Popular Texas calf roper Smith honored by fans

Thursday, Dec. 2, 1999 | 4:10 a.m.

Easygoing Texas cowboy Stran Smith joined a prominent list of athletes when he was honored as the 1998 Original Coors Fans' Favorite Cowboy during the closing ceremony of the 40th National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center. Rodeo fans from across the country voted the three-time NFR calf roping qualifier to the prestigious award.

With the award, Smith became one of 15 cowboys to have received the honor, presented annually by Original Coors, a major sponsor of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

"Stran Smith is just a clean-cut, all-American cowboy and we couldn't ask for a better recipient," said Laura Sankey, brand director of the Original Coors brand. "Stran is a shining star of the PRCA and we're honored to have somebody of this caliber become the 1998 Original Coors Fans' Favorite Cowboy. He is an exceptional role model, especially when you consider how relatively new he is to the sport."

Original Coors Rodeo representatives presented Smith a $5,000 bonus check and a specially engraved pocket watch during the emotional post-NFR ceremony held on the arena floor.

"This award means more to me than any other that I've ever won because it's voted on by the fans," said Smith, 28.