MRA
Bulletin Board News Archives
News
archives for the Miss Rodeo America Organization and Pageant.
Bailey Becomes the Official Hat for Miss Rodeo America
Miss
Rodeo America, Inc., is delighted to have the opportunity to work with
one of America’s oldest and most famous hat companies, Bailey
Hats. Bailey has been a leader in the headwear industry for over
84 years. Among some of their early accomplishments, Bailey made the
first cloth cowboy hat in 1941 and invented the “U-Rollit” in
1951 which allowed people for the first time to shape and reshape their
hat brims.
"Meeting the gentlemen working for Bailey Hat’s during the Dallas Market was an awesome experience," said Miss Rodeo America, Amanda Jenkins. "They asked what size I wore and immediately produced a beautiful natural 100X Beaver Bailey Hat for me to wear to a photo shoot…and after the photo shoot let me keep it!"
The Bailey Hat Company dates back to the early 1920’s, when George S. Bailey, founder of the company, opened a shop in Los Angeles, CA. The American west was booming and Los Angeles was leading the charge. Bailey catered directly to the needs of the “New West,” outfitting southern California ranchers, businessmen, oil tycoons and the newest segment of the population, move stars like Roy Rogers, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby and Gary Cooper. Bailey even made the very first Mouskateer hats for Walt Disney and the opening of Disneyland.
"Working with Gerry Miller, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Ross Sachs, Vice President of Marketing has been great. They have been so efficient and cooperative in producing advertising materials and helping us to get ready for the Pageant which is coming up in just a few short weeks. I’m so enthused by their efforts and knowing they realize the value of utilizing Miss Rodeo America as a spokesperson in the marketing and promotion of Bailey Hats," stated Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America, Inc., Executive Director.
True
Grit
By Johnna
Espinoza
PSN Writer
She
was honored for her elegance and horsemanship when she was crowned
Miss Rodeo America and now Ashley Andrews is being recognized for
her grit.
Andrews was recently chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Shane Drury True
Grit Award. The award is presented to honor the memory of inspirational PRCA
bull rider Shane Drury, who died Oct. 31, 2006, after a four-year battle with
cancer.
Andrews, a cancer survivor, received the award from Drury's father, Paul, on Feb. 4 prior to the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour Round of the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City, S.D.
"I was very surprised and very honored because I met Shane last March, and it was about one month into me being diagnosed with cancer," Andrews said.
"Even though he probably didn't realize it, he had a huge impact on me. Seeing his positive attitude and how he was going to deal with what he was faced with made me immediately step up to the job and want to handle my situation the best I possibly could with a positive attitude."
Along with his courageous battle against cancer, Shane became an inspiration to many by posting upbeat messages with scripture passages from the Bible on his web site.
As the Shane Drury True Grit Award recipient, Andrews received a bronze of Shane riding a bull with the phrase "keeping the faith" on the bottom of the statue. The bronze was designed by Mavis Madison. Her son, Seth White, was among the panel who selected Andrews for the award. Also on the panel, was Paul Drury and longtime stock contractor Jim Sutton.
Andrews was a busy and visible presence at this year's Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo. She helped raise money for Wrangler's breast cancer awareness Tough Enough to Wear Pink program. Andrews sold T-shirts at the trade show and a nearby mall. All totaled, about $35,000 was raised for cancer awareness during the Rapid City event.
Andrews received a standing ovation in front of a packed house of 7,000 fans when she was introduced during the finals of the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo. PRCA announcer Wayne Brooks told spectators about Andrew's battle with cancer.
"It was overwhelming. It was an awesome experience," said Andrews about the crowd's reaction.
Andrews, who turned 22 on Feb. 11, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease last January while serving as Miss Rodeo North Dakota. She had out-patient chemotherapy every other Tuesday from January to July. The native of Bowman, N.D., received a clean bill of health in August.
Due to the cancer treatments, Andrew's long blonde hair fell out and was replaced with brown, fuzzy "chemo hair." She decided to compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant, despite losing her hair and recovering from chemotherapy. Andrews, who wears a wig, was crowned the 2007 Miss Rodeo America at the pageant held in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December in Las Vegas.
She has used her victory over cancer to help others by becoming involved with the American Cancer Society, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Ronald McDonald House and the North Dakota Cancer Coalition, along with Wrangler's Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign.
Andrews is expected to travel 100,000 miles and appear at 100 rodeos this year. She is taking a year off from college at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., to fulfill her Miss Rodeo America duties. She plans to return to school and complete her education in communications.
Her ambitious schedule and can-do attitude is something Shane would have admired and fits with the award criteria. Recipients of the Shane Drury True Grit Award must come from the Badlands Circuit (North Dakota and South Dakota) and in some way have overcome adversity. Plans for the award were in the works prior to Shane's death.
"He insisted it not be a hard-luck award," Paul said. "He wanted it to go to someone who dealt with adversity, who lived with it, went through it, but kept on going. His slogan was 'nothin' but try.'"
Drury qualified for the Wrangler NFR in 2000 and later become a PRCA judge after his fight with Ewing's sarcoma — a rare form of cancer that mostly affects teenagers — ended his bull riding career.
Along with the Shane Drury True Grit Award, a scholarship fund in Shane's name was established prior to his death. Montana State University student Jyme Peterson was the inaugural recipient of the scholarship, awarded by Shane himself, during the 2006 College National Finals Rodeo.
For more information about Shane Drury, go to www.shanedrury.net. For more information on the Miss Rodeo America pageant, visit www.missrodeoamerica.
Even Cancer Couldn't Defeat Miss Rodeo America 2007 Ashley Andrews
The winner of the 52nd Anniversary Miss Rodeo America Pageant has emerged from a field of 28 fabulous contestants. Miss Rodeo America 2007 is Ashley Andrews, formerly Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2006. She was crowned Saturday afternoon, Dec. 2, 2006 at The Orleans Hotel showroom by Amanda Jenkins, Miss Rodeo America 2006.
After a challenging year that included defeating cancer, Andrews topped off 2006 with another win of a lifetime, becoming the First Lady of Professional Rodeo.
She was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in January 2006, immediately following an appearance as Miss Rodeo North Dakota at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver.
After receiving six months of chemotherapy treatment, Andrews was released before competing at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas.
A 21-year-old senior at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, Andrews studies communications, public relations and political science. Upon graduation she would like to enter the field of public relations in the area of agriculture or cancer research.
A statuesque beauty at 5’8”, Miss Andrews has blonde hair, brown eyes and a genuine, heartwarming smile. She is the youngest of six children to Bob and Rita Andrews . They are residents of Bowman, ND
With her new national title, Andrews is carrying on a successful rodeo queen career that began when she served her state as North Dakota High School Rodeo Queen in 2001.
The new Miss Rodeo America will be introduced on horseback at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) Sunday evening, Dec. 4, 2006 at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas.
Miss Rodeo America 2006, Amanda Jenkins of Gilbert, AZ, will fulfill her role as the first lady of professional rodeo by appearing at the 2006 Wrangler NFR throughout the remainder of the week. The 48th annual Wrangler NFR runs daily now through Dec. 9, 2006.
Upon the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, Miss Rodeo America 2007 will kick off her yearlong 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 Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO., both events in January.
Among her awards is 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 trophy buckle from 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.
First runner up to Miss Rodeo America 2007 is Miss Rodeo Texas 2006 – Joanna Blackwell of Center, TX.
Second runner up to Miss Rodeo America 2007 is Miss Rodeo Utah 2006 – Cami Cushing of Sandy, UT.
Third runner up to Miss Rodeo America 2007 is Miss Rodeo New Mexico 2006 – Jesse Gearhart of Tijeras, NM.
Fourth Runner up to Miss Rodeo America 2007 is Miss Rodeo Florida 2006 – Rachel O’Connor of Zephryhills, FL.
The
Eastern Regional Scholarship Award winner is Miss Rodeo Tennessee 2006
Holly Scott of Cordova, TN.
The
Central Regional Scholarship Award winner is Miss Rodeo Iowa 2006
Erika Harlan of Fairfield, IA.
The Western Regional Scholarship Award winner is Miss Rodeo Nevada 2006 Kristina Spitale of Reno, NV.
The Horsemanship Award winner is Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2006 Sorrel McKay of Wall, SD.
The Personality Award winner is Miss Rodeo North Dakota Ashley Andrews.
The Appearance Award winner is Miss Rodeo Texas Joanna Blackwell.
The Photogenic Award winner is Miss Rodeo Texas Joanna Blackwell.
The Congeniality Award winner is Miss Rodeo Wisconsin Mari Dean.
Other
top ten finalists in the 2007 Miss Rodeo America Pageant are (in no
particular order):
Miss Rodeo California 2006 Brittany Nuckols of Hesperia, CA.
Miss Rodeo Colorado 2006 Tara Spencer of Loveland, CO.
Miss Rodeo Idaho 2006 Scharlee Roberts of Huston, ID.
Miss Rodeo Iowa 2006 Erika Harlan of Fairfield, IA.
Miss Rodeo Nevada 2006 Kristina Spitale of Reno, NV.
Additional competitions were held in conjunction with the 2007 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Best Scrapbook Award went to Miss Rodeo Arizona. Second place went to Miss Rodeo Oregon. Third place went to Miss Rodeo Kansas. Fourth place went to Miss Rodeo Iowa.
The Best State Table Display Award went to the Miss Rodeo Utah delegation. Second place went to the Miss Rodeo Arizona delegation, and third place went to Miss Rodeo South Dakota delegation.
Also, the top sales achievement award was a tie between Miss Rodeo New Mexico and Miss Rodeo Texas. This is based on sales of raffle tickets that benefit the MRA Scholarship Foundation.
The Raeana Wadhams "Spirit Award" went to Miss Rodeo New Mexico Jesse Gearhart of Tijeras, NM.This award is given by the MRA Scholarship Foundation in honor of MRAP Executive Director Raeana Wadhams.
Twenty eight young ladies, representing their respective states, competed for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2007 during the weeklong pageant, which was showcased at The Orleans Hotel in America’s Western City of Lights, Las Vegas, NV.
Contestants were judged in the major categories of horsemanship, personality and appearance, competing in the areas of public speaking, personal interviews, modeling, photogenics and rodeo/equine knowledge.
"Opportunity is often missed because it's dressed in overalls, disguised as work," said Miss Rodeo America 2007 Ashley Andrews in a media conference following the coronation ceremony.
"This achievement definitely required some work but I recognize what an opportunity it is to serve as Miss Rodeo America.
"I’m an avid rodeo fan and competitor, and it’s a dream come true to represent professional rodeo and sponsors of this great sport."
The new Miss Rodeo America will travel approximately 100,000 miles over the next year appearing at nearly 100 rodeo performances and special events.
Primary sponsors of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant include Wrangler Jeans, Las Vegas Events, Inc., American Quarter Horse Association, Justin Boot Company, Dodge Trucks, Bailey Hat Company, Montana Silversmiths, Absorbine, The Orleans Hotel, Dallas Market Center, Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Hobby Horse Clothing Company, Court’s Saddlery, Buck’s Bags, Wells Fargo, Chambers Belts, Morris Kaye & Sons and Stone Horses.
Masters of ceremonies were Tim Fuller of Tulsa, OK, and Bob Tallman of Weatherford, TX. Judges for the 2007 Miss Rodeo America Pageant were Jim Helzer of Arlington, TX, Marlo Ward of LaGrange, WY, Jim Sutton of Onida, SD, and Karen Yost of Park City, MT.
Amanda Jenkins Takes The Reins As Miss Rodeo America
The Miss Rodeo America Pageant Inc. has announced Arizona cowgirl Amanda Jenkins has been named Miss Rodeo America 2006.
The Executive Board of Miss Rodeo America, Inc., released Tressie Knowlton of Fowler, Colorado, from her contract earlier than expected, citing Tressie’s personal health concerns.
Jenkins, who won first alternate at the Miss Rodeo America 2006 Pageant, begins her service as First Lady of Professional Rodeo with a scheduled appearance at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and ProRodeo Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Colorado Springs, CO, this week.
"After careful consideration for Tressie's well-being and the business at hand, the MRAI Executive Board agreed with Tressie that an early retirement from her role as MRA 2006 would be in her best interest", said MRAI President Kiki Shumway of Washington.
"We are appreciative of what Tressie has done during her reign to promote professional rodeo, our sponsors, and our organization and wish her the best in all her future endeavors. We're confident that our organization will come through this unexpected transition stronger and more committed to our ideals than ever.”
“I know that Amanda is excited to be wearing the crown and we are equally excited to have her as Miss Rodeo America.”
Both
Tressie and Amanda competed alongside 22 other contestants from across
the country in the 2006 Miss Rodeo America Pageant, held last December
in Las Vegas as a weeklong prelude to the Wrangler National Finals
Rodeo.
“Amanda and I have been good friends since she was named Miss Rodeo Arizona
in May 2005,” said Knowlton.
“I
am excited for her and know that she will do a great job representing
the Miss Rodeo America organization and professional rodeo.”
When contacted by the Miss Rodeo America Pageant executive board about accepting
the position, Amanda responded positively.
“Tressie and I are good friends and we both hope for one another’s happiness. We want what is ultimately the best for each other,” said Jenkins “This is a gift and a wonderful opportunity. I am blessed.”
Miss Rodeo America Exhibit Expanded at Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum
Miss
Rodeo America 2005 Selena Ulch in Front of the Newly Expanded Exhibit
WOW—what a difference a little space makes! Thanks to the efforts of PRCA Commissioner Troy Ellerman, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame's new Executive Director, Larry McCormack, and Julie Jutten from the Hall of Fame staff, the Miss Rodeo America Exhibit has taken on a wonderful new look. Julie did a wonderful job fitting everything into the exhibit that was provided. We owe these individuals a huge thank you for allowing the Miss Rodeo America organization the opportunity to showcase some of its heritage in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum.
Included in the exhibit: Dress designed by Nell's Creations for Lori Bortner, Miss Rodeo America 2003; Boots worn by Almabeth Carroll, Miss Rodeo America 1978; Chaps designed by Tim Bath for Sandy Meyer, Miss Rodeo America 1984; Nudies Hollywood suit and belt worn by Karen Lavens, Miss Rodeo America 1962; Saddle won by Chris Vincent, Miss Rodeo America 1970; Lambskin dress design by Western Reflections and worn by Tara Graham, Miss Rodeo America 2001; Chaps worn by Chrissy Sparling, Miss Rodeo America 1989; Trophy presented to Martha Lehmann, Miss Rodeo America 1960 and Miss Rodeo America buckles manufactured by Silver State Silver from Reno, NV and Award Design Medals from Noble, OK. The exhibit also includes photos of reigning Miss Rodeo America, Selena Ulch and a listing of all 50 Miss Rodeo America's names and the year of their reign. The Miss Rodeo America tiara was designed by Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations and first worn by Pat Koren, Miss Rodeo America 1965.
Located near the staircase as you enter the main museum exhibit floor, the Miss Rodeo America Exhibit, along with seventeen state title holders and Selena, drew a large crowd of spectators and photographers during the recent Induction Ceremony at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum in Colorado Springs.
Auction
Record Broken Again
The Miss
Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation raised a record $22,000 today at the
Cowboy Christmas Auction. Contestants brought an item representative
of their state. Vacation ski packages, baskets of food and artwork were
included in the items.
The event was made possible Las Vegas Events, INC. The planning committee is chaired by Bronc Rumford (KS) and co-chaired by Marjorie Murphy (TX) and Karie O'Donnell Jones (WA). Other committee members included Trish Fulcher (AZ), Dale Fulcher (AZ), Ina Ginsberg (AZ), Johna Niedfelt (NE), Kelly Baxley (TX), Laurie Thoman (WY), Gail DeJongh (CA), Debbie Foot (AR), Bindee Eberle (NV), Jody Rempel (MT), Kiki Shumway (WA), Shelia Croft (KS), Kelley Pollock (AZ), Dona Rutherford (NM), Bill Olson (MI), and Mesia Murphy (UT).
MAKING
TRAVEL PLANS? USE THE MISS
RODEO AMERICA TRAVEL SITE!
