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History - Stories from the SDRA Archives THE SDRA IS VERY EXCITED about its future and the growth it has continued to experience, especially considering today’s economy. With the passing of Rodeo as South Dakota’s Official Sport, SD has shown it’s support of Rodeo and the cowboy way of life. The SDRA was established in 1955 to help organize the rodeo contestants, committees and stock contractors of SD for their mutual protection and benefit.

In 1955 entry fees were $10 and a SDRA membership was $1. There were 5 events to participate in Saddle Bronc, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping and Bull Dogging, with an All-Around also being awarded that year. In 1960 the SD Cowgirls Association joined the SDRA.

Over its impressive history the SDRA has crowned approximately 568 champions! It is one of the largest associations in the nation. The SDRA remains a unique association as it’s members are all SD residents. SD has produced many world champions also, some of which were SDRA members!

The magnitude of work from hundreds of individuals that have worked tirelessly to create, maintain and promote this association is mind boggling! Throughout this year I will try to come up with some interesting stories from our archives, not all the stories will be able to go in our annual magazine so hope to get some here in our Rodeo News. If you have some you would want to share just let us know.

First Meeting of the South Dakota Rodeo Assoc. - Feb. 2, 1955

The first meeting was held at Duffy’s café.  It was decided by vote, to call this association the, South Dakota Amateur Rodeo Association. Open to any South Dakota amateur cowboy.

We decided to have a point award system. At the end of the year all points will be totaled up, and a fall championship rodeo held to crown the champions. Trophies to be given to the top cowboys in the five major events. Membership dues are $10.00

Any amateur cowboy can ride at these amateur rodeos, but points will not count for him until he is a member of the S.D.A.R.A. Rodeo secretaries from every rodeo have to send in a list of the winners, at each rodeo, so we can keep track of their points. It was decided to have five main directors, a President, secretary and a treasurer. There will be a director for each event and that director its to find a sponsor for his event, for the fall rodeo. Erv Korkow was spokesman, and Nora Austin was secretary.

Second Meeting - Feb. 28, 1955

The meeting was called to order by Erv Korkow, followed by the reading of the minutes on the first meeting by Nora Austin. The officers were then elected. President-Erv Korkow, Directors: Art Cowan, Jerome Austin, Ed Duffy, Jim Sutton, Bill Holland. Secretary-Nora Austin, Treasurer-Phyllis Schlemme, The rodeo rules and regulation were then set up. The cowboys vote for rodeo judges were as follows: Jim Sutton, Art Cowan, Jerome Austin, Ken Gregg, Les Norman, Rod Curtis, The meeting then closed and coffee was served by Ed Duffy.