Lee Graves
Rodeo Athlete - Inducted 2006
Lee Graves claimed his first World Steer Wrestling title on December 1, 2005, at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. At the NFR, Graves wrestled 10 steers in a combined time of 39.2 seconds, only the second time in Wrangler NFR history a finalist put 10 steers down in less than 40 seconds. In 2005, Lee also won his fifth Canadian steer wrestling title. He also set a new bulldogging record at the Calgary Stampede, taking down a steer in 3.1 seconds.
Lee Graves has been a steer wrestler for about 10 years and has attended the NFR seven times. In a PRCA press release, he said that “he has worked hard at steer wrestling for so long and that he has had some terrible Finals; but, this time he told himself it was time to do something. This is just so awesome.”
In January 2006, Lee Graves was announced as the Calgary Booster Club Male Athlete of the Year - becoming the first rodeo athlete in 49 years to win the Booster Club Award. He takes pride in his job and said winning the Calgary award was a big honour for all rodeo stars.
