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.