our LEGENDS

Jim “Doc” Lytle, DVM

2026 Legend

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Jim Lytle (1949–2025). Dr. Jim Lytle was a respected Arizona veterinarian, rancher, and community leader. After earning his veterinary degree from Colorado State University, he built a long and dedicated career in Wickenburg, serving families, ranchers, and livestock across the state. He was deeply involved in community service—supporting 4H youth, serving on the hospital board, volunteering as a firefighter, and mentoring young veterinarians.

In 1994, he and his wife, Chris, partnered with Ben and Claudia Billingslea in the Forepaugh Cattle Company. For the next 25 years after selling his Bar S Animal Practice in 2000, he could be found either at the ranch, with family, or providing veterinary services to Arizona Ranches.

Our Legends

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Our Legends

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Our Legends

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Our Legends

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Our Legends ≛ Our Legends ≛ Our Legends ≛ Our Legends ≛

2025 Legend

Dave Underdown

Dave Underdown, the founder of the Community Rodeo Association of Wickenburg, was given the 2025 Legends Award. Dave saw the need to improve the Everett Bowman Rodeo grounds over 20 years ago. His motto was “If you build it, they will come.” A once dilapidated rodeo grounds came to life over the years thanks to Dave, several community members and their fundraising efforts. Accepting the award was Dave's wife, Gloria and his daughter's Teresa and Phyllis. Along with Dave's family, current board members, Jesse and Danielle Bowser, Vern and Kim Correa and Bill Johnson help keep Dave's vision alive. Dave went to be with the Lord, but his legacy of CRAW lives on.

2024 Legends

Russ & Mary Dolven

Russ Dolven became a card holder of the RCA, Rodeo Cowboys Association, in 1969 and Mary started teaching here in Wickenburg in the fall of 1970. In 1971 Russ and Mary were married and a year later, after traveling to rodeos together, Mary earned card holder status in the WPRA running barrels.

Russ was known for having an outstanding team of Steer Wrestling Horses. He would be the first to credit his horses to his success in the arena, and also a lot of friendships were gained by letting fellow competitors ride those horses at rodeos. Russ qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1973 and again in 1976. During their time of rodeoing, Russ and Mary witnessed many changes to the sport. In 1975 the RCA, became the PRCA – Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association that we know today. In 1975, the circuit system in the PRCA was also developed. The circuit system was designed for the weekend warriors, who wanted to stay closer to home, while still competing in the PRCA. After qualifying to the NFR, Russ knew how much travel that took, and the circuit system was perfect for him and he excelled in the circuit system. While running his hay business, he was able to continue to rodeo and He won the year end championship in the Montana Circuit in 1978 and won the Turquoise Circuit in 1982. Mary continued to teach until 1998 and joined Russ in the hay business.