Robert Bowers. Photo by Mike Copeman.
Announced February 29th, the following are the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductees for 2020.
Contestant: Todd Boggust
With 12 qualifications to the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in the steer wrestling and five trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR), Todd Boggust won the Canadian Championship in 1995. He followed that up winning the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association’s Cowboy of the Year in 2001. Sadly, Boggust passed away in 2001 after a courageous battle with cancer. Many of today’s Steer Wrestling competitors credit Todd Boggust with much of their success, stating: “He was there influencing me when I got started.” Todd was a rancher and a cowboy at heart.
Contestant: Robert Bowers
Robert Bowers personified rodeo with his bull riding career. Known to have ridden with either hand, and winning with both, he made the CFR eight different times and took three trips to the WNFR. Bowers also made his way to the PBR World Finals twice and even made Everything Cowboy’s list of the Top 10 greatest bull riders ever from Canada. Robert won the Canadian Champion title in the bull riding in 1997, which is just one of his many accomplishments. Known as a world class champion, this decorated individual is a humble cowboy, who has inspired many young bull riders.
Contestant: Guy Shapka
Guy Shapka had a rodeo career in the saddle bronc riding that spanned from 1974 through 2002. With 17 CFR qualifications, and three NFR qualifications, he represented Canada in both the 1988 and 2002 Olympics. Shapka was crowned Rookie of the Year in both the CPRA and PRCA in 1984. Guy Shapka won the Canadian Saddle Bronc Riding Championship in 1987, was the season leader in 1995 and the CFR saddle bronc riding average winner in 2000. Crowned Cowboy of the Year in CPRA in 2002, Guy retired after his final ride at the CFR that year.
Builder: Dallas Mackie
A name synonymous with the Cranbrook Rodeo, Dallas Mackie has been there since its inception in 1987. With 34+ years of commitment and dedication, as a volunteer, is something few can list as an accomplishment in the rodeo arena. This 2005 CPRA Committee Person of the Year is worthy of the builder category for many reasons.
Animal: Willy – Steer Wrestling Horse
Owned by Greg Cassidy, Willy has earned well in excess of $2 million dollars, and carried three cowboys to world steer Wrestling titles in Las Vegas, and many more to Championship steer wrestling titles in Canada. Willy is quite possibly one of the most decorated animals in Canadian Rodeo History.
Courtesy: Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
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