Bareback Rider Kelly Wardell latest favorite cowboy

Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998 | 3:48 a.m.

Softspoken bareback rider Kelly Wardell joined a prominent list of athletes when he was voted the 1997 Original Coors Fans' Favorite Cowboy.

Rodeo fans from across the country voted the two-time National Finals Rodeo bareback riding qualifier the special honor and he received the award publicly on the arena floor during the awards ceremony following the final round of the 1997 NFR at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The 1998 Original Coors Fans' Favorite Cowboy will be honored in the same way after next Sunday's final go-round.

Wardell, who lives in Bellevue, Idaho, becomes one of 14 cowboys who have received this distinct honor presented annually by Original Coors, a major sponsor of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association.

"Kelly Wardell follows the path of some wonderful athletes who have made a significant impression on their sport," said Bob Haimes, brand director of the Original Coors brand. "Original Coors is pleased and honored that rodeo fans across this land have chosen Kelly as the 1997 Original Coors Fans' Favorite Cowboy. His name will be forever etched alongside of rodeo's most revered cowboys."

Original Coors Rodeo representatives presented Wardell a $5,000 bonus check and a special cowboy sculpture made by western artist Michael Gorman during the post-NFR ceremony.

Wardell, 34, has been a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 1984 and qualified for his first NFR in 1996. He finished 11th in the World Standings in 1996 and ninth in 1997. He has won the Reno Rodeo bareback riding championship each of the last two years.

Born in Jackson, Wyo., Wardell graduated from Sheridan (Wyo.) College and as a certified welder his specialty is spur making.

Wardell's name will be forever enshrined as an Original Coors Fans' Favorite Cowboy at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. Original Coors has sponsored this award annually since its inception in 1982. Voting took place through ballots in the PRCA's Pro Rodeo Sports News Magazine.

Additionally, Original Coors made significant contributions in Wardell's name to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

All-Time Fans' Favorite Cowboy Winners

1997 -- Kelly Wardell

1996 -- Shawn McMullan (Posthumously)

1995 -- Tuff Hedeman

1994 -- Deb Greenough

1993 -- Derek Clark

1992 -- Cody Custer

1991 -- Bob Logue

1990 -- Robin Burwash

1989 -- Lane Frost (Posthumously)

1988 -- Mel Coleman