STURGIS, S.D. – The National Rodeo Hall of Fame has included two South Dakotans in its nominations for 2026.

Former long-time rodeo announcer and promoter Jim Thompson, Sturgis, S.D., and Marvin Garrett, former world champion saddle bronc cowboy are both among 15 finalists  (11 living and four deceased) nominated for the 2026 induction class into what is called “The Hall”, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Okla.

As a lifetime PRCA announcer, Thompson was chosen as the Justin Committeeman of the year for his work with the Deke Latham rodeo in Kaycee, Wyoming in 2008.

He was selected to announce at almost every finals type rodeo in the sport in his career including seven times at the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping in Torrington, Wyo., 30 times at the Don King Days steer roping in Big Horn, Wyo., 15 times at the National High School Finals and over three decades at the Days of 76 in Deadwood, SD.  Rodeos that he has announced have won the PRCA Rodeo of the year 28 times.

“To be recognized by a group of people who consider who is important in rodeo – to have your name included in those discussions – is a great honor,” said Thompson.

Thompson and wife Sherry share five children, 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, the most important thing in their life.

Jim has also been selected to the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Hall of Fame in South Dakota, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Black Hills Stock Show Hall of Fame, South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, and South Dakota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Aside from rodeo he has been the President of the South Dakota Broadcasters, twice elected as State Senator in South Dakota and currently serves as a member of the Sturgis, SD City Council.

He and his wife are members of the Black Hills Cowboy Church near Aladdin, Wyoming.

For nominee Marvin Garrett, Belle Fouche, S.D., it was all about growing up to be a cowboy. But rodeo could have lost its champion completely to wrestling. Garrett was all-state and All-American in 1982 and received wrestling scholarship offers from Iowa and North Dakota. North Dakota and Wyoming also offered rodeo scholarships.

Garrett, born July 28, 1963, in Belle Fourche, S.D., was named Rookie of the Year in 1984. His 1988 NFR appearance earned him his nickname, “Marvelous Marvin.” Four times he has been the association’s regular season money leader in bareback riding. This million-dollar cowboy has won championships at Houston, San Antonio, the Cow Palace, Pendleton (Ore.) and most everywhere in between.

Garrett is a legend in the rodeo world qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo 12 times and took home world titles in 1988, 1989, 1994, and 1995. Because of his major impact on the sport, he was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

Today, he stays active in the rodeo community through coaching at the collegiate level, training, and mentoring.

Votes for nominees are being accepted through July 31, 2026. Become a Rodeo Member in good standing with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to be eligible to vote.

The vote determines who is officially inducted into “The Hall” during the National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend, November 13-14, 2026 in Oklahoma City.