Fifteen cowboys braved the heat and high winds to compete in the first annual “Tough Enough to Wear Purple” steer wrestling competition on May 8 at the Kingfisher Roundup Club Arena. The event raised more than $2,500 for cancer research at OMRF.
The contest was hosted by the family of Floyd Cross as a celebration of his victory over cancer. Cross, who fought cancer for 12 years, attended the event, and his children served as organizers.
“I love my daddy, and we wanted to do something to celebrate his life,” said daughter Sherrie Cross. “Too many people are dying of this disease, and we hope we can do something to help find a cure.”
Participants hailed from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Iowa and competed for the best of three average times. First place went to E.J. Batchhold of Booker, Tex. Ryan Swayze of Freedom, Okla., and Paul Doherty of Van, Tex., tied for second, and third place went to Shawn Musil of Crescent, Okla.
In addition to T-shirt sales, donations came from raffle ticket sales for items which included a football signed by Curtis Lofton, steaks, gift certificates and original artwork.
“The Cross family has introduced us to a whole new fundraising experience,” said OMRF Vice President of Development Penny Voss. “It’s clear that they are passionate, not only about their own family’s health but also that of people they’ll never know. Those cowboys worked hard out there, but it’s all for a good cause, and we appreciate what they’re doing to help us fight cancer.”
