Brad Gjermundson

SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICAN HALL OF FAME
1986 INDUCTEE

A four-time world champion saddle bronc rider in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Brad Gjermundson, at 27, has made a name for himself in the world of rodeos.

Raised on a ranch near Marshall, North Dakota, Brad was riding horses before he was three. His parents, Stan and Sharon Gjermundson, also operated the store and post office at Marshall and Brad helped there as well as on the ranch.

Riding was his love. After graduating from high school, he attended Dickinson State College but decided to ride professionally when he won the college title for saddle bronc riding. It may have been the best decision he ever made.

He started his pro career in 1980 and won the Rookie of the Year award. In September 1981, he broke Joe Marvel’s single season earning mark, and in December that year, won his first world saddle bronc riding championship. In December 1983, he won the title again.

Then Gov. Allen Olson proclaimed a Brad Gjermundson Day in 1981, and in 1982 the PRCA wrote him up as the rider who walked away with “a single season’s worth of loot” over any other winner. He was honored by the North Dakota Association of Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, and has received several other rodeo awards.

Gjermundson is admired in the rodeo circles for his quick feet and champion temperament. He says his father taught him, that if he was going to do something he should do it 100 percent, and he has given that 100 percent to saddle bronc riding.

He has taught North Dakota youngsters saddle bronc riding at riding schools, and plans eventually to return to North Dakota where he would like to ranch. For the time being, he plans to remain on the rodeo circuit for a few more years.