Outside the ProRodeo Hall of Fame stands a mammoth bronze statue of Casey Tibbs riding a bronc. The Champ, which is Tibbs’ nickname, is regarded as the greatest saddle bronc rider ever.

Saturday morning at the Hall of Fame inductions, Dan Mortensen, who has as many bronc riding world championships as Tibbs (six), joined The Champ in the Hall.

“Well, I was just dreading the speech, so I’m glad that’s over,” Mortensen said in a trembling voice. “It’s a great honor to be part of the Hall of Fame because there’s just such great tradition behind it.”

Mortensen headlined a six-member class that included all-around cowboy Leonard Ward (died 1985), bull rider Ted Nuce, steer roper Walt Arnold, stock contractor Erv Korkow (died 1993) and Ace Berry (lifetime achievement).

The group joined the 206 people, 25 animals and 16 rodeos already in the Hall.

The four inductees in attendance were overcome with emotion as their illustrious careers were honored. Berry’s sobs were because of his mother.

“She’s been a No. 1 supporter of me throughout my life,” he said with his hat brim pulled low. “She couldn’t be with me today because of health circumstances. So this is for you mama.”

As for Mortensen, his excitement isn’t likely to die soon.

While signing autographs, a fan yelled out, “Dan, you’re still shaking!”

“That’s ’cause I’m still in shock,” he replied.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Walt Arnold – Qualified for NFR in steer roping 19 times (third all time).

Ace Berry – Qualified for the National Finals Rodeo team roping event in 14 consecutive years (1962-75).

Erv Korkow – Provided stock for the first NFR in 1959 and every NFR until he retired in 1982.

Dan Mortensen – Ranks fifth all-time on the career earnings list with $2,555,716.

Ted Nuce – Qualified for NFR in bull riding 14 consecutive years (1982-95).

Leonard Ward – First cowboy to win three gold buckles in the same year (1934, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and all-around world championships). 

Ken and Ruth Beukema were taken from their Beijing hotel to another hotel and held in quarantine when Chinese officials thought they might have been exposed to the H1N1 virus. Photo by