World saddle bronc champion sharing skills with his children

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Courtesy Photo Brad Gjermundson, of Marshall, is a four-time world saddle bronc riding champion who will be inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Saturday.

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In about a week, the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame will induct its 2009 class and among them is the second world champion to enter the NDCHF.

Four-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world saddle bronc champion, Brad Gjermundson of Marshall joins member Alvin Nelson as the only world champions in the NDCHF

“I just feel honored to be going in with all the guys that are in there already and the ones coming,” Gjermundson said. “It’s one of the highest honors in the state you can get.

“There are a lot of good cowboys that I looked up to and followed as a kid that have already been inducted.”

Gjermundson, 50, has spent nearly his entire life around rodeo. Growing up on his parents’ (Stan and Sharon) ranch near Marshall, Gjermundson received first-hand tutelage in rodeo from his father, who was active in rodeos.

After a successful junior high, high school and amateur rodeo career, Gjermundson moved onto the Professional Rodeo Circuit, joining the PRCA in 1980 and winning the Rookie-of-the-Year Award.

Gjermundson went on to win the World Saddle Bronc Championship in 1981 and then again in 1983, 1984 and 1985. All together, Gjermundson qualified for nine National Finals Rodeos in his professional career.

“It’s no different than any other sport and real competitive. I just went at it as a job, treated it as a job and did it everyday,” Gjermundson said. “Physically, mentally, a lot of dedication. Live it and breathe it basically day after day.”

Gjermundson has been actively involved with the Champions Ride Rodeo held every year at Home On The Range near Sentinel Butte where he rode 18 times in 21 years.

After marrying Jackie and buying a ranch of their own, Gjermundson helped raise his three children who have had successful rodeo careers of their own.

“Today his time is consumed making sure his kids get what he got,” said Rick Thompson, host of “Talk Rodeo.” “All three are successful in the rodeo arena.”

Gjermundson’s oldest, Kane, 23, rides and ropes on the Professional Rodeo Circuit. Hali, 20, was a three-time high school all-around state champion and now rides the college rodeo circuit. Jori, 17, is also building a successful high school rodeo career.

“I think Brad’s biggest attribute is that he’s a great guy besides being a four-time world champion,” Thompson said. “He’s a great guy to talk to. He’s just a genuine, nice representation of North Dakota and I think that’s what people see him as.”

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