Hugo Pro Rodeo legends

Dec. 18, 1920- June 17, 1966

Todd Whatley was a true all-around cowboy, working both ends of the arena. Born in 1920 in Rufe, Okla., his rodeo career began at age 17 when he rode a wild cow at a competition in Battiest, Okla. Ten years later, in 1947, he won the steer wrestling world title and by virtue of winning more money than any other contestant in two or more events, was awarded the first all-around title by the Rodeo Cowboys Association. In 1953, he added another title to his collection with the bull riding world title. Throughout his career, Whatley won titles at all the major rodeos, including Cheyenne (1945 bull riding title), Phoenix (1948 steer wrestling and 1952 bull riding champion) and Houston (1947 and 1952 steer wrestling and 1952 bareback riding titles). Whatley served on the Board of Directors as the bull riding representative from 1952-57. After retiring from competition in 1956, he divided his time between running his ranch and working as a rodeo judge. 

May 24, 1912- July 1, 1964

Dec. 8, 1931- July 5, 2023

Max Bryan “Turk” Robinson, a true embodiment of rugged masculinity and a living Marlboro Man. Turk’s humble beginnings would ultimately lead him to become an iconic figure in American advertising. Turk’s professional journey as a cowboy and Marlboro Man brought him acclaim and recognition.Another of this new breed of real cowboys Turk Robinson, of Hugo, Oklahoma, who said he was recruited for the role while at a rodeo simply standing around behind the chutes, as was the custom for cowboys who had not yet ridden their event. He won numerous rodeos throughout his career and became a beloved figure in the world of professional rodeo. His larger-than-life personal and rugged charm captivated audiences and left an enduring impression on all who encountered him. He was a man who definitely lived life to the fullest, demonstrating resilience, determination and the power of carving one’s own path and leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. 

Jackie Jo Perrin is a well-known figure of the rodeo. Currently, Jackie is a lawyer, whose focus includes the areas of personal injury-plaintiff, divorce, estate planning, family law, probate and estate administration with offices in Hugo and McAlester, OK. However, when a Hugo resident is asked to name a prominent female figure in connection to the rodeo, Jackie’s name is one of the first to come up. Jackie, like many women in connection to the rodeo, holds her place as one of the most successful barrel racers in the sport. Her list of accomplishments is long, as she is ranked among some of the top earning winners, and holds many prestigious titles. She holds the titles of “World Champion Barrel Racer,” “Youngest World Champion,” “Rookie of the Year,” and the “Wrangler NFR Average Champion,” all from the year 1977.

Nov. 8 1943,- Nov. 13, 2024

Taylor qualified for the National Finals Rodeo eight times from 1968 to 1975 and won the RCA Tie-Down World Championship in 1973. He also served as a mentor to some of the most prolific cowboys in PRORODEO history. He got his RCA permit in 1963 and quickly made his mark on the PRORODEO scene with eight straight NFR appearances. Taylor finished third in the NFR average in 1973 to secure his only world championship. In his final NFR appearance in 1975, he finished as the reserve average champion.

Mar. 3, 1942- Oct. 11, 2011

Betty Arnett Muntz may be Hugo’s most famous and well-known woman in connection to the rodeo in the 1950s and 1960s.  Oklahoma has seen its fair share of Rodeo Queen title holders. However, being such a small town, Hugo in particular has only two notable names associated with this title. As a Rodeo Queen winner in the 1960s, Betty  is one of Hugo’s most recognizable names in association with the rodeo. Muntz was a finalist, who won the state title in Chickasha, OK in July of 1961, going on to compete for the national title of “Miss Rodeo America” in Las Vegas, NV in November of 1961 when she was 19. Muntz came from a rodeo family, where both her father and grandfather were ranchers.