Tom was born on July 17, 1966 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son
of Jay and Carol (Miles) Peterson. He graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle State
University in 1993 with a B.S. in Agribusiness after rodeoing under the
direction of legendary coach, Lynn "Doc" Gardner. Tom represented PSU in the
bareback riding, bull riding and team roping, with partner Kent Crouch, at the
1989 College National Finals Rodeo in Bozeman, MT. While in Texas County, he
met his lifelong partner, Tammy Gleason. They married on August 26, 1989 in
Dodge City, KS. The couple completed their family with the addition of Camron
Pace Peterson.
While Tom found success in his early years in the roughstock
events, his true passion was team roping. It was his greatest love next to
Tammy and Camron. Wind, rain, freezing temperatures or scorching heat couldn't
keep Tom from saddling to run a pen. He was known for practicing to the point
of literally wearing out the legs of a Hot Heels and didn't hold casual
conversations without roping the MoJo horns or Pipes while conversing.
From local jackpots to rodeos and pasture ropings, Tom never
missed a chance to enter. And he would enter with anyone who asked; kids just
starting in the sport to longtime friends. He never told anyone "No" unless he
was already full. He was generous with his entries, but his giving spirit
really shined the brightest while helping others improve their craft. It is
easy to say Tom was always willing to help kids excel in the sport, however, he
didn't shy from giving advice to anyone who had the desire to improve,
regardless of age.
In order to help others so well, Tom was a constant student
of the game. He used videos, podcasts, instructional web platforms and hours
spent roping the dummy to learn how to breakdown the mechanics to better teach
those around him. Although extremely talented with his rope, Tom was even a
better hand with a horse. He had a rather odd infatuation for horses who had a
few quirks about them, but with a little time and patience, he transformed
those pickles into greats.
Tom sat astride too many good ones to name, still one of his
most memorable accomplishments was reached while riding a big-headed sorrel
named Paul at the 2008 Bushyhead Pasture Roping. To make the victory even
sweeter, Tom followed his best friend, Gene Jett, to cinch the win. Both men
were as giddy as two school girls while chasing that Longhorn bonus steer. Most
recently, the tandem captured the 40/40 Team Roping average title at the Kansas
Pro Rodeo Association (KPRA) Finals in Dodge City, KS to cap off many years,
miles and victories together.
Even more precious than winning saddles and buckles himself was watching
Tammy claim titles in the barrel racing. The two were undoubtedly a rodeo power
couple and an inspiration to others on how to win together in life. Tom is now cheering
on Tammy, Camron and all his team roping partners from the best seat at every
arena.
