House Resolution 20

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING TYLER PEARSON FOR CAPTURING THE TITLE OF WORLD CHAMPION STEER WRESTLER AT THE 2017 WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.

WHEREAS, Tyler Pearson, originally from Louisville, Mississippi, received national recognition and worldwide fame when he became the World Champion Steer Wrestler at the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada; and

WHEREAS, the son of Larry and Cheryl Pearson and the grandson of Charlene Price and the late Thomas Price and the late Willis and Pauline Pearson, Tyler realized his natural ability for riding horses at the age of eight, and he began team roping and roped in jackpots until he started competing in the Mississippi Junior High School Rodeos when he was in the fifth grade; and

WHEREAS, during his formative years, Tyler competed in calf roping, team roping, cutting and eventually steer wrestling, winning All Around Awards at many rodeos and year end awards, and he qualified for the High School Nationals all four years of high school thanks in large part to his love for the sport and athletic prowess; and

WHEREAS, Tyler attended college at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama, where he competed on the rodeo team and qualified for the College National Finals, placing fourth in steer wrestling; and

WHEREAS, after college, Tyler devoted his time and energy to the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), striving every day to achieve his dreams and make it to the "Big Show," the "Superbowl of Rodeos," the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in 2013, that dream became a reality, as he qualified in the top 15 in the world; and

WHEREAS, a couple of days before competition began at the National Finals Rodeo, Tyler heard a pop, it came from his knee, but he was determined to compete and remained resolute that he was not going to let his knee keep him from the ropes and the reins, so he strapped on a locked brace and proceeded to throw every single steer in his 10 rounds of competition, ultimately placing fourth in the average; and

WHEREAS, after the rodeo was over, Tyler had knee surgery but was soon back to the bulls and the blood, the dust and the mud, and his next qualification came in 2017, as he was ranked second in the world going into the National Finals Rodeo competition; and

WHEREAS, during the 2017 National Finals Rodeo, Tyler had the best rodeos of his career, throwing his steer in all 10 rounds of competition to win second in average and capture the coveted title of World Champion Steer Wrestler, a truly great honor that culminated a lifetime of diligence and devotion spent chasing the dream they call rodeo; and

WHEREAS, Tyler clinched the revered gold buckle with the help of his swift, muscular, faithful horse, Scooter, who was named the 2017 Horse of the Year; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Tyler has won the Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots, the Lawton Rangers Rodeo, the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros, the Silver State Stampede, the Hugo PRCA Rodeo, the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse, the Rose City Roundup, and was named co-champion at the Avi River Stampede PRCA Rodeo; and

WHEREAS, his many successes, the joy and the pain would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his wife and biggest supporter, Carissa Purvis Pearson; children, Stetson and Steelie; parents, Larry and Cheryl Pearson; other relatives and friends; the wonderful people of his hometown, Louisville; and his sponsors, 12 Gauge Ranch, CINCH JEANS, Resistol Hats, Purina, Classic Equine, Hanna Equine Veterinary Services LLC, and RCI Industries; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend fine Mississippians, especially those such as Tyler Pearson, a young man with an unparalleled amount of determination that set goals for himself and strives daily to reach them, bringing honor to the Louisville community and to this great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Tyler Pearson for capturing the title of World Champion Steer Wrestler at the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Tyler Pearson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.