It’s virtually inconceivable to search out an achievement, award or accolade that’s eluded Trevor Brazile. He’s gained greater than anybody else within the historical past of our sport. The Rodeo Historic Society simply discovered a method, and honored our cowboy king with the 2024 Ben Johnson Memorial Award on Saturday night time, November 9 on the Nationwide Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma Metropolis.
This prestigious award is given every year within the title of a outstanding cowboy with the uncommon distinction of being each a world champion crew roper (1953) and an Academy Award-winning actor. Pleasure of Pawhuska, Oklahoma Johnson, who died in 1996 at 77, gained his Academy Award in 1971 for his position in The Final Image Present.
Everybody is aware of about Trevor’s 26 gold buckles and $7 million-plus in profession earnings. However what are the marks of a very good man and worthy rodeo position mannequin and hero for our youngsters and the generations to return? For me, it’s a easy checklist, and Brazile checks each field.
Past his second-to-none work ethic and expertise, Trevor Brazile is a person of God who places his household first. He left his profession whereas nonetheless successful world championships, as a result of Shada, Treston, Model and Swayzi imply extra.
This week, there are two photographs of Trevor in my thoughts that inform this story. One was the candy scene I noticed after I went to search out him for a hug because the induction ceremony concluded. Whereas many had been grabbing one other beer and planning with mates about which bar they might meet at later, I watched Trevor stroll straight over to Delmar Smith.
Kendra Santos Picture
Expensive Delmar is pushing 100. He will get round with the assistance of a walker and scooter now, and was cupping his hand to his ear all weekend, whereas apologizing for forgetting his listening to aids at dwelling. Most there had no concept that Delmar was a world-famous bird-dog coach in his day, and is the King of the Chutes on the Lazy E Area in Guthrie, the place Delmar cracked the gate for generations of cowboys on the Timed Occasion Championship. Trevor made that man’s night time. Mine, too.
The opposite image I simply occurred to run throughout this week was from the Pendleton Spherical-Up the 12 months a few rodeo photographers acquired in Trevor’s street within the steer roping. I’m undecided anybody else on this earth may have had the presence of thoughts to navigate that horse, maintain his slack and spare two lives, whereas additionally sacrificing a a lot fatter paycheck had he not proven the world what final cowboy sportsmanship and humanity seem like. I don’t know who took that image—heck, it would even be a display shot taken from the telecast—however I thank whoever did that for stopping time on a real cowboy traditional.
“That is such an honor,” Trevor stated. “You’re my individuals, and there’s nowhere I really feel extra at dwelling than with you all. After I stroll into a spot like this it takes me again to my roots. I’m so grateful for this Western trade I get to name mine.
“That very same grit Ben Johnson had is the one factor that may flip that potential that everyone has into actuality. I gladly carry the torch. Thanks.”
Raised proper, and cowboy to the core. Thanks, and congratulations, Trevor!
