J.D. Hamilton of Natchez hopes to ride off into the sunset with a calf roping state championship Thursday after finishing first in breakaway and second in tie down at the 4-H Southwest District Calf Roping Competition last week in Jackson.

In breakaway roping, the rider has to rope the calf around the neck, which Hamilton did in the winning time of 3.38.

&uot;I had two people behind me, but I felt like my time was good enough to win,&uot; he said.

In tie down competition, the rider has to rope the calf, catch him and tie up three legs. Those legs have to stayed tied until the rider gets back on the horse.

&uot;You just hope he doesn’t kick loose,&uot; Hamilton said.

Hamilton, 13, said he has been calf roping for about five years.

&uot;I learned it from my father (Michael) and have enjoyed it ever since,&uot; he said.

Hamilton practices at his house in Broadmoor.

Hamilton said he has learned a few tricks of the trade over the past few years.

&uot;I found it’s better to stand in the saddle and over the calf,&uot; he said.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Hamilton will be a freshman at Natchez High this fall.

Hamilton, who is an offensive guard on the Bulldog football team, said his size works to his advantage in calf roping.

&uot;I can pick up the calf better,&uot; he said.

Hamilton said calf roping helps him get ready for football.

&uot;It helps my speed and coordination,&uot; he said.

Hamilton hopes his speed and coordination are good enough to win state. The top four finishers at state advance to the nationals.

&uot;I’d like to do rodeo for a living when I&160;get out of school,&uot;&160;Hamilton said. &uot;The competition is tough, but I think I can do it.&uot;