The late Kenny McLean of Okanagan Falls, B.C., is being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs this summer. Considered by many to be the
greatest Canadian rodeo cowboy of all time, McLean, an Okanagan Indian from British Columbia, had
a career distinguished by its volume, versatility and singular consistency.
Apart from being PRCA Rookie of the Year in 1961 and winning the World Champion Saddle Bronc
title a year later, McLean qualified for the National Finals Rodeo nine times (1961-65, 1967-69, 1971)
and never missed winning an average cheque there—in an era when the payouts only went six deep.
He won the average title three times (1964, 1968, 1971), finished second once, fourth twice and
sixth three times. In 77 rides at the NFR, he was bucked off only five times—and never twice in the
same year. McLean also qualified for the NFR in tie-down roping in 1972—the year he won the Canadian Tie-Down Roping and Steer Wrestling championships—and twice won the Linderman Award, given annually to the cowboy who displays the highest level of excellence at both ends of the arena.
Induction ceremonies are scheduled for July 13 in the garden area of ProRodeo Hall of Fame
and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
