2009 West Texas Fair and Rodeo

Reporter News, Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

Brandi Elkins of Clyde was crowned West Texas Fair & Rodeo Queen at Tuesday’s opening rodeo performance. The 17-year-old is a student at Clyde High School and the daughter of Wayne and Tina Elkins.

She was the runner-up in last year’s queen’s contest. She is involved in her school’s FFA program and has judged livestock. She has focused her riding career primarily on barrel racing, winning a number of championships since 2004 with the National Barrel Horse Association, West Texas Barrel Racing Association, Texas State High School Rodeo and the 2008 West Texas Fair & Rodeo.

The queen was chosen from among four contestants based on horsemanship, appearance and personality. Other contestants were: Chloe Banks, 17, of Austin; Mary Jo Schooler, 20, of Hamilton; and Tambree Wolf, 16, of Abilene.

Elkins will represent the West Texas Fair & Rodeo at rodeos, civic events, Western Heritage Classic and numerous parades. She receives a $2,000 scholarship and will have her entry fee paid for the Miss Rodeo Texas contest.

The West Texas Fair & Rodeo has a new coordinator for its Rodeo Queen’s Contest. For many years, Gail McMillan was the contest’s coordinator. Mrs. McMillan handed over the reins this year to Dr. Natalie Mathews, a small animal vet with the Key City Vet Clinic in Abilene. Dr. Mathews was Rodeo Queen in 1982 and has been on the Queen's committee almost every year since.

This year’s Miss West Texas Fair & Rodeo will begin her reign by representing the WTF&R each night of the rodeo where she will be introduced and make a presentation ride. She will then spend the next year representing the WTF&R at rodeos, civic events, Western Heritage Classic and numerous parades.

The contestants will be judged on horsemanship, appearance, and personality, all 3 of which are characteristics that will be important for her to perform her public appearances. They will participate in several activities that include private interviews with judges expressing speech abilities, modeling for poise, conversations to understand knowledge, ambition, and ability to represent the WTF&R for the next year. As a representative of Rodeo, it is especially important that she be able to ride and have knowledge of horses and Rodeo. Qualifying contestants must be young ladies ages 16-22 who have resided in the state of Texas at least six months prior to contest date.

Dr. Mathews said, “We have some fine contestants this year and I’m excited about the opportunity to be Coordinator. Competing for the West Texas Fair & Rodeo Queen title and representing the rodeo in the following year prepares young ladies to handle pressure and present themselves in a professional and confident manner. The girls that don’t earn the Queen title can take away from the experience discipline and pride in working to present their personal strengths.”

The crowned Queen will receive a $2,000 scholarship, the Queen’s crown, a buckle, roses, and her entry fee paid for the next Miss Rodeo Texas contest. The winner of the horsemanship contest wins a saddle blanket with hand tooled corners.

The reigning Queen is Lauren Willen. From Albany, Lauren is a 19 year old student of Texas Tech University. She will be in the Coliseum Tuesday, September 15 to crown the 2009 Miss West Texas Fair & Rodeo Queen. Lauren says she has enjoyed her rein promoting the PRCA Rodeo and the West Texas Fair.

Brandi Elkins, 17, from Clyde, Texas, attends Clyde High School. She is the daughter of Wayne and Tina Elkins. Brandi was the 2008 runner-up in the WTF&R Queen’s Contest. She is involved in her school’s FFA program and has judged livestock. She has focused her riding career primarily on barrel racing winning a number of championships since 2004 with the National Barrel Horse Association, West Texas Barrel Racing Association, Texas State High School Rodeo and finally Youth 1D Champion at the 2008 West Texas Fair & Rodeo. Click Here for Photo

Mary Jo Schooler, 20, from Hamilton, Texas, attends Tarleton State University. She is the daughter of Bill and Ann Schooler. Mary Jo is an Alpha Delta Pi and rodeo team member with Tarleton. She is currently focused on excelling in barrel racing, but has competed in events such as trail, horsemanship, showmanship and speed events, both in Western and English riding classes and is currently learning breakaway roping. She has received a number of scholarship awards, finalist and championships in various areas. Click Here for Photo

Tambree Wolf, 16, from Abilene, Texas, attends Abilene High School. She is the daughter of Larry and Mindy Wolff. Tambree is active in FFA, Ag Co-op, 4-H, and the Gold Rush Drill Team. Rodeo activities include barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, break-away roping, tie down and team penning. She has been a swim and dive team member and has earned title as President, Taylor County and District 7 4-H clubs, Council Delegate for Taylor County 4-H, and received the 4-H Gold Star Award. Click Here for Photo

Come see the girls compete for the Queen’s crown and learn more about their personal and professional aspirations and how they would be instrumental in attracting contestants for next years’ Queen’s contest.

Tuesday, Sept 15, 7:30p.m. Crowning of 2009 MISS WEST TEXAS FAIR & RODEO QUEEN-Coliseum