Michael Mitchell, a Natchez High School sophomore, has come to realize that his lifelong dream has now come true.

Mitchell, who has been riding horses and roping calves and goats since he was two years old, has now achieved a goal he set many years ago.

Mitchell will head to Springfield, Illinois from July 24-30 to compete in the National High School Rodeo Association Finals.

&uot;It’s just a dream come true for me,&uot;&160;Mitchell said.

&uot;I’ve always wanted to make it this far, and now that I&160;have, it’s just so overwhelming.&uot;

At the 52nd Annual National finals, 38 states, four Canadian Provinces and Australia will be represented at this year’s rodeo.

Mitchell’s mother, Linda Hutchins, also has her take on the successes of her 15-year-old son.

&uot;It’s a real big thrill for me to have watched him as a young boy out in the back yard, and then get to see him in the National finals … it’s just such a thrill,&uot;&160;Hutchins said.

Mitchell said his father, Larry Hutchins, his mother and friend Neil Morgan are the people who have helped him the most in his quest to become the best.

&uot;My father (Larry) built the pen out back, and we’ve spent a lot of time out there together.

&uot;Also, a good friend of mine Neil&160;Morgan and I have spent a lot of time together teaching and learning from each other,&uot;&160;Mitchell said.

Mitchell won the right to go to the National finals by coming in first place (average) and third place (overall) in the State competition last weekend in Jackson.

While this is the first time Mitchell has participated in high school rodeos, he is a well-respected rider on the Booger Barter Rodeo circuit.

According to Hutchins, Mitchell has earned over $1,500 in cash and prizes.

&uot;Riding against all of those older cowboys, it gives me a thrill when I beat them,&uot;&160;Mitchell said.

Mitchell says the key to his preparations before a rodeo is to get in shape and say a prayer.

Mitchell puts much stock in the often used cliche’ &uot;practice makes perfect.&uot;

&uot;I&160;believe, there’s always room for improvement.&uot;

There’s no such thing as too much practice,&uot;&160;Mitchell said.