EVENTS
All-Around Champion Cowboy, 1975
Team Roper, Champion, 1972-1973, 1975, 1983
Leo Camarillo comes from five generations of cowboys who worked on ranches in the Santa Ynez Valley of southern California. His father, Ralph, a professional roper, made young Leo and his brother, Jerold, a head-and-heel team when they were old enough to sit on a horse.
Leo Camarillo entered the pro rodeo arena in 1967 at age 20. His coordination and aggressive style made him the best team roper of the 1970s. On his legendary horse, Stick, he won the National Finals average in team roping every year from 1968 through 1970. Through the 1970s Leo and his partners dominated the event, taking the championship in 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1983. Leo Camarillo’s talents brought him the all-around championship in 1975.
For Camarillo, rodeo was a business. He made up his mind to win more money than any previous contestant in his event. With his earnings he bought a ranch at Clements, California, set up a string of roping schools, and founded a company that makes team-roping equipment. He now resides in southern California and operates Camarillo Enterprises.
