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XIT Rodeo directors learn of Hall of Fame honors


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XIT Rodeo directors learn of Hall of Fame honors

XIT Rodeo & Reunion directors were surprised, but extremely proud, to learn Wednesday night that the local annual three-day celebration will be inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cow- boy Hall of Fame in April. It was nominated as part of the Class of 2025 in the Event category.

“I did not see this com- ing,” said Brian Bezner, XIT Rodeo & Reunion 2025 president. “We’re all just so excited! It’s actually kind of poignant, because the first reunion was held in Fort Worth, almost 90 years ago, before it was moved to Dal- hart. This means so much to all of us!”

“This incredible honor is a reflection of 89 years of rich tradition, hard work, and community spirit,” said the group’s spokesperson. “Since its beginning, XIT has been about more than just rodeo – it’s about peo- ple. It’s about the countless hours poured in by our past and present directors, their wives, and our incredible rodeo staff. It’s about the Dalhart community that rallies behind us year after year. It’s about our amazing volunteers who give their time to keep this tradi- tion alive. It’s about our sponsors, whose generous support makes it possible for us to host this event on such a grand scale. And it’s about the fans, whose love and enthusiasm make XIT one of the most cherished rodeo events in Texas.

“Thank to everyone – our directors, community, vol- unteers, sponsors, and fans – who has been a part of the XIT Rodeo & Reunion’s legacy. We look forward to carrying this honor forward as we continue to celebrate and preserve the spirit of rodeo for future generations.”

The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1975 by Belton businessman and PRCA bull rider Johnny Boren, is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Texas rodeo cowboy. With an additional focus on promoting the future of rodeo in Texas and beyond, the Hall was moved in 2011 to its current home in the Cowtown Coliseum, located in the Fort Worth Stock- yards National Historic District.

The TRCHF hon- ors both world rodeo champions and lesser- known trailblazers who may have not traveled much but were always willing to lend a hand to a youngster just starting out. The TRCHF holds an induction ceremo- ny each year to honor all of these heroes and heroines, and our local men certainly deserve to share this honor!

This year’s induction for the official sport of Texas will be held April 25-26 at River Ranch in Fort Worth. Honorees in all catego- ries are: Men's Inductees: Tony Reina Tee Woolman Rich Skelton Isaac Diaz Will Lowe Women's Inductees: Kappy Allen Cathy Dennison Felts Rodeo Personnel Inductees: Cliff Overstreet Randy Schmutz Josh Edwards Empty Saddles In- ductees: Jim Bynum Mitch Terrell Gold Card Inductees: Eldon Dudley Arnold Felts Rodeo Animal In- ductees: Sweetness Winslow Event Inductee: XIT Rodeo Western Heritage Award: Margaret Formby Dixie Mosley Directors Choice: Craig Copeland Johnny Boren Award: Ronda May Star of Texas Award: Buck Taylor Past inductees into the Rodeo Events & Organizations catego- ry of the Hall of Fame are: 2002 – Clay County Pioneer Association 2006 – Killeen Rodeo Association 2008 – Gladewater Rodeo Committee 2009 – West Texas Fair & Rodeo Abilene 2010 – San Angelo Roping Fiesta 2011 – Cowtown Coli- seum 2011 – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 2012 - Santa Rosa Palomino Club 2013 – Houston Rodeo 2015 – Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo 2016 – Windy Ryon Memorial Roping 2017 – 1967 Tarleton State College Men’s Rodeo Team 2018 – West of the Pecos Rodeo 2019 – Texas Cowboy Reunion 2022 – 1968 Sam Houston State Univer- sity Men’s and Wom- en’s Championship Teams 2023 – 2003 Vernon College Men’s and Women’s Champion- ship Teams 2024 – Parker County Sheriff’s Posse

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