United Professional Rodeo Association Reveals 2026 Hall of Fame Class

The United Professional Rodeo Association has announced the 2026 UPRA Hall of Fame Class, honoring six inductees whose years of dedication, leadership and service have left a lasting impact on the association and the sport of rodeo.

Established to recognize the men, women, rodeos and organizations that have strengthened the UPRA, the Hall of Fame celebrates those whose commitment to competition, sportsmanship and Western heritage has helped preserve the traditions of professional rodeo for future generations.

Among this year's inductees is Patti Ragsdale of Winnsboro, Texas, who is being recognized for her service as a former UPRA Breakaway Director and Miss UPRA. Throughout her involvement with the association, Ragsdale played an important role in supporting the growth of breakaway roping and representing the UPRA.

Scotty Lovelace of Waskom, Texas, joins the Hall of Fame after an accomplished career that included multiple bareback riding championships in the Texas Rodeo Association, Central Rodeo Association, and Texas Professional Rodeo Association. Lovelace also made significant contributions as a stock contractor with the Texas Professional Rodeo Association, helping produce rodeos and support the sport beyond his competitive career.n

Also being inducted is Cameron Keeton of Kingston, Oklahoma, whose years of service as contract personnel have made him a respected figure within the association. His behind-the-scenes work has contributed to the success of countless rodeo performances throughout his career.

Jack Hooge of Blossom, Texas, earned Hall of Fame recognition following a distinguished career as a saddle bronc riding champion in both the Texas Professional Rodeo Association and Central Rodeo Association. In addition to his success in the arena, Hooge served as a UPRA rodeo judge, continuing to give back to the sport through his leadership and experience.

The Hall of Fame class also includes Craig Morgan of Teague, Texas, a former UPRA Saddle Bronc Riding Director and Texas Professional Rodeo Association saddle bronc riding champion. Morgan's contributions as both a competitor and administrator have helped strengthen the saddle bronc riding event within the association.

Rounding out the 2026 class is the Mexia Rodeo of Mexia, Texas. The longtime rodeo committee is being recognized for its dedication to producing quality rodeos while supporting contestants, fans, and the traditions that have defined the UPRA for decades.

According to the association, each of this year's inductees has played an important role in preserving the values, traditions and Western heritage that define the UPRA. Through years of commitment, leadership and service, they have left an enduring mark not only on the association but on the rodeo industry as a whole.

The 2026 UPRA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place during the UPRA Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo Event Center, where the newest class will officially be inducted and recognized for their lasting contributions to the United Professional Rodeo Association.