Miss Rodeo America 2008 Pageant

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.

Happy Birthday Wrangler!

It was a late night, but the annual Fashion Show did not disappoint anyone in attendance.

Guests were greeted by a giant, blow-up birthday cake proclaiming "Happy 60th Birthday, Wrangler!" as they stepped of the escalator.  A social hour was held were many old friendships were renewed and new friendships made.

After the guests were seated, Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller introduced up and Miss Kaley Caperton of Texas to sing the National Anthem.  New Mexico National Director Wilma Fulgham gave a touching prayer prior to dinner.  The evenings menu included salad, fork-tender steak, scalloped potatoes and steamed vegetables.  Mini birthday cakes emblazoned with the Wrangler patch were served for dessert.

During dinner Tim and PRCA Announcer Matt West auctioned off a set of "Mystery Boxes" as a fund raiser for Miss Rodeo America, Inc.  Texas State Director Marjorie Murphy gathered surprise items into three boxes and bidders could select one, two or all three of the boxes.  The bidding was fierce as Tim took bids and Matt urged the audience to bid high.  In the end, Mr. Red Wilk purchased all three boxes for a substantial donation to MRA, Inc.  To his families delight, a trip to the Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant, a coral necklace, tickets to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and more were discovered within the boxes.

Reigning Miss Rodeo America Ashley Andrews reported from the event for the "Miss Rodeo America News".  Tim Fuller played the legendary designer to the cowboys Rodeo Ben.  He spoke of the past, including the birth of the legendary Wrangler 13MWZ jean.

Throughout the evening a video tribute and history was given of the Wrangler brand.  Mr. Bill Hervey played an integral part in the building of the Wrangler brand and he shared many stories about the development of the product line.  When the jeans were first sold they could be purchased for a mere $3.99.  The first person to endorse the new jean was rodeo legend Jim Shoulders.  His wife, Sharon, would later play an important role in the development of the Wrangler women's line.  In 1974 the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association named the 13MWZ as the official jean of the association.

Kaley Caperton performed three numbers including "When Country Wasn't Cool" by Barbara Mandrel and an out of this world "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".  Ms. Caperton is also and aspiring song writer and wrote a tribute to Wrangler's 60th birthday entitled "In My Jeans".  She debuted the song at this year's fashion show.

The Miss Rodeo America contestants performed high energy dances to musical medleys which included, "R E S P E C T", "House of Blue Lights", and "Achey Breaky Heart".  All of the clothing, accessories and boots were donated to the contestants by Wrangler, the Chambers Belt Company and Justin Boots.   Ashley and Time took their turn on the dance floor with a medley including a waltz, a two-step and an electrifying swing number. 

Ashley then came on stage for "The Ashley Andrews Show".  A spoof of popular shows such as "The Tonight Show", Ashley bantered with the crowd, hosted an "Identify the Wrangler Butt" photo contest, and interviewed Phil McAdams, president of Wrangler.  During her interview with Mr. McAdams special guest Marilyn Monroe graced the stage and sang "Happy Birthday" to Wrangler.  During her show Ashley had her own Top Six Reasons to Wear Wranglers" list (the writers are on strike, so six was all we got!).

It is tradition to announce the inductees into the Miss Rodeo America Hall of Fame during the Fashion Show.  Committee member and Wrangler employee Sherry Smith introduced Hall of Fame Member Bob Tallman who announced the 2007 inductee - "Wrangler".  Mr. Hervey, Mrs. Shoulders, Mr. McAdams, Mr. Karl Stressman, Mr. Joe Hertz, Mr. Kevin Walsh, Mr. Dan Reeves and other members of the Wrangler family accepted the award on behalf of the brand.

The final dance number of the evening showcased the talents of Ashley and her gang as they performed to "Me and My Gang".  Following a rousing round of applause, Wrangler endorsee Susie Dobbs entertained the audience with a few of her hit songs. 

The highly anticipated Western Elegance portion of the fashion show had arrived.  Ashley modeled a beautiful beaded gown and was followed by twenty-seven state representatives in a variety of colors and styles.  At the end, each contestant walked amongst the tables as "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls" played and photos of them wearing their Wrangler jeans out and about were shown on the big screens.

The evening ended with Ashley entering the room on the back of Troy Lerwell's motorcycle to the song "Rock this Party".  The contestants were joined on stage by many Wrangler endorsees including Sherry Cervi, Boyd Polhamus and others to sing Happy Birthday to Wrangler.

Once again, the evening was a success and plans are already underway for the 2009 Miss Rodeo America Fashion Show.  To see photos from the event, please visit the website of professional photographer John Shooter at http://www.shooterenterprises.com.

Thank you to committee chair Kiki Shumway, Kate Rumford and Lori McKettrick (co-chairs), Stephanie Hedin, Linda Ebest, Marjorie Murphy, Dale Harman, Nicole Cypers, Ina Ginsberg, Jim Peer, Cindy & Red Wilk, Sherry Smith, Kathy Shumway, Deborah Tucker, DeShannon Davis and Amber Riesterer for their work on the committee.  The choreographer of the event was LauraLyn Kofford and, she was assisted by Casey Balding.  Escorts were Phil McAdams, Karl Stressman, Joe Hertz, Kevin Walsh and Dan Reeves.  Royal Arena Table sponsors included Wrangler, Red Wilk Construction, Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation and Friends, Arlene Kensinger, Justin Boot Company, Shumway Farms, John E. Cavey and Pat J. Thompson and state Miss Rodeo Associations Texas, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, South Dakota, Washington, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Nevada, Arzona, and Florida.

Floyd... Top Horse at the 2008 MRA Horsemanship Competition

It might not be much of a name; but Floyd is a pretty darn good horse.   Of the 14 horses selected for the horsemanship competition, "horse" judges Gary Rempel and Jason Bottoms agreed that it was a pretty even pen, and that there were "four or five of them" that could have been the top horse. 

However, it was the #4 horse, "FLOYD" that took the honors.  A smaller sorrel with a star, Floyd was ridden by Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Miss Rodeo Alabama, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, and Miss Rodeo Arizona.

So what were the horse judges looking for?  According to Gary and Jason, it was a combination of how well the horse handled, how consistent he was from ride to ride, and the horse's talent.  Of all of the horses, they said, "Floyd" was the most honest with all of his riders and very consistent.   

Floyd is owned by Bob Barnes... and besides Bob probably no one was happier than Bronc Rumford, who just happened to sell that horse to Bob.    As the owner of the top horse, Mr. Barnes received a plaque and a check from Absorbine, presented by Tara Rowe at the PRCA Luncheon.