Watt Now?

W.R. (Bob) Watt Jr., the president of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, announced his retirement April 21 after more than 30 years as the rodeo’s top executive and a respected civic leader.

Mayor Mike Moncrief has declared May 4 as W.R. Watt Day in Fort Worth.

Watt became secretary and general manager of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in 1973, and then took over as president and general manager in 1978, when his father, W.R. Watt Sr., died after 31 years at the helm.

Under Bob Watt’s leadership, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo experienced record growth, expanding from 12 to 24 days at the Will Rogers Coliseum. Livestock entries have increased by more than 50 percent, going from 14,560 animals shown in 1978 to more than 22,000 in 2010.

The number of livestock auctions has grown from seven to 17, with sales receipts increasing more than six fold from $744,000 to more than $5 million.

The Stock Show currently hosts nearly 1 million visitors each year, up from 610,000 in 1978.

Watt is a native of Fort Worth. He grew up at the Stock Show under the guidance of his father, who was president of the show from 1946 until his death in 1977.

“Bob’s leadership skills along with his passion for the Stock Show and the city of Fort Worth have left a legacy for future leaders of the show,” said Stock Show Chairman Edward P. Bass. “His contributions will help guide the organization to continued success. He is a true friend of the city, of agriculture and rodeo.”

Bradford Barnes takes over as the new president and general manager of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

World champion saddle bronc rider McLean honored with statue

Kenny McLean, the 1962 world champion saddle bronc rider, will be honored posthumously by his hometown of Okanagan, British Columbia when city officials unveil a life-size bronze statue of him May 8 in Centennial Park.

McLean qualified for the National Finals Rodeo nines times as a saddle bronc rider (1961-65, 1967-69, 1971) and once as a tie-down roper (1972), winning the saddle bronc average title three times (1964, 1968, 1971).

Considered one of Canada’s greatest all-around cowboys, McLean had 13 major Canadian national titles in his career, second only to Rod Warren’s 14. He won four all-around championships and individual titles in saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling.

McLean is a member of the Canadian Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and received the Order of Canada.

Funding for the statue is being derived from the sale of 100, 18-inch replicas and a limited edition painting by First Nation artist Roy Henry Vickers.

McSpadden added to Claremore (Okla.) Wall of Fame

ProRodeo Hall of Fame announcer Clem McSpadden will be honored with a place on the Claremore (Okla.) Wall of Fame when it is opened to the public April 26 at the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum.

The grand opening of this permanent exhibit is part of Destination Claremore Week, April 23-May 1, which is designed to promote the city and its attractions.

McSpadden was a state legislator and U.S. Congressman in addition to being a legendary rodeo announcer and general manager of the National Finals Rodeo for 18 years (1967-84).

He is joined on the Wall of Fame by such notables as Will Rogers, singer Patti Page, past CEO of JC Penny W.R. Howell and playwright Lynn Riggs, who wrote Green Grow the Lilacs, the inspiration for Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical Oklahoma!

Barnes’ son accepts basketball scholarship from University of Hawaii

Shooting guard Bo Barnes, the son of seven-time World Champion Team Roping Header Jake Barnes, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the University of Hawaii.

Bo Barnes averaged 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals a game last season while leading Westwind Prep International in Phoenix to a 30-3 record and a spot in the state 2A finals.

Before attending Westwind, the 6-foot-4 Barnes starred at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Christian, where he averaged 19 points a game and shot 55 percent from three-point range.

Barnes chose Hawaii over Iowa State and became the fifth recruit signed by first-year Rainbow Warriors coach Gib Arnold.