Finalists Announced for Donita Barnes Award

The five finalists for the PRCA Donita Barnes Contract Personnel Lifetime Achievement Award have been announced. The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor those contract personnel members of the PRCA who have dedicated their lives to the rodeo industry through their commitment, work and contributions.

The five nominees are Ted Groene (NFR livestock superintendent, as well as a bullfighter, pickup man and chute boss), Cotton Rosser (owner of Flying U Rodeo Company and 1995 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee), Karen Vold (PRCA timer, former trick rider and Miss Rodeo Arizona), the late John and Mary Walter (founded, owned and operated Mid-States PRCA Rodeo for 33 years, while Mary also was a two-time NFR secretary) and Rick Young (WNFR clown who began his career in 1959 and still works a dozen rodeos a year at age 81).

Ballots will be mailed out Sept. 15 to competing contestants, approved PRCA rodeo committees and participating contract personnel, and are due back Oct. 15. Shortly after that time the winner will be known publicly, though they will be formally recognized at the annual PRCA Awards Banquet Dec. 2.

Courtesy of PRCA