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Allan Wallace, former Topo Ranch manager in King City, will be inducted posthumously into California Rodeo Salinas’ Hall of Fame on July 19.
SALINAS — California Rodeo Salinas will honor the late Allan Wallace, who was ranch manager at Topo Ranch in King City for 30 years, by inducting him and four others this Thursday into the organization’s Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
According to California Rodeo Salinas, the Hall of Fame was started in 2010 during the centennial celebration of the famed rodeo and is “still going strong with bi-annual inductions honoring those who have influenced the organization through volunteering, competing and more.”
Wallace, who was born and raised in Salinas, studied at Fresno State University and served in the Korean War before becoming the ranch manager for Topo Ranch, located about 10 miles east of King City. In 1947, he got his start at the Rodeo after local veterinarian Dr. Frank Wayland asked him to help with stock.
Wallace then began assisting in the roping chutes, and in 1956 he became a director and continued to volunteer his time in the arena.
Eventually he moved on to become a line judge in the timed events and then an arena director in 1974, the same year he won the Gold Saddleman award.
In addition, he was instrumental in bringing the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Gold Card Team Roping to Salinas and received a Life PRCA Gold Card for his efforts.
“Allan was involved in many areas during his 50 years of volunteering at the Rodeo and had a hand in many positive changes,” said California Rodeo Salinas in a news release.
Wallace died last November at age 85.
Wallace and the other four Hall of Fame Class of 2018 inductees — Frank V. Borba, Casey Tibbs, Harry Tompkins and J.C. Trujillo — will be honored July 19 during an induction ceremony at the Salinas Sports Complex, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Mike Storm Directors Patio at 1034 N. Main St.
Tickets are $30 each for the luncheon, presented by the Jim and Sally Martins Family.
