Oklahoma
State Senate
For Immediate Release: March 19, 2009
Sen. Joe Sweeden
Senate Passes Resolution to Bring PRCA National Steer
Roping Finals Back to State
In an effort to honor the rich heritage of rodeo
and the western way of life, State Sen. Joe
Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, and Lt. Governor Jari Askins are working
to bring the PRCA National Steer Roping Finals back to Oklahoma.
“The fact that steer roping is a very important part of
the foundation and origin of rodeo and because so many famous
steer ropers began their careers in Oklahoma, such as Pawhuska
native Ben Johnson Jr., who was also an Oscar winning movie star,
it is only fitting that the Finals return to Oklahoma where the
first finals were held” said Sweeden who is also a steer
roper.
Sweeden has introduced and passed unanimously Senate Resolution
19, supporting and endorsing the PRCA National Steer Roping Finals
be returned to Oklahoma in honor of former State Senate President
Pro Tempore Clem McSpadden.
Lt. Governor Jari Askins stated “Clem McSpadden was a central
figure in American rodeo culture for more than four decades. The
PRCA can honor his legacy while hosting the National Steer Roping
Finals in Oklahoma. With premier rodeo facilities and enthusiastic
fans, the pairing of Oklahoma and PRCA is a perfect fit.”
McSpadden was a rodeo announcer for ABC’s “Wide World
of Sports”, the National Finals Rodeo, the Calgary Stampede
and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. He also served as President of
the Rodeo Cowboys Association from 1970 to 1971. The Rogers County
native continued announcing rodeo events throughout the country
until his passing last year.
For more information contact:
Sen. Sweeden's Office: 405-521-5581
