Craig Latham to be Inducted into 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame
July 14, 2025
Craig Latham Named to OPSU Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Rodeo Legend and Lifelong Aggie Honored for Extraordinary Career On and Off the Dirt
Goodwell, OK The Oklahoma Panhandle State University Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will welcome three distinguished individuals this year, and today we shine the spotlight on one of rodeo's finestCraig Latham.
Craig Latham's story begins like many great ones at OPSUwith family and a dream. Following in the footsteps of his brother Deke, and inspired by legends like Robert Etbauer and Coach Lynn "Doc" Gardner, Craig arrived on campus in the fall of 1987. The stories he had heard from his brother and friends painted a picture of Panhandle State not just as a place to earn an education, but as the ideal home for a young cowboy with big dreams.
It didn't take long for Craig to make his own mark. In 1988, just a year after stepping foot on campus, Craig won the Saddle Bronc Riding Championship at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), becoming one of the university's standout stars. But that was just the beginning.
After OPSU, Craig launched an incredible professional rodeo career that placed him among the sport's elite. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) an astounding nine times1989-1990 and 1992-1998. Six times he finished in the top five in the world, and in 1993 he reached the pinnacle as the Reserve World Champion with a second-place finish. His career PRCA earnings totaled an impressive $948,000.
Yet, Craig's legacy isn't just measured in titles and prize moneyit's best reflected in how he lived and gave back. Known for his wisdom and character, Craig often said, "Be a good person and help as many people as you can." And he lived that every day.
From 2003 to 2015, Craig returned to his roots to coach the OPSU rodeo team, where he mentored countless student-athletes. Under his leadership, the Aggies claimed two National Championshipsin 2004 and again in 2013. His coaching career is dotted with individual champions, too numerous to name, but each one a reflection of his commitment, knowledge, and heart.
Craig's love for rodeo was matched only by his love for his family. He met his beloved wife Lori through a fateful connection Craig's brother and Lori's sister a couple short years before starting at OPSU. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two daughters, Chaney and Sadie, and later celebrating the blessings of grandchildren, Charlie & Waylon Larsen & Rowan Latham McGivney.
Today, OPSU honors a man whose impact is etched not only in record books but in the hearts of all who knew him. Craig Latham left a lasting imprint on Panhandle Statefirst as a cowboy, then as a coach, and always as a leader.
With his induction into the OPSU Hall of Fame, Craig Latham takes his rightful place among the greatest to ever represent Aggie Rodeo. His story, his impact, and his example will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2025 will take place September 20th on the beautiful campus of Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
Rodeo Legend and Lifelong Aggie Honored for Extraordinary Career On and Off the Dirt
Goodwell, OK The Oklahoma Panhandle State University Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will welcome three distinguished individuals this year, and today we shine the spotlight on one of rodeo's finestCraig Latham.
Craig Latham's story begins like many great ones at OPSUwith family and a dream. Following in the footsteps of his brother Deke, and inspired by legends like Robert Etbauer and Coach Lynn "Doc" Gardner, Craig arrived on campus in the fall of 1987. The stories he had heard from his brother and friends painted a picture of Panhandle State not just as a place to earn an education, but as the ideal home for a young cowboy with big dreams.
It didn't take long for Craig to make his own mark. In 1988, just a year after stepping foot on campus, Craig won the Saddle Bronc Riding Championship at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), becoming one of the university's standout stars. But that was just the beginning.
After OPSU, Craig launched an incredible professional rodeo career that placed him among the sport's elite. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) an astounding nine times1989-1990 and 1992-1998. Six times he finished in the top five in the world, and in 1993 he reached the pinnacle as the Reserve World Champion with a second-place finish. His career PRCA earnings totaled an impressive $948,000.
Yet, Craig's legacy isn't just measured in titles and prize moneyit's best reflected in how he lived and gave back. Known for his wisdom and character, Craig often said, "Be a good person and help as many people as you can." And he lived that every day.
From 2003 to 2015, Craig returned to his roots to coach the OPSU rodeo team, where he mentored countless student-athletes. Under his leadership, the Aggies claimed two National Championshipsin 2004 and again in 2013. His coaching career is dotted with individual champions, too numerous to name, but each one a reflection of his commitment, knowledge, and heart.
Craig's love for rodeo was matched only by his love for his family. He met his beloved wife Lori through a fateful connection Craig's brother and Lori's sister a couple short years before starting at OPSU. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two daughters, Chaney and Sadie, and later celebrating the blessings of grandchildren, Charlie & Waylon Larsen & Rowan Latham McGivney.
Today, OPSU honors a man whose impact is etched not only in record books but in the hearts of all who knew him. Craig Latham left a lasting imprint on Panhandle Statefirst as a cowboy, then as a coach, and always as a leader.
With his induction into the OPSU Hall of Fame, Craig Latham takes his rightful place among the greatest to ever represent Aggie Rodeo. His story, his impact, and his example will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
The Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2025 will take place September 20th on the beautiful campus of Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
