HALL OF FAME: A RECORD OF NSPRA HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Ronnie Rossen

Ronnie ''Punch'' Rossen
Absarokee, Montana
Membership Card #99

Ronnie was born in Ogallala, Nebraska on July 7, 1937. He went
to school in Merino, CO, then settled on a ranch at Broadus, MT and
later in Absarokee, MT. Ronnie was a champion bull rider from the
very start of his rodeo career. He was known to have a grip on a rope
never surpassed or even matched by any other. He had the ability to
ride bulls that no one else could and the desire to win and never let
broken bones and bruises bother him. He once won the All Around at
the Finals with a broken jaw he had suffered earlier in the day at the
afternoon performance.

Ronnie has had many stories and poems written about him which
told of his unique character. At times Ronnie seemed bold and
crude, but deep down, Ronnie was kind, warmhearted, loved people
and would give all he had to someone in need.

Ronnie won the World Championship three times in the RCA and
after joining the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association, he won the
Bull Riding World Champion Titles seven times from 1984 to 1990.
He won the Finals Championship seven more times during the
years from 1981 to 1990. Ronnie served as the Bull Riding Director
on the Board of Directors of the N.S.P.R.A
.
Ronnie ended his rodeo career as well as his life doing what he
loved best, riding bulls at a NSPRA rodeo at Rocky Ford, CO on
August 16, 1991.


Inducted: 1996

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