House Resolution 373
By: Representatives Gaines of the 120th, Wiedower of the 121st, Rhodes of the 124th, and Frye
of the 122nd
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the University of Georgia Block and Bridle Club on the
occasion of its 50th Great Southland Stampede Rodeo; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the first Great Southland Stampede Rodeo occurred in 1974 in the Stegeman
Coliseum on the campus of the University of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the financial needs of the University of Georgia livestock judging team were
far greater than the funds available or historically fund-raised for the student team members;
and
WHEREAS, members of the livestock judging team put their trucks, washing machines, and
personal property up for collateral to fund the first rodeo, which proved to be an immense
success and the start of a time-honored campus tradition; and
WHEREAS, students involved in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
have since hosted the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo annually with leadership,
determination, work ethic, and exceptional character; and
WHEREAS, the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo is the largest student-run rodeo in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo has provided thousands of members of
the University of Georgia and the Greater Athens community with the opportunity to
experience livestock, a rodeo, and an agricultural experience in a family-friendly
environment; and
WHEREAS, the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo has given back thousands of dollars to
worthwhile charities and student organizations and has annually provided local elementary
school students with a special rodeo event; and
WHEREAS, the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo and its continued success for 50 years
represent a tradition of excellence among current and past students involved in the Block and
Bridle Club and livestock programs at the University of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of the
remarkable Great Southland Stampede Rodeo be recognized appropriately on its 50th
anniversary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend the student leaders of the University of
Georgia Block and Bridle Club and Great Southland Stampede Rodeo and extend their most
sincere best wishes for continued prosperity, leadership, and impact on the University of
Georgia, this state, and our nation in the Rodeo's next 50 years.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
University of Georgia Block and Bridle Club.