Former University of Wyoming rodeo coach Pete Burns died at his home in Laramie on January 25. He was 85 years old. Pete Burns served as the university’s rodeo coach from 1982 until 1996.
His oldest son, Hal Burns, says his father leaves behind a well-regarded legacy for the UW rodeo team. “Fourteen years, he coached the University of Wyoming rodeo team,” Hal says. “During his tenure, the Wyoming women won eight regional championships and three national championships, which is pretty amazing. He was very, very top coach in the college rodeo. Had lots of success.”
Pete Burns came to the University of Wyoming in 1947 on a track and field scholarship. In his college days, he was a bareback rider, a bull rider and a steer wrestler. He went on to own Burns Rodeo Company, producing rodeos all over the country.
A memorial for Pete Burns will be held on February 8 at noon at the Albany County Fairgrounds.
