Induction Ceremony 10/1/2024
Being born in Nebraska and raised in Montana almost guaranteed that Steve Wood had a place in rodeo. He competed in high school rodeo in SB and BR before joining the Marines in 1968 where he served for the next 23 years. In his role as a communications specialist he served at MCAS El Toro, MCB 29 Palms, Okinawa, Viet Nam and the Middle East during Desert Storm.
While stationed in CA during the 1970’s Steve competed in open rodeos in SB and BR and was part of the Yuma Military Finals Rodeo in 1982 and 1983. When the Military Rodeo Association (MRA) was formed he became a Team Captain for the 29 Palms team and led them to the team championship for 1983. After being reassigned to MCAS El Toro he became the team captain of their rodeo team. Steve was instrumental during the mid-80’s in getting rodeo schools to be conducted locally for the military contestants to build skills. He competed at the MRA World Finals in 1985 and 1988. During his time at 29 Palms, he helped start the first military rodeo held on the base and hosted the 1983 MRA Finals. It was during this period that he got a start in stock contracting as he owned several bulls that were used as practice stock at 29 Palms and Camp Pendleton.
After retiring from the Marines Steve continued working in the communications field, before eventually managing a hardware store. Steve continued his efforts as a stock contractor and provided bulls to many rodeos in AZ from 2004 to 2014. He has served on the Eagar, AZ 4thof July Rodeo committee since 2000 and as president of the committee in 2019. Wanting to honor all of those who competed in military rodeo, Steve led the effort to found the Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and was elected its first President in 2018.
Born: 1952 in Kearney, NE
