Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Expands Exhibits with Induction of the
"Class of 2003"
January 14, 2003
Fort Worth Stockyards. Six new displays have been added to the Texas
Cowboy Hall of Fame, bringing the total to 40. New displays include
photos and memorabilia for Guy Allen, Neal & Kay Gay, Helen K. Groves,
George Strait, and Fred Whitfield. An exhibit also features the Light
Crust Doughboys who received the first annual "Spirit of Texas Award."
Over 500 guests received a "Stockyards-style" welcome as they arrived
at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame on Friday, January 10 to witness the
induction of the Class of 2003. Greeters included drovers from the
Fort Worth Longhorn Herd, the Fort Worth Police Department Mounted
Patrol, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Dept. Mounted Patrol, the Legends
of Texas Reinactors, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and champion fiddlers.
Host Holt Hickman, called each inductee to the stage to receive an
award and medallion.
Guy Allen, 16 time world champion steer roper, was competing in Odessa
and could not attend. His father, James Allen, accepted his award.
"Guy has always wanted to do his best. From the age of 3, he would
rope anything that moved!"
Pam Minick, Mistress of Ceremonies, noted that other competitors would
frequently stay to watch "The Legend" in action, roping steers in
record time.
Neal & Kay Gay, stock producers and founders of the Mesquite
Championship Rodeo.
This remarkable couple was introduced by Jim Jennings, Mesquite Rodeo
announcer. In her acceptance speed, Kay noted that to be a part of the
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame was to be a part of rodeo history. Husband,
Neal, wryly noted, "I knew somebody could make money at this, if they
could hang on long enough."
Helen K. Groves, raised on the legendary King Ranch and a Texas
ambassador for the equine industry, was introduced by Clay Murray with
NCHA.
Mrs. Groves has a true appreciation of both good horses and history.
"I am so honored to be a part of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame." Then,
gesturing to the expanse of the1911 Horse & Mule barn that houses the
museum, she said, "These buildings in the Stockyards were built to
last!"
More....
Walt Garrison, a member of the Hall of Fame, introduced the Light
Crust Doughboys, recipients of the first "Spirit of Texas" Award.
Because of the "Doughboys," Fort Worth can truly be called the
"birthplace of western swing." Art Greenhaw accepted the award on
behalf of the group, noting his regret that Smokey Montgomery did not
live to witness this latest honor for the historic group. (Mr.
Montgomery died in 2001 after performing with the Light Crust
Doughboys for over sixty years.)
Texas Cowboy Hall of Famers, Roy Cooper and Phil Lyne, introduced
their long-time friend George Strait. "Because of my success in the
music industry, I can afford to spend time with my family and do the
things that I love." He told the crowd that he never wanted to lose
his connection with his ranching roots or his cowboy friends. Mr.
Strait founded and participates in the Classic Team Roping
Championship in San Antonio.
Long-time friend, Roy Moffitt, introduced 6 time World Champion Calf
Roper Fred Whitfield. "I really appreciate this honor since it is my
first. You know, it's hard to win just one world championship as tough
as the competition is these days." Mr. Whitfield won over the crowd,
carrying his 2 year old daughter Savannah to the stage to accept his
award.
After the ceremony, inductees had the opportunity to enjoy their
displays among their friends and guests before dinner.
In good company....
Previous inductees into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame who attended the
event and who are honored with displays include:
Roy Cooper, Phil Lyon, Bob Moorhouse, Bob Watt, Quail Dobbs, Mitzi &
Lanham Riley, Guy Weeks, Mr. J. Pat Evans, Debbie & Walt Garrison,
Clyde Frost, Buster Welch, and Matlock Rose.
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