BILLINGS, MT – The complete class of 2026 Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame inductees, award recipients, and featured honorees includes legendary individuals, historic ranches, organizations, and youth scholarship winners.
Hall of Fame Inductees
- Sunni Deb Backstrom: Award: Lifetime Achievement Award Originally from Missoula, MT (now based in Arizona)
Janet Erickson: Award: Lady of the West
Bill Boyce: Award: Legend Inductee
- Bozeman High School rodeo athlete and member of the 1988 MSU National College Championship team.
Del Nose: Award: Legend Inductee
Gunner: Award: Legend Inductee
James ‘Scotty’ Augare: Award: Legend Inductee
Mary Salmond: Award: Legend Inductee
Sam McDowell: Award: Legend Inductee
Western Heritage and Media Honorees
- Great Montana Western Media Award: John Letasky (Billings Gazette sports editor)
- Western Heritage Award Honorees:
- Chute Boss Club
- Doug O’Donnell
- Dougie Hall
- Gentle Ben Rodeo / Youth Rodeo Association
- Montana FFA
2026 Great Montana Ranches
The following multi-generational ranches were recognized for their outstanding horsemanship, stewardship, and dedication to the state’s western traditions:
- Centennial Livestock
- Hansen Livestock Ranch
- KG Ranch
- Klessens Ranch
- Vannoy Ranch
- Wickens Ranch
2026 High School Rodeo Scholarship Recipients
Proceeds from the banquet directly supported the following Montana High School Rodeo Association (MHSRA) seniors as they pursue higher education
- Scholarship Winners: Emily Williams, Cadence Schweigert, Kaitlyn Carter, Hailey Gliko, Murphy Gaasch, Zane Schroeder, Ryley Mapston, Logan Vocu, Payton Kuntz, and Trey Knight.
- MHSRA Queen: Sophia Wyatt.
- Brenda Michael Memorial Scholarship (Sponsored by Stockman Bank): Lexi Murer.
- John Edwards Memorial Scholarship: Morgan Buckingham
