Sam Lee was born in Longview, WA and raised in New Carlisle, OH where he played a variety of sports and worked with training horses before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1984.
After graduating boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, SC, Sam was assigned to Camp Pendleton, CA as a mechanic for amphibious assault vehicles. His history with horses drew him to the rodeo arena in Fallbrook, CA operated by future hall of famer Bill Hiscock. There he met future hall of fame cowboy Jack Walker who helped him start practicing BB and SB and he joined the 1st FSSG rodeo team.
Sam would compete and win BB and SB titles at military rodeos throughout the southwest from 1984-1988 including classic locations like Hawaii Military Rodeo, 29 Palms, Lakeside, CA, and Camp Pendleton, CA. During this time, he was juggling rodeo with military assignments in Okinawa Japan and a transfer to Camp Lejeune, NC. Despite the disruptions, he was considered a top hand and a threat for the All Around at every rodeo he entered. Sam would have his best year in 1987 when he won the world title in BB, SB and All-Around becoming the second person to win three Military Rodeo Association titles in a single year.
Sam separated from the Marines in 1988 and moved to Arizona to attend farrier school while continuing to compete in IPRA and PRCA rodeos. This was followed by a move to Roseburg, OR to take over managing a family ranch. He raised a family, managed the ranch, started a financial advisory business and became county treasurer all while announcing local rodeos.
Military Rodeo Association World Championships: 3 (BB, SB, AA – 1987)
Born: 1965 in Longview, WA
