Hall of Fame announces the class of 2026 inductees
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON, OR – (News release from the Hall of Fame) The Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Board of Directors announced the 2026 inductees into the Hall of Fame last night, May 12th, during the organization’s annual meeting. The class of 2026 inductees include the late Susan Corey (Early Years), Larry Blanc (Honorary Inductee), the late Ken Long (Happy Canyon Volunteer), Tom Sorey (Contestant), and Wayne Brooks (Contract Personnel).
Each year, the Hall of Fame receives nominations from the organization’s members in rotating categories. The nominations are then voted on by members, and the winners are announced annually at the board’s annual membership meeting in May. The inductees will be celebrated at the Hall of Fame banquet during Round-Up on Sunday, September 13. They will also be honored in the Round-Up Arena on September 16 during the Wednesday rodeo performance. The inductees are also featured in the Hall of Fame with special exhibits beginning later in the summer.
Susan Corey (Early Years):
Born in Pendleton, Oregon, Susan was raised on a wheat and cattle ranch near Mission, where her lifelong connection to the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon began. Her father, Jack Olsen, and grandfather, E.C. “Eddie” Olsen, both served as directors, inspiring Susan’s early involvement. At just eight years old, she began volunteering by riding her horse to move cattle through the Round-Up arena, and by twelve, she was performing in Happy Canyon’s mounted quadrille. She later served as Pendleton Round-Up Princess in 1966 and Queen in 1967. Over nearly seven decades, Susan’s dedication never wavered—she directed the mounted quadrille, assisted with Happy Canyon productions, hosted sponsor events, began the annual Introduction breakfast for the queen and Courts around 1985, and served as chaperone and mentor to the Round-Up Queen and Court. Under her guidance, the court earned four consecutive first-place awards at the Portland Rose Festival Parade. Beyond her Round-Up and Happy Canyon service, Susan was a trustee for Eastern Oregon University and received the Governor’s Gold Award for outstanding community service. Known for her warmth, hospitality, and tireless volunteerism, Susan Olsen Corey’s legacy continues to inspire generations and remains deeply woven into the fabric of Pendleton’s cherished traditions.
Larry Blanc (Honorary Inductee):
Larry Blanc’s life is deeply intertwined with the spirit and tradition of the Pendleton Round-Up. Raised on a wheat ranch in Touchet, WA, Larry’s journey led him to Pendleton, Oregon, in 1965. After graduating from Pendleton High School in 1972 and attending Oregon State University, he earned a degree in Radio Broadcasting from Blue Mountain Community College in 1976. That same year, he married Sally Kononen, and continued his education in Business Administration at Oregon State University. Larry’s professional career began at KUMA Radio Station, eventually spanning roles at the East Oregonian newspaper, Pendleton Grain Growers, Wildhorse Resort Hotel and Casino, and CHI St. Anthony Hospital, where he served as Director of Communications. Larry’s dedication to the Pendleton Round-Up began in 1981 as a volunteer, initially operating the scoreboard computer. For an impressive 43 years, he served as the slack announcer and rodeo announcer assistant. Beyond the Round-Up, he also volunteered with Happy Canyon as a blackjack dealer. His outstanding commitment was recognized in 2024 when he received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award. Larry and Sally have two sons, Andrew (married to Ali, with two daughters) and Joseph (married to Katie, with a son and daughter).
Ken Long (Happy Canyon Volunteer):
Ken Long was born in Lovelock, Nevada. After his father’s passing when he was just 14, Ken stepped up to help support his family while excelling at school. After graduating from United Electronics Institute in Portland, he raised four children in North Powder before moving to Pendleton in 1988 to work for Pendleton Electric Co. A gifted teacher, Ken led the electrical apprenticeship program at Blue Mountain Community College for 18 years and later served as the sole electrician for the Oregon National Guard in Eastern Oregon. From 1988 to 2015, he was the on-call electrician for the Round-Up and oversaw lighting and pyrotechnics for Happy Canyon, dedicating over 80 hours for the week of Happy Canyon for the show, Kick-Off concert, and the PBR event, to ensuring flawless productions. His wise leadership, guided upgrades in lighting and electrical systems, expertise and devotion earned him the Happy Canyon Appreciation Award in 2006. Beyond his technical skill, Ken was a founding member of the Pendleton Underground, a mentor to youth, a ham radio enthusiast, and a beloved Santa who brought joy to many. His contributions as an electrician, mentor, and friend will be remembered for years to come.
Tom Sorey (Contestant):
Born into a proud roping and rodeo family, Tom has built a lifetime of achievement, dedication, and quiet leadership in the sport of steer roping. A two-time Pendleton Round-Up steer roping champion (1996, 1999) and 17-time placer, Tom has competed at the Round-Up every year since 1992. His record includes ten Northwest Steer Roping Association year-end open championships, five senior titles, and six Columbia River Circuit titles. He has also earned multiple circuit average titles, placed at the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping, and qualified for the 2024 National Legacy Steer Roping Finals in Mulvane, KS. Known for his humility and precision, Tom is respected as a competitor and mentor, sharing his expertise in roping and horsemanship. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tom’s greatest pride is his family. His children, Pake, Emily, and Trent, all accomplished rodeo athletes who credit their success to his guidance. Beyond the arena, Tom farms his family’s land north of Pendleton and volunteers at the Happy Canyon west gate and the Children’s Rodeo. His lifelong commitment to rodeo, family, and community makes his nomination to the 2026 Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame a fitting tribute.
Wayne Brooks (Contract Personnel):
Born in Prescott, Arizona, and raised on the ranch lands of Wyoming and Colorado, Wayne Brooks spent over 30 years sharing his authentic Western spirit with rodeo fans across North America. A former rough stock competitor turned announcer, he blends firsthand rodeo experience with a professional broadcasting background to deliver an announcing style that is both engaging and genuine. A PRCA member since 1994, Wayne has been named Announcer of the Year five times and selected as a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo announcer thirteen times. He has also announced the National Circuit Finals Rodeo, served as the voice of the Canadian Finals Rodeo for sixteen years, and announced the Indian National Finals Rodeo five times. For more than 20 years, Wayne has proudly been the voice of the Pendleton Round-Up, where his enthusiasm and authenticity have become a cherished part of the event’s legacy. His voice has also been heard at the Calgary Stampede, Reno Rodeo, and California Rodeo Salinas, among many others. Known for his honesty, loyalty, and humility, Wayne embodies the true cowboy spirit. He and his wife, Melanie, make their home in Lampasas, Texas, where they enjoy time with their three children and six grandchildren.
Image from Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame
