Southwestern Oklahoma State Athletics

The Beutler name has been part of the national rodeo circuit for generations. From the onset of Beutler Brothers Rodeo Company to its most recent collaboration as Beutler & Son Rodeo Company, Bennie Beutler has been carrying on the family business as part of the world’s largest rodeo contractor since his grandfather and great uncles took up the profession in 1929.

Beutler has worked with his father and grandfather since his youth growing up as a teenager on their ranch north of Elk City, Okla. Early on, he developed a keen eye and earned a reputation of developing bulls and broncs with mean and nasty dispositions. Years later he joined forces with E.K. Gaylord II to form Beutler & Gaylord Rodeo Co. in 1989. That partnership continued for a dozen years and resulted in numerous PRCA stock contractor of the year titles as well as numerous horses and bulls named rough stock animals of the year.

Beutler’s association with SWOSU has been one that stretches a number of years. A 1967 graduate of Hammon High School, he later attended SWOSU where he graduated in 1970 with a business administration/marketing degree. His wife of 39 years, Connie, received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from SWOSU. The Beutler’s three children, Rhett, Amber and Katie all attended SWOSU. His cousin, Randy, now serves as the university’s president.

Beutler, along with father, Jiggs, were on the ground floor and instrumental in the development of the SWOSU rodeo since its inception in 1973. Together with pioneering SWOSU coach Dr. Don Mitchell, the trio quickly elevated the status of the SWOSU rodeo to one of the premiere college events in the nation, a distinction it still enjoys today more than 36 years since its beginning.

Beutler, now with his son Rhett, provides rodeo stock for 25-30 events a year, including the Tucson (Ariz.) Rodeo, Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Austin and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb. to name a few. The Beutlers have been regular stock contributors to the National Finals Rodeo for several consecutive years.