WTC Graduate Inducted into Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame

Colorado Springs, CO -- Dave Appleton, who competed for the Western Texas College rodeo team in the early 1980's was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame on Saturday. Appleton graduated from Sam Walker's welding program in 1982. He competed in bareback riding and saddle bronc riding on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit for 15 seasons. Appleton qualified for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo eight times in bareback riding and three times in saddle bronc riding. Appleton won the saddle bronc riding title in 1986. Appleton won the bareback riding championship and the all around gold buckle at the 1988 PRCA National Finals Rodeo. He defeated three time champion Lewis Field to become the first Australian born Cowboy to win the title. Appleton planned to be a jockey, but grew too tall and changed his focus to rodeo when he was 15 years old. He earned his PRCA card in 1980 and competed at the top level through 1994.