Miss Rodeo America 2008 Pageant

And her reign begins...

Since being crowned Miss Rodeo America 2008, Amy Sue Wilson has been busy with photo shoots, appearances and more.

Her work began immediately following her coronation in the Showroom of The Orleans Hotel and Casino.  A press conference followed where Amy fielded questions from media and other interested parties.  Official Pageant Photographer, John Shooter, shot photo after photo of Amy with pageant personnel, family, and friends and then with many of her sponsored awards and sponsors.  After a quick change it was off to Thomas and Mack to receive her credentials for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.  After grabbing a quick dinner, Amy met back up with John for even more photos.

The next day Amy was up and at 'em to begin her busy week.  Accompanied by Arlene Kensinger, and joined at times by Ashley Andrews, Miss Rodeo America 2007, Amy's calendar was packed with appearances at Cowboy Christmas, more photo shoots, and an appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

During the Miss Rodeo America Pageant the crew from theV.tv covered the horsemanship, fashion show and coronation events.  Right click on the links to open them in a new window to see the coverage.

Family and friends greeted Amy when she returned home to Colby, Kansas as Miss Rodeo America 2008.  A welcome home reception was hosted at Colby Community College.  Amy spent the holidays with her family and then it was time to pack and prepare for her first month as Miss Rodeo America 2008.

On January 5, 2008 Dodge City Roundup and Miss Rodeo Kansas, Inc., hosted a meet and greet reception for Amy in Dodge City, Kansas.  The Dodge City Roundup is home to the Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant and has often earned honors from the PRCA for rodeo of the year.  Photos from the event are posted in Amy's photo album.

The National Western Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Western and English Sales Association Denver Market were next on Amy's calendar.  During market Amy had the opportunity to meet with Wrangler, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats, Hobby Horse Clothing Company, and Chambers belts to select some of her official wardrobe and accessories for her upcoming year.  She also visited Morris and Kaye Furs where she received a beautiful fur trimmed leather coat and with Dawna Azich of Livin' the Dream Tack to add some glitz and sparkle to her arena wardrobe.

During the rodeo Amy carried flags and met with fans during autograph sessions.  She was also the guest of Miss Rodeo America supporters John Cavey and Pat Thompson for many events throughout the week.  Amy was the official escort for Mr. Hank Brown and family at festivities for the Citizen of the West Award held at the Adams Mark Hotel during the National Western Stock Show.  During her stay in Denver Amy was provided the use of a Dodge vehicle and the Denver City Center Marriott Hotel provided her hotel accommodations.  Photos from Denver with more information on what Amy was up to are posted in her photo album.

Following Amy's trip to Denver she was off to the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo and for a visit to Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold.  Amy toured their facility and saw where the official Miss Rodeo America crown was created.

You can stay up to date with Amy's travels and the business end of Miss Rodeo America when you become a supporting member of Miss Rodeo America, Inc.  Memberships start as low as $40 and if you are a former contestant in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant you can add an alumni membership for an additional $10.  Memberships include the quarterly "Miss Rodeo America News" newsletter that has more photos of Amy's Adventures along with her printed blog.  For more information on membership levels and an online form, visit the Miss Rodeo America website.

Miss Rodeo America in the News

First Miss Rodeo America to reminisce for Journey exhibit
Marilyn Freimark Speaks at The Stanford Adelstein Gallery in the Journey Museum in  Rapid City

Amy Wilson Attends Citizen of the West Party

Title Keeps Wilson on the Road

Former Miss Rodeo to Head Economic Group
Ashley Andrews takes Lead Position

Please note these links were current at the time of publication and may change.

Miss Rodeo America 2008 Hails from the Heartland

Crown Returns to Kansas Queen

The winner of the 53rd annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant has emerged from a field of 27 fabulous contestants.  Coming from the Land of  Oz, Miss Rodeo America 2008 is Amy Wilson, formerly Miss Rodeo Kansas 2007.  She was crowned Saturday afternoon, December 8 2007 at The Orleans Hotel showroom by Ashley Andrews, Miss Rodeo America 2007.

There has only been one other contestant from Kansas ever to win the title of Miss Rodeo America.  That was Diana Putnam Friend, Miss Rodeo Kansas 1979.  She held the title of Miss Rodeo America 1980.

A statuesque beauty at 5'8", Miss Wilson has blonde hair, blue eyes and an All-American smile.  She is the 21 year-old daughter of Lonnie and Lori Wilson, and the sister of five siblings including Kayla, Brenda, Sally, Dana and Brent.  They are residents of Colby, KS.

The new Miss Rodeo America will be introduced on horseback at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) on Sunday evening, December 9, 2007 at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas.

Miss Rodeo America 2007, Ashley Andrews of Bowman, ND, will fulfill her role asthe first lady of Professional Rodeo by appearaing at the 2007 Wrangler NFR throughout the remainder of the week.  The 49th annual Wrangler NFR runs daily now through December 15, 2007. 

Upon the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, Miss Rodeo America 2008 will kick off her year long reign of service representing and promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) worldwide by appearing first at the Denver Western Wear Market and World Championship reception at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO., both events in January.

Among her awards are a $10,000 educational scholarship to the college or university of her choice, a wardrobe of Wrangler jeans, Justin boots, Bailey hats, a silver trimmed saddle by Court's Saddlery, her official Miss Rodeo America belt buckle by Montana Silversmiths, and she will wear the uniquely designed Black Hills Gold tiara provided by Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations.  These items, along with a multitude of other valuable and exquisite prizes will be presented to her throughout the year.

Miss Willson was also honored with the Appearance and Personality category awards along with the Speech and Photogenic awards.

Amy Wilson - Miss Rodeo America 2008

Colby, Kansas native Amy Wilson graduated from Colby Community College with an Associates of Science degree in Agri-Business and Associate of Arts in Communications.  Amy will continue her education at Fort Hays State University and pursue a career in ag-related television broadcasting with the goal to become a broadcaster for televised Professional Rodeo.  Amy strives to have a positive impact on the lives of everyone she meets.

When time allows, Amy enjoys riding and training horses, raising Welsh Corgi puppies, basketball, volunteering for 4-H and providing entertainment at the nursing home, cutting hair, snow boarding, skiing and helping with all farm and ranch work.

"As a cowgirl, my love for rodeo lives deep within who I am, and I embrace the western way of life and may faith.  I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve my home state and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as Miss Rodeo Kansas.  Whether I was riding in to the arena with Old Glory, assisting the sponsors and cowboys, or getting to meet a young rodeo fan, I wanted to display a smile and attitude that showed my passion for rodeo and the values it represents.  As Miss Rodeo America, I will continue being an asset to the sport of professional rodeo through serving and working hard while always remaining genuine, showing the grace, beauty, and spirit of our Western Heritage.  The Heartland of America would be an excellent home for the first lady of Professional Rodeo."

Kansas' Amy Wilson Brings Home the Crown

Amy Sue Wilson will be the 53rd Miss Rodeo America as she was just crowned in the Orleans Showroom.  In addition to earning the crown, Amy was recognized in the Photogenic, Speech, Appearance and Personality categories.

Katie Hill, Miss Rodeo Arizona, was named first runner-up and the winner of the Horsemanship division.

Lauren Holt, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, was named second runner-up.

Alyssa Plackemeir, Miss Rodeo Texas, was named third runner-up.

Amy Jo Fields, Miss Rodeo Colorado, was named fourth runner-up.

Samantha Souza, Miss Rodeo Hawaii, was named Miss Congenialty.

Ashley Beddingfield, Miss Rodeo Tennessee, earned the high scoring Test Award.

Lindsay Glaze, Miss Rodeo Alabama, was the winner of the Eastern Region Scholarship.

Amanda Eason, Miss Rodeo Iowa, was named the winner of the Raeana Wadhams Rodeo Spirit Award, earned the Central Region Scholarship and was a top-ten finalist.

Kadee Coffman, Miss Rodeo California, earned the Western Region Scholarship and was a top-ten finalist.

Lacey Cole, Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Jesse Budd, Miss Rodeo Washington and Megan Hardy, Miss Rodeo Montana rounded out the top-ten.

We are now off to the press conference and will be back with more information later.

Miss Rodeo America... One Busy Lady!

Those of us who have been here at the Pageant know what a grueling week it is for the contestants.  Early to rise, late rehearsals... go, go, go and not much sleep.  But do you know that Miss Rodeo America is here in Las Vegas for 17 DAYS and keeps up a schedule just as hectic?

The fabulous Arlene Kensinger travels with Miss Rodeo America to all of her appearances while she is in Las Vegas for the Pageant and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (and boy does that tell us a lot about Arlene... she is TOUGH!).  For 17 days they are "on the go" about 16 hours a day to all of the various appearances that Miss Rodeo America is committed to.

One would be inclined to guess that they are mostly rodeo appearances... but did you know that she also goes to the Las Vegas Contractor's Annual Awards Banquet?  Or that she does television appearances at 6:00am?  How about the nightly go-round buckle presentations from 11pm until midnight?  There's also Child Haven, Western Wishes, Make a Wish Foundation, Clark County Commissioner's, and the Ladies Justin Cowboy Crisis Luncheon & Style Show.  She is also introduced at the rodeo on horseback each night.

Our hats are off to Ashley Andrews for the great job she has been doing all week at the Pageant and at all of her other appearances.  She not only looks great, but speaks great as well.  Knowing the hours she is putting in makes it all that more commendable!  Way to go Ashley!  (and way to go Arlene, too, for keeping up with her!)

Thursday - Round 2 of Speeches and More

Nine contestants presented their two-minute state speeches this morning in the Showroom of The Orleans Hotel.  They included Miss Rodeo Oregon, Miss Rodeo Michigan, Miss Rodeo Colorado, Miss Rodeo Alabama, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Miss Rodeo Iowa, Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Miss Rodeo Arizona and Miss Rodeo California.

Following the speeches many reigning and aspiring queens attended the Rodeo Royalty Information Seminar.  Presenters included reigning Miss Rodeo America Ashley Andrews, PRCA Announcer Tim Fuller, Head Chaperon Debbie Dilley and fitness trainer Bindee Eberlee.

At noon the contestants and their guests attended the annual President's Luncheon.  Hosted by MRA Executive Board President Tracy Damrell, the luncheon honored past presidents in attendance: Judy Gill, Jim Sutton, Arlene Kensinger, Marjorie Murphy, Bronc Rumford and Kiki Shumway.  To begin the event each contestant carried her state flag into the room.  They entered as a pair, and formed an alley of flags for Ashley Andrews to bring the beautiful flag of the United States of America through.  The Pledge of Allegiance was said, then guests dined on another tender beef lunch followed with a delicious slice of strawberry cheesecake for dessert.

It was then time for the contestants to showcase their current event knowledge.  Each was called forward to draw a question from the bowl.  She then read the question and passed it on to Tim Fuller to read, then answered the question.  Topics included the presidential primaries and caucuses, employers rights to drug test employees, the banning of Christmas light displays and other topics that really showed the awareness all twenty-seven contestants have of their world.

Following their questions they were photographed with MRA, Inc. President Tracy Damrell and Cheza from Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations.  They received a composite photo featuring all twenty-seven contestants and a participation certificate from Miss Rodeo America, Inc.  Cheza also presented each a keepsake Landstroms necklace pendant with their name, state and year engraved on the back of it.  The pendants were a reproduction of a small piece of the Miss Rodeo America crown complete with an Alexandrite stone.

To finish the luncheon, Tracy Damrell presented Ashley Andrews with a beautiful pencil drawing of her as Miss Rodeo America drawn by noted Western artist Jack Wells.

The rest of the day was filled with Horsemanship interviews and dance practice.  This evening the contestants attended the first performance of the 49th annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Scrapbook and Achievement Awards Named

During the annual President's Luncheon the winners of the Scrapbook and Achievement Awards were named.  Neither event figures into the final results of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

1st Place Scrapbook - Lacey Cole, SD

2nd Place Scrapbook - Amanda Eason, IA

3rd Place Scrapbook - Alyssa Plackemeir, TX

4th Place Scrapbook - Melissa Houttuin, MO

Glenn Klaus of TX presented each winner a cash award for their honors.

Alyssa Plackemeir was also named the Achievement Award winner and was presented a gift by Miss Rodeo Montana State Director Jody Rempel.  Alyssa sold $6,000 worth of Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation raffle tickets.  The raffle will be held on Saturday prior to the coronation.

2007 Contract Personnel Banquet

Miss Rodeo America 2007 Ashley Andrews was on hand to assist with the Contract Personnel Banquet and Awards Presentation Wednesday evening at the South Point Hotel & Casino.  There were some first-time winners along with some repeat's... 

The evening started with the presentations to the 2007 National Finals Steer Roping Personnel, followed by the 2007 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Personnel and the 2007 AQHA Horses of the Year.

Justin Committeeman of the Year, Joel Smith of Ellensburg, was also honored, followed by the PRCA Media Awards for photo journalism (Gene Hyder), Print Journalism (Susan Kanode) and Broadcast Journalism (George Michael).

Awards were given for the Bucking Stock of the Year:  2007 Bareback Horse Grated Coconut of the Calgary Stampede; 2007 Bull of the Year Voodoo Child of Beutler & Son Rodeo; and 2007 Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year Miss Congeniality of Powder River Rodeo.

2007 Coors Man in the Can - Troy Lerwill

2007 Secretary of the Year - Haley Schneeberger (Bronc Rumford's daughter)

2007 Bullfighter of the Year - Joe Baumgartner

2007 Clown of the Year - Keith Isley

2007 Announcer of the Year - Boyd Polhamus (who has been nominated more than 10 times and this is his first win)

2007 Dress Act of the Year - Tomas Garcilazo

2007 Comedy Act of the Year - Troy Lerwill

2007 Small Rodeo of the Year - Clear Lake, SD

2007 Medium Rodeo of the Year - Deadwood, SD

2007 Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year - San Antonio, TX

2007 Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year - Cheyenne, WY

2007 Stock Contractor of the Year - Stace Smith

In addition, there was an award from the PWBR Barrel Racers for the Best Footing Award, going to the Reno Rodeo; Best Remuda award going to a Stock Contractor with the Best Breeding Program going to Beutler & Son; and Best Remuda Award going to the Rodeo Committee who provided the Best Stock going to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.  Congratulations to all of the award winners!

Wednesday - Round 1 of Speeches

Two-minute prepared speeches on the topic of their state were given today by the following contestants:  Miss Rodeo Illinois, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Miss Rodeo Utah, Miss Rodeo Idaho, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Miss Rodeo Tennessee, Miss Rodeo Hawaii, Miss Rodeo Missouri and Miss Rodeo Washington.

Following the speeches, contestants began preparing for Saturday's coronation production, began the Horsemanship Interview portion of the judging and hosted their fathers for a Father-Daughter Luncheon.  They were given a break this afternoon from rehearsal, as they were quick studies of their dance moves.  This evening they attended dinner at Billy Bob's at Sam's Town where they met with Donny Gay and received official WNFR travel bags from Sam's Town.