If winning the all-around at Cheyenne and Pendleton is 39, I can hardly wait to see what 40 will look like on Coleman Proctor next year. The pride of Pryor, Oklahoma isn’t done racking up rodeo accolades in 2024. He’s been going gangbusters in the world team roping race with New Mexico native Logan Medlin. They’re both top-fivers on their respective sides rolling into Las Vegas, and by proving pretty darn handy at a second event, Coleman’s also in hot contention for the world all-around crown; currently third behind only Shad Mayfield and Junior Nogueira. 

Proctor’s just been named the Big 4 Rodeo Association’s “Best in the Northwest” for stacking up the most points at the Pendleton Round-Up, Lewiston Roundup, Walla Walla Frontier Days and Kennewick Horse Heaven Round-Up. And he’s pretty proud and pumped about it. 

“To win the Big 4 is a dream come true,” said Coleman, who won $31,302 at the four rodeos that have participated in this popular cowboy coalition since 1948. “I first went to the Northwest 17 years ago, and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would pull off winning such a prestigious award. This is definitely one of the greatest accomplishments of my career.”

The past champions roster of the Big 4 Award reads like a rodeo who’s who. The impressive list includes the likes of Jim Shoulders, Dean Oliver, Larry Mahan, Tom Ferguson, Fred Whitfield, Cody Ohl, Stetson Wright and Cowboy King Trevor Brazile, who was Best in the Northwest a record five times. 

For being the 2024 champ, Coleman will be awarded a saddle custom made to his specifications by Blake West of Wild West Saddlery in Hermiston, Oregon. Blake’s the guy who crafted the 2024 Pendleton steer roping saddle. Coleman’s the guy who finished second behind Trenton Johnson there. So the Big 4 Award gives Coleman a second crack at a very similar saddle. 

“Blake asked me what tree I want in my Big 4 saddle,” Proctor said. “I chuckled, and said, ‘Same one that’s in that Pendleton steer roping saddle.’ This is a heck of a consolation prize for almost winning Pendleton. I don’t think there’s a more cowboy award than winning the Big 4. I want to ride this saddle, especially when I’m cowboying at the house.”

Proctor will be presented his prized prize at the Big 4 Rodeo Association Reception presented by Pendleton Whisky on December 4 at the South Point in Vegas. 

“Being a kid from Oklahoma who grew up hearing about these great Northwest rodeos makes it extra special to be crowned the champ for winning the most at four special rodeos you don’t want to miss,” Coleman said. “I won money at three of the four (all but Kennewick), and there were (ProRodeo) Tour implications at all four. This award means a lot to me.

“With the level of competition that’s in the PRCA now, you’re shocked whenever you pull something this big off. To be crowned the Big 4 champion is something I take great pride in. It’s like Pendleton just keeps giving back to me.”

Banking over $30 grand at four rodeos that between them paid out $1,797,000 this year alone is rank, though it was technically the 14 points he earned at them that won it for him. Oh, and the week Coleman and Medlin won $2,012 at Lewiston, they also pocketed just shy of $20,000 for 40-percenting them at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Washington. 

Proctor and Medlin kicked off the 2024 Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in Duncan, Oklahoma last night with a second-place run in Round 1. Coleman’s steer roping there today before they run their second one tonight. He’ll then charter to the final round of the CoJo Roping in Belton, Texas tomorrow (Saturday; Coleman qualified for the finals with Medlin and Coleby Payne) before he heads to the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Vegas on Sunday. Proctor is one quarter Cherokee, and will head for Griffin Passmore at the 2024 INFR at the South Point. 

“We’re rodeoing like it’s the Fourth of July,” Proctor grinned. “And next week’ll be another round of chartering between the INFR and Bart Hutton’s inaugural South Texas Showdown in Uvalde. 

“This Big 4 Award is just the cherry on top of what’s been an incredible year. The all-around at two of the greatest rodeos I’ve wanted to win since I was a little kid. Now this. Amazing.”