CTCPA Hall of Fame
Established in 2023, the CTCPA Hall of Fame recognizes the exceptional contributions and lasting impact of individuals who have played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of Team Cattle Penning in Canada.
Each year, the CTCPA Hall of Fame Committee selects and inducts individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, commitment, and leadership in supporting and advancing the sport.
2023 Nominees
Debbie Thompson
Debbie Is being posthumously inducted into the CTCPA Hall of Fame in recognition of her incredible legacy as a competitor, coach, builder, and lifelong ambassador for the sport of Team Cattle Penning in Canada.
Debbie passed away in January 2022, but her presence is still felt in every corner of the penning world. Her 2023 induction is a reflection of the deep and lasting impact she had—from grassroots development to national competition.
She was one of the original six founding members of the CTCPA and helped lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most respected organizations in Western performance sport. Over the years, she also served as President of the CTPA and was a dedicated member of the Calgary Stampede Western Performance Horse Committee—always stepping up to lead, organize, and give back to the sport she loved.
Debbie’s love for penning ran deep, and her passion showed in everything she did. She gave selflessly from day one, always focused on improving the experience for riders, horses, and spectators alike.
Her competitive achievements were equally impressive. Some of her most memorable wins include the CTCPA National Finals Open Shootout with her husband Bryan Thompson and Hugh McPherson, the Calgary Stampede Roughstock Championship with Bryan and her daughter Amy Carver, and the CTPA Regional Finals Open with Bryan and her son Chris Thompson. For Debbie, penning wasn’t just about the adrenaline—it was about connection. To the horses. To the people. And most of all, to her family.
For over 30 years, Debbie and Bryan opened their gates at Black Diamond Land and Cattle—now known as Thompson Arena—for weekly Wednesday night practices. These sessions became legendary, welcoming newcomers and seasoned pros alike. Riders came to learn, improve, and be part of something bigger than the sport itself.
Debbie had a way of lifting others up—whether it was through a quiet word of encouragement, a thoughtful piece of advice, or simply leading by example. Her presence made people better, both in and out of the arena.
She was a fierce competitor, a generous mentor, and above all, a loving wife, mother, and friend. Her contributions helped shape the sport into what it is today, and her legacy continues to ride on in every pen.
With love, admiration, and endless respect, we welcome Debbie Thompson into the CTCPA Hall of Fame.
Rick Dalton
Rick had began penning in 1989, with his wife, Lillian, joining him the following year. This incredible duo competed for many years, forming lifelong friendships and creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Rick, alongside Pat and Donnie, played a key role in coordinating and developing the separation of CTPA from the Canadian association, helping to establish a unified national organization for the sport. A longtime competitor, sponsor, and volunteer, Rick was instrumental in organizing the National Finals for many years, helping the event grow and evolve.
Through Rick’s influence and dedication, the Nationals expanded significantly over the years—starting in a tent, later moving to the Big 4 Building, and now taking place in this incredible venue, with nearly 1,400 teams competing. His passion and commitment to Team Penning have helped shape the thriving community we have today.
Rick has dedicated countless hours to the sport, volunteering in sponsorship, event organization, and promotion, always putting the success of penning ahead of himself. His selflessness and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact on the sport and its competitors.
In his early years of competing, Rick went several years without winning a buckle. To celebrate his perseverance, a group from Deb and Bryan Thompson’s Wednesday night practices chipped in to create a special custom buckle for him—listing every class he entered, including the “Smooth Mouth Class,” more commonly known as the 150 Class.
Rick’s unwavering dedication, hard work, and love for the sport have helped shape Team Penning into what it is today. His contributions, both on and off the arena, are deeply appreciated, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of riders.
Pat Clarke
One of the original Canadian 6 Board Members, has been a dedicated contributor to the sport of Team Penning for many years. His influence not only helped expand national exposure, but he was also a longstanding volunteer, playing a vital role in organizing shows and supporting the sport’s growth.
Pat began penning locally in Alberta in 1989, where he built lifelong friendships and cherished countless memories. Before discovering his passion for Team Penning, he was actively involved in other equine sports, including polo. His love for horses naturally led him to penning, where he quickly became an advocate for the sport.
A fierce competitor and an equally loyal friend, Pat’s impact on the sport extends beyond competition. After about a year of penning, alongside Rick and Donnie, these three horsemen played a key role in establishing the Century and a Half Class. Their determination paid off when they qualified together as a team and won the buckle, solidifying their place in the history of the sport.
Pat’s dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to Team Penning have made a lasting impact, and his contributions continue to be celebrated by the community he helped build.
Donnie Wilson
Alongside his wife Joanie, was a longtime sponsor of our youth classes. Donnie understood that the future of our sport lay with the younger generation, and he made it a priority to support them. Whether he was cheering on close friends in the arena or offering encouragement to young competitors, Donnie’s enthusiasm for Team Penning was infectious, and his passion will never be forgotten.
It is with deep regret that we were unable to recognize and honor him before his passing. However, we want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for the many years of support and service he dedicated to our beloved sport. His contributions have left an enduring legacy, and we are all better for having known him.
Wendy Wenaas
Wendy began her penning in the early 1990s. Though relatively new to the sport at the time, she volunteered to join the Canadian 6 at its inception. Since starting her penning career in 1993, Wendy has remained deeply involved in the sport. She has generously volunteered her time and served on boards at various local penning clubs.
Each year at the Nationals, Wendy is always among the first to volunteer, offering her time and energy without hesitation. As a volunteer, coach, and friend, she has made a lasting impact on many within the sport.
Many of us remember Wendy organizing practice pennings at the Bull Pen with Tom and Micaela, offering weekly cow recall sessions for the youth. It was during these sessions that she was often seen riding her gelding, Gunner. Together, they won many events, and Wendy would often joke that she could have made a run on Gunner with a rope around his neck—such was their bond and his understanding of the game.
Wendy has devoted much of her life to this sport, continually showing her love and dedication. It is our great pleasure to announce Wendy Wenaas as one of our 2023 Inductees into the Canadian Team Cattle Penning Hall of Fame.
Ellwood Sawby
Ellwood began penning with his wife, Amy, in 1987, and attended his first finals in 1988, where he won the $400 Class. Over the years, Ellwood has served as a Director and President for CTCPA, CTPA, CATPA, and ATSA. In 1994, he founded ATSA and continues to serve as its Treasurer.
In 1992, alongside Murray Papke, Ellwood helped rewrite the CTCPA rulebook. He also worked with Debbie Thompson on the first real classification system in the early ‘90s. His influence in the sport extended to convincing the Regina Agribition Board of Directors to host an annual team penning event, one of the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. Ellwood ran this show for five years, helping to grow the sport in the region.
Ellwood also became close friends with Cam Clark, and together they instigated and ran the Cam Clark 4-Show Winter Series Jackpots for many years, up until 2013, when the event became a co-sanctioned show between CATPA and Chinook. For this series, Cam Clark generously provided buckles, saddles, and hosted an annual dinner banquet. There’s no doubt that this series played a significant role in boosting CTCPA membership.
Over the years, Ellwood’s involvement in the sport has been marked by numerous highlights, including:
- 1st Place Canadian Team at the USTPA Nationals in Amarillo, Texas in 2004, alongside Cam Clark and Greg Mathessen
- Sudden Death Top 5 Finalist at the Denver PBR Finals, in front of over 8,000 fans
- The 2020 Sportsmanship Excellence Award, presented to Ellwood and Amy by the Alberta Equestrian Federation
Ellwood has been an inspiration to all of us. His character, charisma, and unwavering dedication to the sport are qualities we all cherish and admire.
Thank you, Ellwood, for your incredible journey with our amazing sport.
Cam Clark
Cam Clark’s name is synonymous with excellence, integrity, and leadership in team cattle penning across Canada. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a tribute to decades of outstanding contributions—not only as a champion in the arena, but as a visionary builder and tireless ambassador for the sport.
Cam’s impact has been felt in every corner of the penning world. As a competitor, he earned the admiration of his peers through his horsemanship, teamwork, and dedication. But his most enduring legacy lies in his work behind the scenes—creating opportunities, uniting communities, and pushing the sport to new heights.
He was instrumental in producing some of the most memorable events in Canadian penning history, including the renowned series at the Fezdome. His efforts in organizing co-sanctioned competitions between the CTPA and CATPA helped forge a stronger, more connected community—resulting in the largest penning events in Canada outside the National Finals. Cam understood the power of collaboration and made it his mission to bring people together.
His influence was also key to elevating the Canadian National Finals during their time at the iconic Stampede Corral. To amplify the event's profile, Cam donated 12 brand-new Ford Rangers to the winners of the Open, 10, 7, and 5 classes. This bold and generous gesture garnered national attention and set a new benchmark for sponsorship in the sport.
Cam’s support of team penning has been unmatched. No individual or business has contributed more to its growth, promotion, and financial sustainability in Canada. His generosity has made a lasting impact at every level of the sport.
Cam Clark embodies the core values of the CTCPA: community, sportsmanship, innovation, and a deep passion for the western way of life. His Hall of Fame induction honours a lifetime of unwavering dedication and celebrates a legacy that will continue to shape the future of team cattle penning for generations to come.
2024 Nominees
Herb Cox
Herb began penning in 1989–1990 at his local arena, back when the rules of the sport were quite different from today’s standards. He joined the Saskatchewan Club in 1996–1997 and attended his first STCPA Finals in 1997.
Among Herb’s many accomplishments in the sport, his dedication to Team Penning is evident in his service as President of the STCPA for four years and as a former President of the CTCPA. He also played a key role in co-hosting the STCPA Finals in North Battleford in 1999 and in Saskatoon for three consecutive years.
Beyond his contributions to penning, Herb has also made a significant impact in the broader equine industry, earning several honorary distinctions, including:
- SHF Level 1 Western Coach
- Former President of the Battleford Quarter Horse Club
- 4-H Light Horse Club Leader
- Founding President of the Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Breeders Promotional Group, where he helped market and export Saskatchewan-bred Quarter Horses to Germany
- Former Director of the Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association (SQHA)
Outside of the equine world, Herb’s leadership extended into public service. He was elected MLA for the Battlefords and went on to serve as Minister of Environment in Brad Wall’s Saskatchewan government.
More recently, in 2019, Herb took on the complex and often thankless task of updating the STCPA by-laws, demonstrating his continued commitment to the organization. Additionally, he has been a dedicated $10,000 sponsor for the STCPA Finals, a contribution for which we are deeply grateful.
Through his tireless volunteering, generous sponsorship, and unwavering dedication—not only to penning but also to the broader Quarter Horse community—Herb Cox has left an indelible mark on our sport and organization. His lifelong contributions, strong leadership, and commitment to excellence make him truly deserving of our highest recognition and deepest gratitude.
Wayne Klassen
Wayne began team penning around 1992 with a group of friends from the South and Brandon. A few years later, he took a brief sabbatical—though it may have been longer than two years—but when he returned, he did so with a renewed passion. Wayne dedicated himself to strengthening the team penning community and the association, going above and beyond to ensure its success. He worked tirelessly to secure quality cattle, support events, and handle all the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the sport running smoothly. His efforts made a significant impact, and he quickly became a key volunteer for the team penning association in Manitoba. Eventually, he stepped up to take over my role as the CTCPA representative.
From there, Wayne continued to push forward, advocating for the sport not only in Manitoba but across Canada. His leadership helped elevate team penning’s recognition as one of the premier equine sports in the country. He served as President and Vice President of the Manitoba association, as well as President of the CTCPA, playing a major role in organizing and hosting the Manitoba Finals in Brandon for many years.
Wayne has always been a dedicated ambassador for team penning, working diligently to promote and grow the sport. Despite the demands of his personal career, he and Ruth remained committed, attending numerous CTCPA and Manitoba Finals while also making frequent trips to Saskatchewan Finals. Their involvement and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact on the team penning community.
Wayne’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for the sport have made a profound difference. His contributions, both in Manitoba and nationwide, have helped shape team penning into the thriving sport it is today.
Daren Hawrish
Daren has been competing alongside his wife, Patty, for 25 years. Throughout his time in the sport, Daren has been a dedicated representative of both Team Penning and our organization, serving in numerous leadership roles. His contributions include two years on the ATCPS Board of Directors, 10 years on the Fall Classic Committee, 12 years on the CTCPA Board, and eight years on the Nationals Committee.
I can personally recall Daren’s gratitude and sportsmanship—he has always taken the time to thank competitors for their support of the board and personally greet fellow participants at the many events he helped organize. His professionalism, hard work, and unwavering dedication are evident in every role he has undertaken over the years.
Among Daren’s many penning achievements, a standout moment has been winning four championship buckles alongside his wife and teammate, Patty—with their most recent buckle victory in Las Vegas in 2023. Achieving such success at that level of competition is an incredible feat, and it highlights why Team Penning is truly a family sport, bringing people together through shared passion and dedication.
When I reached out to Daren, he expressed his deep appreciation for the sport, sharing, “I really enjoy helping out at shows” and “I have met many great people through penning and have formed close friendships with many of them.” These words reflect the heart of what makes our sport so special—the sense of community, camaraderie, and lasting connections.
Daren, you have played a vital role in shaping Team Penning, and we are all incredibly grateful that you and Patty continue to share this sport with us. Your contributions, both on and off the arena, have left a lasting impact, and we thank you for your dedication.
2025 Nominees
Don Clipperton
Don involvement in team cattle penning began at Still Meadows Ranch in 1986, with his competitive career starting the following year. Over the next three decades, he became a dedicated competitor, organizer, volunteer, and mentor whose efforts helped introduce countless riders to the sport.
Throughout his career, Don participated in CTPA, Team Penning Alberta and its related associations, CATPA, and Battle River Team Penning. He served as President of Team Penning Alberta from 1993 to 1996 and helped coordinate and organize associations including Alberta Cattlemen’s, Lakeland, Battle River, and CATPA. His commitment extended well beyond board positions, with countless hours spent supporting shows, securing sponsorship, and helping wherever needed.
As a founder and director of the Alberta/Zender Classic, Don helped create an event that would hold lasting significance for the penning community. He also negotiated with Edmonton Northlands to introduce cattle penning as a demonstration sport during Farmfair and the Canadian Finals Rodeo, bringing the sport to a wider audience. His leadership extended into roles as a Northlands director and Commissioner of the CFR.
Don also contributed to practical changes that helped the sport develop. He helped move cattle identification from single-circle badges to the numbered tags used today, with Team Penning Alberta arranging local production in Edmonton and distributing them to other associations. Working with the CTPA, he also helped develop a numbered rider rating system to replace the previous system based on money earned.
For Don, growing the sport began with welcoming people into it. He introduced many friends and family members to penning, including Roy Bennett and John Hope, who went on to serve in leadership roles themselves. Whether providing horses, tack, lessons, or encouragement, Don made sure newcomers had an opportunity to learn. He was always willing to ride with new competitors and help them find their confidence in the arena.
His own competitive career included 26 years of participation at the National Finals, highlighted by a Century and a Half Class win in 1992 alongside Roy Bennett and John Hope. He also reached the finals at Rodeo Royal and earned numerous buckles and awards across several associations.
Some of Don’s most meaningful memories, however, came from sharing the sport with his family. He taught and competed alongside his sons, Trevor and Troy, his daughter-in-law Sandra, and his grandson Cody, watching them achieve success at association shows and jackpots. Among his proudest moments were seeing Cody win the Junior Youth buckle at Nationals and watching Sandra win the Shootout saddle at the Alberta/Zender Classic’s 20th anniversary—the first family champion among the original Classic founders.
Don remained an active volunteer until his retirement in 2018 and continued to support family and friends from the sidelines afterward. His generosity, leadership, and willingness to help others have left a lasting mark on the sport and the people who share it.
With gratitude for his decades of service and dedication, we welcome Don Clipperton into the CTCPA Hall of Fame as a 2026 inductee.
2026 Nominees
Harold Bayes
Harold has been a dedicated supporter of team cattle penning since he first entered the arena in 1998–1999. As a competitor, volunteer, sponsor, and cattle supplier, his contributions have helped keep the sport growing and created opportunities for riders of all ages.
Over the years, Harold has served on the Central Alberta Team Penning Association (CATPA) board, sponsored numerous classes—with a particular commitment to youth—and supplied quality cattle, often at a moment’s notice. Whether holding an official board position or simply lending a hand where needed, Harold has remained an integral part of the association. Around the arena, you’ll often hear him coaching, cheering, and calling out his familiar encouragement to “Get There!”—whether riding alongside someone or competing against them.
Harold has earned many titles throughout his penning career, each holding its own significance. One of his most memorable victories came at the 2000 CTCPA National Finals, when he won the Shootout alongside Dave Hueppelsheuser and Vern Hamilton. Held in conjunction with the PBR Bull Bustin event at the Saddledome, the competition brought the excitement of team penning to approximately 10,000–12,000 spectators.
Shortly after taking up the sport, Harold began supplying cattle for pennings across Alberta, from the Heritage Classic in Edmonton to events at Silver Slate and the Claresholm Agriplex. He continues to be a major cattle supplier, providing an essential part of what makes these shows possible. In 2006, he also partnered with Jim Gilbert to establish the successful 80/80 Penning Series, creating another opportunity for competitors to come together and enjoy the sport.
Harold started with modest horsepower and excellent cow sense, working his way to the top through dedication both in and out of the arena. Time spent practising at home with family and friends helped develop his horses and sharpen his skills. Among his greatest joys has been the opportunity to ride and compete with his children—a reflection of the family connections at the heart of team penning.
He has partnered with many talented horses over the years, including Fuse, Julie, and Nico, but none holds a more special place in his heart than his current partner, Bet’n.
Harold’s generosity, hard work, and lasting commitment have made a meaningful difference to the CTCPA and the wider penning community. His willingness to step up, support young riders, and help wherever needed reflects the spirit that makes this sport so special.
With gratitude for his many years of dedication, we welcome Harold Bayes into the CTCPA Hall of Fame as a 2026 inductee.
Rocky Davis
Rocky's contributions to team cattle penning are rooted in a family tradition spanning four generations. From Grandpa Ken to Rocky and Heather, their sons Bill, Clint, and Ward, and now their grandchildren, the Davis family has supported the values of community, sportsmanship, and participation that make this sport so special.
Rocky, Heather, and their three sons joined the Alberta Cattlemen’s association in 1998 after Stewart Ainsworth, one of the founding members of ACPSA, invited them to a show near Debolt. As purebred Simmental breeders, the family brought a strong understanding of cattle to the arena and soon found success in penning and sorting. In those early years, their horses came from Grandpa Ken’s breeding program, and Ken himself enjoyed a memorable achievement when he won a saddle at the finals.
That involvement has continued through Bill and Samantha and their three children, along with Clint and Jenn and their two boys. For the Davis family, supporting the sport has always meant more than showing up to compete. Over the years, they have hosted numerous sanctioned shows in Valleyview and taken on the work that makes those events possible—from numbering and settling cattle to setting up pens, running gates, and taking everything down afterward.
Rocky’s belief that “there is always more to learn” eventually led him into cutting. Beginning in 2004, he learned from mentors including Dave Manning, who offered clinics in the Grande Prairie area. Working with the Peace Country Cutting Association, they also helped bring cutting, ranch horse classes, and penning together at a show in Grande Prairie.
During the winters from 2012 to 2020, Rocky travelled to the United States to develop his horsemanship and compete, earning a futurity win in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2017. His commitment to learning has been matched by his willingness to share that knowledge. In recent years, he coached a high school rodeo competitor from Valleyview, helping her reach the Canadian and National finals in cow horse and cutting events.
The family’s generosity also extends through Ardy Rigging, their business established in 1979. Their sponsorship has supported CTCPA National Finals in Calgary, including the 2026 5 Class buckles, along with annual cattle sponsorship for ACPSA, the hospitality room at Edmonton’s Fall Classic, the Valleyview rodeo’s cow horse class from 2012 to 2016, and numerous cutting events.
Rocky and Clint have freely shared their time and experience at clinics and practice pennings, helping riders strengthen their cattle-handling skills and confidence. As respected horsemen, determined competitors, and generous mentors, they have encouraged others to learn, improve, and become part of the community.
Rocky’s lasting contributions reflect a lifetime of learning, hard work, and giving back. Together with his family, he has helped create opportunities for generations of riders and strengthened the connections that keep our sport growing.
With gratitude for his dedication and the Davis family’s ongoing support, we welcome Rocky Davis into the CTCPA Hall of Fame as a 2026 inductee.