Rippo Hinton

2024–Present

Hello, my name is Rippo Hinton and I am incredibly honored to be the new Dust Bowl President. I proudly stand on the strong shoulders of all the presidents before me. I am excited to work alongside all of you to make this year’s event successful and memorable. For those who don’t know me, I was born in Owensboro in 1957. I am married to Lavern and we have three children, Buddy, Kelsee, and Trey along with three grandchildren, Daveon, DeReese, and Addie Joe.

I have always be active in our community as I helped start the Dugan Best Alliance and Revitalization which provided among other things computers and necessary equipment for the children. I was on the H.L. Neblett Center Board, proudly raising over one million dollars towards renovation. I also helped create the City of Owensboro Neighborhood Cleanup which made improvements to our community and to playgrounds for our children.

Sports have always been my passion, whether it’s football, baseball, or basketball and whether its playing, watching, or coaching (Western Little League Baseball, Cliff Hagan, and the Dust Bowl). I have been involved with the Dust Bowl since 1974 as a player, coach, committee member and now as president and director. I was the Vice President of he Dust Bowl for over 25 years. I have won numerous championships in the Dust Bowl in the biddy, middle school, high school and mens open divisions. I am one of the winningest coaches not only in the Dust Bowl, but also at the Cliff Hagan Boys Club. Seeing people come together to enjoy the sports, socializing, and eating good food is a joy to me.

I believe strongly in the 3 Cs: Competition, Camaraderie, and Community. As your president, I am committed to fostering a positive and competitive environment while ensuring a smooth-running event. I am also open to new ideas and improvements, so please do no hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions. With many thanks to the City of Owensboro, the Daviess County Fiscal Court, Owensboro Health and all of our other kind and supportive sponsors. Let’s work together to make this year’s Dust Bowl truly outstanding!

Byron W. Owen

2015–2023

Byron W. Owen was elected president September 24, 2014 at the age of 54. His first Dust Bowl as president and tournament director was in 2015. He has been involved in every Dust Bowl since its inception, and active in many capacities such as volunteer, coach (one of the winningest), entertaining PA announcer, vendor, and committee member. He has also worked to bring in Community Partners. He has developed a digital and social media presence with a website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Jimmy T. Bush, Sr.

1994–2014

Jimmy T. Bush, Sr. was 53 years old in 1994 when he became president. He served 21 years as president and tournament director. His last Dust Bowl as president was in 2014 at 73 years of age. He was known as “The Official Voice of the Dust Bowl” and started the Dust Bowl Program Book.

Jerry Davenport

1974–1993

Jerry Davenport was 25 years old in 1974 when he founded the Dust Bowl. He served 20 years as president and tournament director. In his last Dust Bowl in 1993 he was 44 years old. He resigned as Dust Bowl president May 31, 1994 at 45 years of age.