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National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Inducted in 1988
PRHS
Ira Akers
EVENTS
Saddle Bronc Rider, Bareback Bronc Rider, Bull Rider
Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1933, Ira Akers grew up working for his father, Jess Akers, a rodeo producer. He naturally tried his hand at the sport in his teenage years.
Akers entered his first amateur rodeo in San Antonio in 1945 and quickly advanced to the professional ranks. Specializing in the roughstock events, he performed in rodeos primarily in the Southwest. Contesting in saddle bronc and bareback riding and also in bull riding, Ira Akers often finished in the money. In 1953, he was the champion bull rider at Abilene and captured all three titles plus the all-around trophy at Lake Charles, Louisiana. At the 1956 Colorado Springs show, he claimed the all-around, bull-riding, and saddle-bronc money. Other similar victories came all around the circuit.
Ira Akers was active in the National Intercollegiate Finals Rodeo and was also one of the founders of the Mesquite, Texas, Rodeo, which helped popularize the sport around the world. He died in 1974.
EVENTS
Saddle Bronc Rider, Bareback Bronc Rider, Bull Rider
Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1933, Ira Akers grew up working for his father, Jess Akers, a rodeo producer. He naturally tried his hand at the sport in his teenage years.
Akers entered his first amateur rodeo in San Antonio in 1945 and quickly advanced to the professional ranks. Specializing in the roughstock events, he performed in rodeos primarily in the Southwest. Contesting in saddle bronc and bareback riding and also in bull riding, Ira Akers often finished in the money. In 1953, he was the champion bull rider at Abilene and captured all three titles plus the all-around trophy at Lake Charles, Louisiana. At the 1956 Colorado Springs show, he claimed the all-around, bull-riding, and saddle-bronc money. Other similar victories came all around the circuit.
Ira Akers was active in the National Intercollegiate Finals Rodeo and was also one of the founders of the Mesquite, Texas, Rodeo, which helped popularize the sport around the world. He died in 1974.
