A gentleman who never knew a stranger, Brent Thurman grinned his way through life. Some have remarked that they have never known another person who liked to smile as much with their front teeth missing. Not only was Brent a world-class champion bull rider, he was a motivator of life.
Thurman was born in Austin, Texas on March 3, 1969 into a family of Central Texas supporters. His Mother, Kay Thurman, said “Whatever was happening at the moment is what Brent wanted to do.” Football, basketball, track and bay fishing were only a few of Thurman’s athletic endeavors. His second favorite sport was golf. He won a city tournament and was determined to join the Senior PGA when he retired from bull riding.
Brent’s bull riding career began at the fearless age of 8 at Cecil Hill’s arena in Austin. Several bull riders commended Thurman’s unique style of riding. He carried his free arm lower than most riders and used his feet more than his upper body. In 1993, Thurman qualified for his first NFR. He finished fifth in the final standings that year and 13th in the 1994 Crown Royal World Standings. He was also a three-time competitor in the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo. After Thurman’s first professional career year ended in 1989, he went on to be ranked in the top 30 bull riders in the world. Brent was a founding member of the PBR in 1993 and was looking forward to the changes it would bring. Although he didn’t live to see the fruits of that dream, he was inducted into the PBR Hall of Fame in 2012.
Great riders and friends like Ty Murray, Randy Thornton, Brian Herman and Michael Gaffney noted that many children looked up to Thurman who basically got along with everyone he met. He volunteered in the special rodeos, competitions for physically and mentally disabled youth, and judged bull riding events throughout Texas in his spare time. Brent became involved with Ms. Candy Jones, the Director of the Program for Special Needs Children at Covington Middle School located in Austin, Texas during this time. He would go to the school where he would serve as a volunteer. He worked with the children in reading as well as with their horticultural projects. This program became very special and dear to Brent’s heart. Before his last National Finals Rodeo, Brent had planned to have a championship bull riding with the proceeds being endowed to this program. We carry on his dream by having the Exceptional Rodeo before our Bull Riding event and by giving proceeds to several non-profits that support mentally and physically challenged adults and children. He was very close to his family, his God, loved a challenge and knew how to find humor and joy in life.
Since the onset of our event, each year we are blessed with the presence of our “Exceptional Athletes” or “Brent’s Kids”, as they are affectionately known by our Foundation. They are children, adults, young and older, that know challenge and adversity each and every day. However, on this one day each year, we watch as these exceptional athletes have the time of their lives. We, as a Foundation, strive to put smiles on their faces as they experience something different and new to their world as they know it. The quiver of an animal beneath them as they ride a horse for the first time. Or the excitement as they throw their first “loop” during the roping event. Their smile after an eight second ride aboard “Mighty Bucky” reflects their sense of accomplishment for both boys and girls.
If you have never watched our Exceptional Rodeo, you leave without the true meaning of this event. Please come join us during our Exceptional Rodeo and feel the love and pride that makes us all feel like all the hard work was worth it.
We are so proud to sponsor these children and adults and in all truthfulness again, we are the winners. We are hoping to see you at the arena at 5:30 P.M. on October 7, 2017. Bull Riding performance is at 7:30 P.M.
