IPRA member, Ronnie Williams at the IFR in 1977
– Courtesy of the family
Ronnie Williams
story by Siri Stevens
Ronnie Williams has been involved with the IPRA for 45 years, first as a contestant, then a field rep, and finally as the Executive Director, before stepping away in 2003. “The IPRA showed more growth during the time Ronnie was with us than any other time,” said Dale Yerigan, IPRA General Manager. “I think his success then is something we can have now. He has a great rapport with the committees and the stock contractors. He’ll be a great representative for them as well as the contestants.”
Ronnie grew up in Ft. Worth, Texas, and went to the stockyards every week in the winter to ride. “I started out riding bareback horses in 1964. The first rodeo I ever entered was in Ft. Worth.” He traveled with Red Doffin, and added steer wrestling to his events. “I had a little bit of success with that, and I owned a real good horse that I sold to Red. That horse made horse of the year several times. I had a lot of doors open for me when I rodeoed and I always tried to travel and rodeo with the best guys out there.”
Ronnie, who lives in Springtown, Texas, joined the IPRA in 1969 and over the next 15 years he won eight world championships in the bareback riding, qualifying for the IFR 14 times. After a career-ending injury, he switched his focus to the administrative side for the next 19 years. “I started as a field rep and ended up as the Executive Director.” After he left in 2003, Ronnie stayed involved in the rodeo industry by becoming the president for the Texas High School Rodeo Association and continued his involvement in rodeo through his son, Riley. “I have a horse business here and stayed in the industry through my horses.” His dedication to the sport of rodeo was honored in 2010 when he was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Ronnie was approached to come back to work with the IPRA last year. “I came as Project Manager.,” he said. “I’ve given my whole life to the IPRA and I hope I can do them some good.” After a few months on the job, Ronnie is excited about what he is seeing. “I’ve been steady on the trail and I’m seeing committees and stock contractors working hard to put on great rodeos for the IPRA. It’s my job to help with whatever I can do to benefit the IPRA.”
He officially came on board with the IPRA in March and has been on the road ever since. “I’m getting a feel for things and trying to establish relationships and attend as many rodeos as I can. I think it takes a hands on approach and that’s what I’m doing.”
His goal is to get the association on a growth pattern that includes the youth. “I want to introduce the youth to the IPRA and get them started competing. I hope to create incentive amongst the association. Anything that compliments rodeo, I’m for it. I want to see it so that guys can set up runs and support IPRA and any other rodeo that helps them make it work.”
“I gave my life to this association and I’m glad to be back. I’m in a position where I can commit – my son is raised – and I can help them grow.”
