Jim Rodriguez, Jr

Born in Watsonville and a Salinas High alum, Jim Rodriguez was a four-time team-roping champion of the California Rodeo Salinas. He became the youngest winner ever of this event in 1957 at the age of 18. He also won the title in 1958, 1960 and 1962. Rodriguez was a five-time All-Around Cowboy champion of the Salinas Rodeo, winning it outright in 1962, 1968, and 1971 and finishing as co -champion in 1958 and 1960. He also won the tie-down buckle in 1968. He finished among the Top 15 in the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association for 19 consecutive years, qualifying each time for the National Finals Rodeo. He was a four-time world champion. In 1979, Rodriguez was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.