2013 Cowboy
of the Year
GERALD Hoover HAYS
“It doesn't matter whether you're in Corpus
Christi, Texas or Luxton, British Columbia, mention the name, “Hoover” and people know who
you're talking about.”
The words were spoken by Murry Milan,
CPRA President who was talking about the
2013 Douglas Lake Ranch Cowboy of the Year
in Canadian Pro Rodeo--Gerald (Hoover) Hays.
“If you're at a rodeo and you need a truck,
Hoover will give you his and find a way to get
home,” Milan added. “He's a guy who lives for
rodeo and has given an awful lot to this sport.
It's his life.”
'Hoover' was crowned Cowboy of the Year during the recently completed 40th Anniversary
Canadian Finals Rodeo and was taken completely by surprise by the honour.
“I knew I'd been nominated a few times before but I was totally surprised that I'd won it,”
the Rocky Mountain House cowboy beamed. “It's such an honour to get this.”
Hoover's career followed that of his dad, Gerry Hays, who rode broncs and roped calves. After
a short-lived career as a bareback rider, Hoover turned to steer wrestling and competed for a couple of decades with multiple appearances at the Calgary Stampede and just about every major
rodeo in North America to his credit. Though he got to just one CFR-in 1991-he qualified another
time but was hurt and couldn't go and in1982 was winning Canada when a broken arm put an end
to his season.
Included in the Hoover Hays highlight package are holding the arena record at Cheyenne, a
5.4 in 1997, a time that's been equaled but never beaten and his record-equaling 13 qualifications
for the short go at Pendleton. “I'd trade 'em all for one win down there,” he quipped. But it was
son J.D. who took care of that bit of unfinished business, taking the Oregon title in 2011.
And, of course, Hoover is no stranger to the other side of the doggin' box. He started hazing
back in the 70's as he was learning the steer wrestling game from good friend, Bob Hare, in
California. And as a hazer, there aren't many any better than Gerald Hays. And, by the way, it was
during the California phase of his career that the nickname took hold. “There was an announcer
and auctioneer down there and he hung Hoover on me because of how fast I could go through
food.”
But for all his own arena success, ask Hoover and he'll tell you that what he's most proud of
is helping his two sons, J. D. and Rowdy, to CFR appearances of their own. With Dad on the other
side of the box doing the hazing most of the time, both of the younger Hays boys have had outstanding steer wrestling careers of their own.
And maybe the best
news of all - that giant
Hoover grin, never ending
help for anyone needing it
and the extended hand of
friendship to everyone he
sees at a rodeo will be very
much in evidence in 2014
and for many, many more
years. With his log-hauling
put to bed for the summer
and wife Kathy handling
things on the home front,
Hoover will be on the rodeo
trail, lovin' every minute of
it and helping out everywhere he can.
Hoover Hays hazing for his son, JD - 2012 CFR
82
~ 2014 CPRA Media Guide ~