Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

GREAT FALLS- Mariah Rys-Sikora, the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Montana 2012, who hails from Missoula and is a member of the University of Montana's rodeo team stopped by chat with MTN affiliate KRTV in Great Falls on Monday.

Rys-Sikora is studying communications at UM and was excited to talk about her upcoming travel plans and appearances, her studies at UM, and how proud she is to represent Montana and the rodeo culture and lifestyle.

Rys-Sikora, 20, was crowned Miss Rodeo Montana 2012 earlier this month while 17-year-old Jennika O'Neil was named the 2012 Miss Teen Rodeo Montana winner.

Both ladies shined in the best speech category, as well as best horsemanship and best personality.

"I'm looking most forward to the rodeos, going and being at the events and the sport that we are here to represent. It's my lifestyle, it's what I love, it's how I live, and now I get to be the face for a year, I am so excited for that," Rys-Sikora said in an earlier interview.

The two new queens will travel to rodeos across Montana, promoting the sport and encouraging young women for the next year while Rys-Sikora will compete for Miss Rodeo America in December.

Rys-Sikora, 20, is the daughter of Adam and Anne Rys-Sikora of Missoula and was the 2009 State Pole Bending Champion and Reserve Champion Goat Tying Champion. She served as the Montana High School Rodeo Queen in 2006 and Missoula Stampede Rodeo Queen in 2011.

Miss Rodeo Montana is a goodwill ambassador for Montana and the sport of Professional Rodeo in Montana.