IPRA honors Clarence LeBlanc
Okmulgee cowboy recognized for long career
(The text from the article below was authored by Patrick Ford, with photographs provided by Clarence LeBlanc, published in the Okmulgee Daily Times, c. January 2020.)
Okmulgee's Clarence LeBlanc was recognized last month by the International Professional Rodeo Association at a ceremony in Edmond.
The local cowboy was recognized as one of the Most Deserving Old Timers of the IPRA during their International Finals Rodeo 50th anniversary event Jan. 17-18.
LeBlanc, 68, qualified for his first finals in 1976. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. He joined the International Pro Rodeo Association in 1975.
He qualified for the International Finals Rodeo 13 consecutive years and was the IPRA's first black world champion.
LeBlanc also won the steer wrestling world title in 1983 and again in 1990 while claiming the national title in 1984. In 1988 and '89, he was owner of the Steer Wrestling and Hazing Horses of the Year.
He retired from competition in 2016.
Clarence's father Roy LeBlanc was instrumental in starting the Okmulgee County Rodeo, now named the Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo. The event draws hundreds of competitors from around the country and is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. The rodeo is held the second weekend in August.
(Photos in the article depict Clarence LeBlanc and a buckle awarded to Clarence LeBlanc by the International Professional Rodeo Association in January 2020.)