. All three have made their marks in professional rodeo. Pete is a three-time NFR qualifier and plays key roles in the company. Donnie is the eight-time world champion Bull Rider and television commentator. Jim is a former Texas High School Rodeo Champion and runs Rafter G Rodeo Company.
Gay received many other honors during his 70-year commitment to Rodeo. He passed away in August 2022 at his ranch in Terrell, Texas with his family by his side; he was 96.
Wiley McCray
1916 – 1977
Trick Rider, Bull Riding, Bullfighting, Rodeo Clown
Wiley McCray was born November 1, 1916, in Vernon, Texas. McCray began his rodeo career at the age of 15 performing as a trick rider at the Anvil Park Rodeo in Canadian, Texas. In 1937, he won the bull riding competition at Anvil Park while also bullfighting, gaining the attention of stock contractors. In 1938, McCray began professionally as a rodeo clown and bullfighter gaining membership in the Cowboy Turtles Association.
McCray worked small and large rodeos for 46 years, covering the U.S., Canada and Mexico. McCray participated in over 140 different rodeos including the Calgary Stampede, Snake River Stampede, and La Fiesta de los Vaqueros for several notable stock contractors including Everett Colborn, Cotton Rosser, Cervi and Beutler, Elra and Jiggs Beutler, Bob Barnes and Leo Cremer. He was selected as a barrelman for the National Finals Rodeo in 1961 and 1972.
McCray was inducted into the Ak-Sar-Ben Western Hall of Fame in 1964 and named the World’s Greatest Rodeo Clown in 1950 and 1960. Wiley earned an RCA Gold Card in 1968, later becoming a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He appeared in the films “Rough Riding,” “Arena” and “Honkers.” McCray worked his final rodeo season terminally ill with cancer in 1977.
Mike “Hud” Hudson
2025 Ben Johnson Memorial Award Recipient
Michael E. (Hud) Hudson was born in Houston, Texas, and began competing in youth rodeos in the seventh grade. He attended Sam Houston State University, where he competed on the rodeo team.
After college, Hudson served six years in the Texas Army National Guard airborne infantry, then began a career as a pharmaceutical sales rep in the animal health industry that spanned four decades. Hudson was also a rodeo representative for the sports marketing division of Adolph Coors Company for two years.
Hudson has served on numerous boards promoting and preserving rodeo’s history, including the Rodeo Historical Society at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. For 25 years, he sat on the board of the Windy Ryon Memorial Roping, where money generated by tickets sales funded college scholarships.
As president of the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, he initiated several rodeos for children with special needs and was instrumental in the development of their rodeo scholarship program.
Hudson also served for nearly three decades as a committeeman for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and he is a 23-year member of the Tejas Vaqueros, an organization dedicated to preserving Western heritage.
In 2011, Hudson was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. A PRCA Gold Card member, he and his wife, Kimberly, live on their ranch in Bowie, Texas.
Lari Dee Guy
2025 Tad Lucas Memorial Award Recipient
Lari Dee Guy grew up on her family’s ranch outside Abilene, Texas, where she learned to rope before she could read. By age 9, she was winning roping contests, and she didn’t stop, racking up 11 consecutive American Junior Rodeo Association world titles before moving on to claim two National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association national championships at Vernon Junior College and Texas Tech University.
Throughout her extensive career, Guy became one of the winningest ropers in history, with eight Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) world championships spanning breakaway roping, heading and heeling, plus the WPRA All-Around World Championship in 2014.
Her impact, however, goes far beyond her own gold buckles. Guy has been a driving force in advancing opportunities for women in rodeo, including founding the “Rope Like a Girl” movement and teaching clinics that have reached thousands of ropers in North America, Sweden and Australia.
Her leadership has helped put breakaway roping on major stages, inspiring the next generation of ropers and proving women’s rodeo belongs in the spotlight. That influence has earned her induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (2020) and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (2021).
Today, when she’s not competing, Guy is training elite rope horses on her family’s 10,000-acre ranch and continuing her life’s work: building a stronger future for the sport she’s helped shape.
Jon Taylor — Rodeo Clown, Barrelman
2025 Directors’ Choice Recipient
Johnnie Ray “Jon” Taylor was born a twin on August 22, 1941, in Orange, California. He attended Pierce College in Los Angeles, California, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, earning a degree in animal business management with a minor in animal science.
After enlisting in the Army and serving a tour in Vietnam, Taylor began his career as a barrelman with Cotton Rosser. He received his PRCA card in 1970 and worked the NFR as a barrelman in 1974, 1979 and 1983, and was selected an alternate twice.
He also worked the Canadian Finals Rodeo 17 times; the Badlands & Columbia River Circuit Finals six times; the Indian National Finals three times; the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) Finals twice and the NIRA Finals in 1985. Chosen as the PRCA Clown of the Year in 1981, Taylor was the PRCA contract acts director for two years and saddle horse boss at the NFR from 1974 to 2007.
His favorite act was Snort, a fiberglass horse that Taylor liked to say could do almost anything other horses could. “He hauls well, doesn’t eat much and is impervious to disease,” he joked.
He was the activities director for the Expo at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, for many years, and was also featured on “Good Morning America.” These days, Taylor assists his son, Andrew, a rodeo music director, and lives in Filer, Idaho, with his wife, Dottie.
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