WEST HUGGINS

To be a rodeo announcer, you have to possess a voice that captures and keeps the attention of a crowd and engages very diverse groups, all while not being seen. Knowledge of the sport, passion and excitement, a trustworthy sound and the ability to take control of a variety of situations are all necessary to be considered great behind the mic.

By Hannah Crandall

West Huggins is great behind the mic; and he’s been guiding fans through the experience of watching a rodeo for more than 20 years. His first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo to announce was the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo in Cleburne, Texas over a decade ago, and he’s still taking over that loud and excitement-filled arena, along with other responsibilities, today.

“My involvement with this rodeo is not only the announcer, but I’m also the production manager with Kit Woody, the lieutenant, and David Welty, the captain,” Huggins explained. “So, I’m part of the production team, and my marketing company, Rockin H Marketing, helps with marketing and advertising for the rodeo. We just have a lot of involvement actually. We kind of feel like we’re citizens of Johnson County, even though we live in Midland.”

Chosen as UPRA Announcer of the Year eight times, Huggins has also worked the CINCH United Finals Rodeo eight times; and he became a PRCA member in 2006. Huggins’ family, his wife (Keri) and two sons, travel and work with him regularly, and his wife has even been selected to work the CINCH United Finals Rodeo multiple times and holds a PRCA card as a secretary.

Huggins has been passionate about rodeo and announcing rodeos since he was just a child, but his career has grown into an exceptional success story since then. However, despite all the success found and the opportunities to travel to and announce rodeos across the country, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo will always hold a special place in his heart; and Huggins sees significant opportunity for growth.

“When you announce a long-standing rodeo, it means a lot; because that means they’ve heard other announcers and seen everything they can see, so when they keep you, you feel like you’ve really done something,”

Huggins said. “For so many years, I think the Johnson County area has never realized the history on these grounds. Now that we are revamping to make it younger and more entertaining, it’s time to bring the new generation in on the history here. That’s the most important part now is I have a goal of trying to mix the young crowd with the older crowd to continue the longevity of this rodeo.”