Celebrating Randy Bateman: 2026 Coca-Cola Cowboy

Randy Bateman has spent the majority of his life right here in Osceola County. And it’s no small source of pride. As a dedicated member of the Silver Spurs Club, Randy has given his time and heart to the sport of rodeo, the club's cause, and, most of all, the preservation of Osceola County’s unique heritage. 

Each year, the Silver Spurs Club honors two members as Coca-Cola Cowboys, recognizing those who carry forward the values of hard work, service, and heritage. Through his steady dedication and love for Osceola County, Randy Bateman represents exactly what that tradition is all about.

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Growing Up Kissimmee: Where Randy’s Story Began

Born and raised in Kissimmee, Florida, rodeo has always been part of Randy Bateman’s story. From an early age, he and his family spent their time at the Silver Spurs Rodeo, a quintessential experience embedded in Osceola County’s community that has brought people together year after year. Like many fans in the stands, he found himself drawn to the energy of bull riding, where every eight seconds keeps you on the edge of your seat.

After high school, Randy spent about a decade away from home. But no matter where life took him, he stayed connected to Kissimmee, making frequent trips back and planning them around rodeo weekends whenever he could. It was his way of staying close to the people, the atmosphere, and the tradition he’d grown up with.

When he returned home for good, that connection only grew stronger. Not long after, Randy stepped in as a volunteer with the Silver Spurs Club: marking the beginning of his own role in carrying the custom forward.

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Rodeo Fan to Volunteer: Randy’s First Steps with the Silver Spurs Club

Randy Bateman’s journey with the Silver Spurs Club began at the front gate, welcoming fans and checking tickets as they made their way into the arena. It was Coach Henry Ramsey— his math teacher, football coach at Osceola High School, and lifelong friend and mentor—  who first encouraged him to get involved, opening the door to what would become a lasting part of Randy’s life.

Those early days were simple and meaningful. Side by side at the gate, Randy and Coach Ramsey spent their time visiting with fans, sharing stories, and enjoying the energy of rodeo weekend. It was work, but more than that, it was time well spent with good people.

Before long, that experience turned into something more. Encouraged once again by Coach Ramsey (who’s own son, Bill Ramsey, is this year’s other Coca-Cola Cowboy!), Randy took the next step and joined the Silver Spurs Club, committing himself to the tradition, service, and community that define the rodeo.

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Moments That Stick: Randy’s Most Memorable Rodeo Experiences

As both a volunteer and Silver Spurs Club member, Randy’s time with the rodeo has been filled with plenty of memorable moments. He told us about a few of these memories that stand out.

At the Gate: Where It All Began

Starting out at the gate did more than introduce Randy to the values of the Silver Spurs Club— it introduced him to a wide variety of people. From first-time visitors to lifelong fans, he welcomed folks as they stepped into the arena, sharing in their excitement and hearing what they were most looking forward to.

Those conversations often came back to one thing: the Silver Spurs Quadrille. Time and again, guests would talk about the precision, the teamwork, and the tradition behind it, making it one of the moments Randy looked forward to hearing about most.

The Silver Spurs Quadrille: Tradition in Motion

Witnessing the iconic Silver Spurs Quadrille, known as “square dancing on horseback”, has been another standout moment during Randy’s time with the Silver Spurs Club. Each time, he never fails to be impressed by the elite horsemanship of the event, watching the skilled riders twist and turn their horses around each other in elaborate, symmetrical patterns across the dirt floor, skating past each other but rarely colliding. It’s a striking Osceola tradition that cements itself in your memory.  

A Turn in the Chute: Trying His Hand at Bull Riding

Growing up around rodeo, it was only a matter of time before Randy took his own turn in the chute. Bull riding is one of the toughest events in the arena, and while it was never something he pursued beyond giving it a whole-hearted try for himself, it’s an experience he still holds onto. He remembers the surge of adrenaline, the power beneath him, and the feeling of holding on as the bull drove across the dirt, a brief ride, but one that left a lasting mark. 

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Why the Silver Spurs Club Matters to Randy

To Randy, it’s all about preserving Osceola County's proud heritage. It’s a responsibility he takes to heart, knowing the club's role in keeping local traditions alive for more than 80 years.

What began in the 1940s as a small group of Osceola County ranchers coming together to celebrate their shared way of life has grown into a lasting community tradition. From those early days, when members rode together in parades and organized the first rodeo to bring neighbors together, the spirit has remained the same. It’s about honoring the land, the livestock, and the people who built this community.

To Randy, the Silver Spurs Club represents Osceola natives carrying forward the values of hard work, tradition, and heart. It’s neighbors coming together to celebrate where they come from and to make sure that story is still told, generation after generation.

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Carrying the Rodeo Spirit Forward 

We thank you, Randy, for all the passion you put into the Silver Spurs Club, helping keep this vital part of Osceola heritage alive for the generations to come. It’s because of this devotion that we are honored to name you as one of this year’s Coca-Cola Cowboy.

Catch Randy in the arena during the Silver Spurs Rodeo as we honor our Coca-Cola Cowboys. During the presentation, honorees take a ride around the arena, waving to fans and celebrating the tradition they’ve helped carry forward.

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