UPRA Announces 2026 Personnel of the Year

While contestants may be the names fans follow in the standings, every rodeo relies on a team of professionals whose work keeps the competition moving. The United Professional Rodeo Association has announced its 2026 Personnel of the Year award recipients, recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves throughout the UPRA season.

What makes these honors especially meaningful is who helps determine them. The Top 20 contestants in the UPRA Cinch Standings were given the opportunity to vote, allowing the competitors who work alongside rodeo personnel throughout the season to recognize those they believe have excelled in their respective roles.

From the timer’s table and announcer’s microphone to the judges and pickup men working inside the arena, each position contributes to the safety, accuracy, professionalism and overall production of a UPRA rodeo.

The recipients will be recognized during the UPRA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, joining a larger celebration honoring outstanding rodeos, rodeo legends and others who have made an impact within the association.

Three Texas rodeos earned honors based on size. Mabank Rodeo was named Large Rodeo of the Year, while the Gatesville Riding Club Rodeo earned Medium Rodeo of the Year. The Teague Fourth of July Rodeo rounded out the trio as Small Rodeo of the Year.

Those honors recognize the committees and communities responsible for creating the places where UPRA contestants compete throughout the season. From preparing an arena to filling the grandstands, each rodeo depends on work that begins well before the first contestant enters the arena.

The association also recognized the professionals responsible for producing rodeo from behind the scenes. Mesquite Rodeo Company was named Stock Contractor of the Year, while Leigh Ann Flores earned Secretary of the Year and Leddy Murray was selected as Timer of the Year.

Inside the arena, Hunter Allen earned Bullfighter of the Year honors. Pick Up Men of the Year went to Britt Walters and Cam Rogers, recognizing a role that requires horsemanship, timing and an ability to react quickly throughout roughstock competition.

The voices and personalities that help bring rodeo to life were represented among this year’s honorees as well. T G Long was named Announcer of the Year, while Johnny Dudley received Contract Act of the Year.

Officials also play an essential role in maintaining consistency and fairness throughout a rodeo season. John Tom Powledge was selected as Judge of the Year, completing a group of honorees whose responsibilities touch nearly every part of a UPRA performance.

Together, the 2026 award recipients offer a look at just how many people it takes to produce professional rodeo. Contestants may provide the runs and rides that ultimately decide championships, but secretaries handle entries and results, timers record the fractions of seconds that can separate winners, judges make critical calls, stock contractors supply livestock, bullfighters and pickup men protect competitors, and announcers and contract acts keep spectators connected to the action.

The recognition comes as attention turns toward Bryan and the 2026 Cinch United Finals Rodeo at the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo. For the UPRA, the Finals represent the culmination of another season on the road.

Before the championship runs and rides begin, however, these awards recognize another side of that journey…the rodeos and professionals who helped make the season possible.