Steve Stollfus was born in the summer of 1967 in Fond du Lac, WI. His youth was spent working with horses and cars with his father instead of rodeo. Following his graduation from Goodrich High School in 1985, Steve enlisted in the USMC.
After boot camp at MCRD San Diego, CA, Steve trained at NAS Millington, TN. His first assignment was to MCAS El Toro, CA. where he met and was recruited by 1987 MRA Bull Riding Champion Bud Dissette for the El Toro rodeo team. Needing experience, he honed his skills in local jackpots and MRA rodeos. After a tour to Okinawa, Japan, where he competed for the Okinawa Rodeo Team, Steve returned to MCAS El Toro, CA. He attended a Bruce Ford rodeo school in 1988 which he credits with building the foundation he used throughout his riding career. While a member of the El Toro team, Steve helped El Toro win the MRA World Champion Team titles in 1988 and 1989. He won rodeos at 29 Palms, San Diego Sports Arena, Lawton, OK and Cannon AFB, NM. During his riding career. He would eventually win the 1991 MRCA World Champion Bareback title with a come from behind WFR performance. Steve served as the MRCA Pacific Circuit Director and Bareback Director from 1992-1996.
Steve transitioned to reserve duty and continued in the active reserves from 1997-2013 where he had assignments at JRB Ft. Worth, TX, and Stewart ANG Base, NY which included 3 tours in support of operation Iraqi Freedom. He would finish his military career at the 4th Marine Air Wing in New Orleans, LA.
After his retirement from the USMC, Steve began a long career with Lockheed-Martin in Ft. Worth, TX continuing his work with airframe structures. Steve currently serves on the Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame Executive Board of Directors.
Military Rodeo World Championships: 1 (BB – 1991)
Born: 1967 in Fond du Lac, WI
