In early July, Kiln native Andrew Burks, 18, became the first Mississippian to win the 19 and under Roy Cooper 2016 World Championship Junior Calf Roping competition. This nationally prestigious rodeo is a gateway to being invited to other rodeos of its caliber, said Burks.

“It was the best feeling in the world when I won. The moment was priceless and I am honored to win such a high-level event. I am blessed to have Triton Stone sponsor me and help me with achieving my goals,” said Burks.

This victory marks the biggest win in Burks’ six-year career and gives him motivation to continue his success at a higher level, he said. His dream is to compete at the professional level at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, an event that only the top 15 cowboys in the nation are invited to attend.

“I love roping because every time I go in, something different happens. You never know how fast the calf is going to be and where it is going to run, which is exciting and keeps me hooked,” said Burks.

Besides being a six-foot tall cowboy, Burks revealed that his advantage over other competitors is his speed when dismounting the horse to rope the calf.

During the rodeo, Burks said he was not concerned about how well he was doing and didn’t even think about winning.

“I was in the zone. I wasn’t paying any attention to the times or what the others were doing. I was just having a great time,” said Burks.

He added that the hardest round wasn’t the last round to clinch his victory, but the first. With all the nerves and anxiety of competing on a big stage like the Roy Cooper Rodeo, Burks said the roping was tough at first because he was deep in thought. However, round-by-round it progressively got easier.

This win guarantees Burks an invitation to compete in the Roy Cooper Vegas Invitational in December, which he said is an honor to be a part of.

“After this win, I feel like I can compete on a national level. I am confident and excited to compete at the Vegas Invitational,” said Burks.

Burks received a full rodeo scholarship to attend Pearl River Community College, which he will accept this upcoming year, making him part of the inaugural rodeo team for the school.