TITLE: Honoring Stephenville for its contributions to rodeo and the cowboy way of life.

SUMMARY: Honoring Stephenville for its contributions to rodeo and the cowboy way of life.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, For more than 75 years, Stephenville has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the heritage of the American rodeo and the cowboy way of life; and WHEREAS, Considered by many to be the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville and its vicinity first became important to the history of rodeo in 1937, when Everett Colborn moved his new rodeo company to the nearby Lightning CRanch, where he raised some of the best rodeo stock in the world; during the 1950s, George and Beulah Brown, the only husband and wife to be inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, helped introduce rodeo to the area; and WHEREAS, Today, Stephenville is headquarters of the United States Team Roping Championship, and it is home to Lone Star Arena, a premier rodeo venue that also hosts expositions, concerts, horse shows, and other events; the city is also home to Tarleton State University and its championship rodeo team; since 1947, Tarleton riders and ropers have won 21 individual national titles in such events as barrel racing, calf roping, and steer wrestling, and Tarleton teams have taken six national titles; the team is one of the largest in the nation, boasting more than 100 members; and WHEREAS, Many championship riders and their families have lived in the surrounding county, including world champion bull and bronc rider Harry Tompkins, bull-riding champion Ty Murray and his wife, the singer Jewel, world champion bull rider Tuff Hedeman, the twin brother bull riders Adam and Gilbert Carrillo, and J. J. Hampton, who has won more championships than any other woman in professional rodeo; Stephenville was also the home of pioneering barrel racer and National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee Isora Young; many of these individuals have been honored in Stephenville's Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame; and WHEREAS, The rich history of the Western cowboy and cowgirl, with their code of honor, dedication to traditional values, and strong work ethic, remains vital and alive in Stephenville, and the city's residents may indeed take great pride in the role they have played in sustaining this outstanding cultural legacy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby honor Stephenville for its long history as a center of Western heritage and extend to the city's officials and residents sincere best wishes for continued success in their maintenance of this proud tradition; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the City of Stephenville as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Sheffield of Coryell Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 146 was adopted by the House on July 29, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House