iLuvLocalPlaces.com: Jackson's Cowboy Hero Ty Atchison Performs at the National Finals Rodeo

Jackson's Cowboy Hero Ty Atchison Performs at the National Finals Rodeo

By Emily Sladek

Small town dreams have led to national notoriety for one local cowboy. Ty Atchison of Jackson will compete in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, NV, starting Thursday, December 1.

The spirit of rodeo has always been part of his life. His parents, Debbie and Clint Atchison, own and run the family's Diamond A Auction Barn where they raise, train and sell horses. "Ty and his sister have been riding horses since before they could walk," Debbie tells us.

Only eight years into bronc riding, Atchison's dream of making it into the NFR didn't rest only on this event. He grew up roping and wrestling steers, and didn't ride his first bronc until just before his senior year in high school. He took his life-long talent with him to college, achieving a rodeo scholarship to University of Tennesee-Martin. He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in steer wrestling, team roping, and bronc riding throughout his college career, with a second place finish in 2006 in what now seems to be his signature event, bronc riding.

Atchison has several accomplishments, outside of college, under his belt dating back to 2007. During his professional career he has won awards in rodeos and shows all the way from Georgia to Washington and placed as co-champion at the area's own Show Me Center Championships in Cape. Some highlights of his career include victories at the Dodge City (Kansas) Roundup Rodeo, Atlantic City (New Jersey) Boardwalk Rodeo, Livingston (Montana) Round-up, Goliad (Texas) County Fair Rodeo. and, of course, making it to the NRF.

Atchison came into the NFR ranked 12th in the world for bronc riding. "It's like the Super Bowl of rodeo," Debbie said. Boasted as the most prestigious rodeo in the world, the event brings together the top 15 contestants in several rodeo events with each of the contenders competing for their share of the multi-million dollar purse.

Encouraged by the support of his family and friends and blessed with all around talent in the sport according to his mom, Atchison is able to follow his dream. "I always told him growing up to find something you would do for free, and you'll never work a day in your life," Debbie said. "He's fulfilling his dream, and we're proud of him. "

NFR events will run through December 10, and will be broadcast on cable television's GAC. You can catch the events live as they happen.

Click here for TV program scheduling of the rodeo events.

NFR Website