Hall of Fame

Neil Barstow

Neil Barstow of Corsicana, Texas graduated from Fort Hays State in 1970. He was on the ground floor of the FHSU Rodeo program. Neil won the Bull Riding at the very first college Rodeo held at Fort Hays in 1966. He was one of several team members who built the original bleachers and arena fencing for the Fort Hays Rodeo Grounds. Competing in Bareback and Bull riding, Neil was a member of the Fort Hays Rodeo men’s team that won the 1969 Central Plains Region title.

Over 40 years ago, Neil and his wife, Belinda, founded what became one of the most recognizable brands in the Rodeo World: Barstow Pro Rodeo Equipment, specializing in bull ropes and bareback riggings. Today the Barstow Protective Vests come into view every time TV cameras scan the roughstock chutes.

For all he has done for this University, and for all he has done for the sport of Rodeo, Neil Barstow joins the inaugural class of the Fort Hays State University Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Doug Philip

A Rancher born to a ranching family, he was at his very core a Stockman and a Cowboy. But he was also a veteran, a county commissioner, and a pilot. He was a person used to making decisions and he had the skill set and abilities to see them implemented.

A Rodeo Champion in his own right, he grew up on a ranch founded by his Scottish Grandparents. He was the youngest of five brothers whose father built a rodeo arena at the home place and hosted rodeos. Many of these rodeos were held during and after WWII as entertainment for soldiers stationed at Walker Army Airbase. In the beginning, the perimeter of the arena was made by the vehicles of the spectators. Later pictures show Doug coming out of a rough stock chute into a fenced arena.

With his lifetime of contacts in the Western World and a knack for getting things done, he was a driving force behind the success of FHSU Rodeo.

His commitment was backed by actions. The original bleachers and rough stock chutes for the FHSU Rodeo Grounds were made at Doug’s Ranch. The Rodeo team used his equipment to haul wood & metal for everything that was built on site too. He attended all Rodeo Team meetings and supported all its members.

People enjoyed being in his company. He was genuine and he was real.

FHSU rough stock rider Deone Hudson commented, When Doug Philip showed up he made things happen.

FHSU President Ed Hammond remarked, Doug is as close to the father of Fort Hays Rodeo as it gets.

The picture of Doug Philip, the lone figure in the bleachers at the rainy dreary Chadron Rodeo testifies much better than any words written of his absolute commitment to Fort Hays State Rodeo.

Epilogue

Doug and his wife MaryAllyn both left us in 1996.

Their daughters, both FHSU Rodeo Queens, have had successful careers, KayLynn as a commercial pilot and Sandy as a veterinarian and rancher. Today, The Philip ranch is in the hands of the fourth generation and will some day pass to the fifth. His legacy and the good Doug did endures.

Bronc Rumford

Bronc Rumford of Abbyville, KS. Bronc graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1974 with a degree in Business Administration. While competing for the FHSU rodeo team, Bronc qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo three times and placed 3rd in the All-Around in 1974. Bronc qualified 19 times to the Prairie Circuit Finals of Pro Rodeo in four events, earning the All-Around title in 1986. Bronc has competed in and produced rodeos internationally. He has been a PRCA Stock Contractor and Pickup Man, and has served as the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo chute boss in Las Vegas, NV for many years. He and his wife, Kate – a former Miss Rodeo Canada - are very involved with the Miss Rodeo America organization. His commitment to Fort Hays Rodeo is evident as he served as a volunteer coach for 17 years, and as Head Coach for Fort Hays Rodeo for 15 years.

The entire Rumford family, including wife Kate, daughter Haley Bridwell and sons Justin and Ty, is involved in rodeo and recognized throughout the world of rodeo for their knowledge, expertise, achievements and mentorship to others. They continue the Rumford Rodeo Company heritage which began with Bronc’s parents, Floyd and Lola Rumford.

In 2022, Bronc was awarded the Donita Barnes Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor given to Contract Personnel by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Bronc joins the inaugural class of the Fort Hays State University Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Dr. Garry “Doc” Brower

Dr. Garry “Doc” Brower was a professor in the FHSU Department of Agriculture from 1976-2012, earning a reputation as the toughest, orneriest instructor in the department, and the most respected. Brower shared about his experience at FHSU, "I accepted a position at Fort Hays on the basis I would be here one year, which was 34 years ago. After one semester, I was hooked."

During his early years at FHSU, Brower was advisor to the Block and Bridle Club and coached the horse judging team. In 1981, Doc became the rodeo club Faculty Advisor, bringing with him his pre-college credentials as a “weekend warrior” amateur bareback rider. Doc was quick to admit that the best thing that occurred during his brief rodeo career was meeting Ruby Kay, whom he married in 1964. When Doc took the reins of the rodeo club, “It was a campus wide organization that was more of a social than a competitive organization. The competitors furnished their own practice stock and received very little financial support,” said Brower. During his 29 years at the helm, “It progressed to a point where they have both indoor and outdoor arenas, plenty of practice stock, scholarships and university financial support.”

Under Doc’s guidance, the rodeo club grew into the 1980s’ largest club on campus. Doc and Ruby began a tradition of giving $2 bills for change at the annual FHSU rodeo. Doc Brower often wished it was not illegal to stamp the bills with ‘RODEO’ to increase merchants’ awareness of the impact of the rodeo as the contestants spent those bills in town.

In a 2007 interview, Brower said his goals as rodeo advisor are supported by his responsibilities. “If the goal is to allow them to exhibit their natural ability, then it is our responsibility to provide them with the facilities and practice that will allow them to exhibit their natural ability. If the goal is to produce an individual that

can be successful outside of the arena, then we are obligated to make them think outside of the box, outside of the arena,” said Brower.

He claimed his major challenge was operating a rodeo program within two systems. “One is where a handshake is a contract and the other is the bid bureaucracy, which is the lowest bidder regardless of quality,” said Brower. “I am very fortunate to have a University President and a Department Chairman who truly support our program. How many University Presidents own bucking horses and bulls?” he asked, referring to former FHSU President Ed Hammond.

In April of 2011, FHSU Rodeo Club alumni and friends held the clubs first reunion in conjunction with the annual FHSU Rodeo. A goal of that reunion was to establish the Doc Brower Scholarship to benefit members of the club and provide a lasting tribute and an expression of thanks to Dr. Brower for his dedication to college rodeo, his students and their education. Doc’s health kept him away from the reunion, but he shared these remarks with those in attendance, "I am deeply touched, humbled and honored that a scholarship is being established in my name. I can assure you that you cannot fully understand what this means to me. I have always been proud of the Rodeo Club and Team, and in this manner, I will be able to assist the coaching staff in recruiting individuals who are athletic, but more importantly are of good character and high integrity." Doc passed away November 26, 2012. Many alumni shared fond memories at his passing: Alumna Dr. Marcy (Johnson) Aycock 84, shared "Doc looked after all of us in college, He created a strong sense of family among the rodeo team and club. I know all the Rodeo Club alumni family will miss him tremendously.” "As I think back," said former Rodeo Club president Steven Knowles "I realize that Doc gave his whole life to the department and of course to the club for the past 30 or so years. He shared his home and his life with us and will be missed dearly. I will always remember Doc and Ruby handing back two-dollar bills to the

contestants to show the town of Hays how much the rodeo brought to the community."

Bronc Rumford '74, FHSU Rodeo Coach from 1989-2022, perhaps best summed up the sentiments. "I loved and respected Doc so much and will miss him but will never forget him. Doc, until we ride together up there where the grass is green and stirrup high, and the water runs crystal clear and deep, Happy Trails and know that we love you.”

Dr. Brower never hesitated to credit his wife, Ruby, as his strongest influence and most stabilizing factor.

Doc’s 2024 FHSU Rodeo Hall of Fame belt buckle will be presented to his beautiful wife, Ruby, surviving son, Justin, and his family, April 20, 2024, at 3:00 at the Robbins Center on campus. Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the FHSU Rodeo at 7:00 pm, Ellis County Fairground.

Joe Hedrick

The ultimate rodeo showman FHSU alumni Joe Hedrick.

Joe was born into a rodeo family. Joe’s Dad, Jerry Hedrick Sr., started clowning rodeos in the mid to late 30’s. Joe started his career helping his Dad with his clown and specialty acts.

Joe graduated from high school in 1962, went to Hutch Juco & then Fort Hays State in 1964. In the fall of 1964 Fort Hays State Rodeo Club was formed by Joe and others. In the fall of 1965, the first College Rodeo at Fort Hays State started. Joe won the Bareback Riding & 2nd in the Calf Roping & won the All-Around. In 1967 at the Fort Hays State Rodeo Joe placed 1st in the Saddle Bronc Ride & Bull Riding, 2nd in the Steer Wrestling, 3rd in the Calf Roping, 4th in the Bareback Riding, and winning the All Around. Along with Sig Collins, placing in the Steer Wrestling, they won the Team Trophy. Joe graduated that spring from Fort Hays State College in 1967.

Joe has always talked to and encouraged college prospects to attend Fort Hays State and join the Rodeo Club.

After graduation, Joe taught industrial arts at Horton, Ellis, Fairfield and back to Nickerson High Schools. He started rodeo clubs at each. Joe was an accomplished auctioneer for years. Joe did rodeo clowning, specialty acts and competed during all those years, until 2002, ending his clowning years at the famous Abbyville Frontier Days.

In 1970, Joe married college barrel racer Sondra Hutchins, who attended Fort Hays. Joe teamed up with Lonny Langford to produce Team Roping at the Kansas State Fairgrounds all the while producing a high school rodeo. While all this was happening, Joe raised PRCA bucking bulls even one with a National Finals appearance under Dorenkamp Rodeo Company.

In later years, Joe has moved away from active rodeo events to other Entertainment with his Exotic Animal Petting Zoo including zebras, camels, giraffe, kangaroos, antelope, ostrich and countless other species. Hedrick Promotions has held Pig Races for decades and now the new attraction is ostrich, camel & zebra races at Horse Race Tracks all over the United States. The animal races have been featured across the country at Calgary, Fort Smith, Casper and Pretty Prairie and many others including a lot of indoor rodeos in the east.

Colette Graves Baier

Colette Graves Baier, 2024 FHSU Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee, is a celebrated barrel racer who has qualified six times for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

From a young age, Graves Baier wanted to be a champion in Little Britches and High School Rodeos in barrel racing and pole bending. She won every National title in her youth and in college. She then joined the professional ranks.

Colette was the College National Champion barrel racer in 1973 while on the FHSU team and was also 5th in the all-around that year. With her help, FHSU finished 2nd in the team standings.

She was a member of FHSU’s famous 1974 rodeo team when she won reserve champion barrel racer and the women’s team placed 2nd in the nation.

Colette qualified to the National Finals Rodeo in three different decades. During her 1974 professional debut, she was Rookie of the Year, placed in all 10 rounds of the NFR on her mare, Sug (Sugar Babe), won the NFR average, and was reserve world champion. Graves Baier qualified again for the NFR in 1975, 1976 and 1977, then qualified again in 1989 and 1990. The 1970’s were also the era of Jimmy Gibbs and Connie Combs whom Colette often battled neck and neck in College and WPRA. Of course, 1989 and the 1990’s were dominated by Charmayne James on Scamper. It goes without saying that our own Colette from Hardtner was a great representative of FHSU rodeo.

“The best friends I’ve ever had were my mare ‘Sug,’ ‘Suak,’ my stallion by her, and ‘Babe,’ a daughter of ‘Suak.’ They kept me focused, inspired and never quit on me through hardships and trials,” said Baier. With a heart for helping others, Baier founded Running Free Ministries in Ponca City, Oklahoma, a ranch to rehabilitate horses who have been abused. She conducts barrel racing clinics around the country.