By Claire Daugherty '17

The lights go off in the arena and the crowd begins to pour in. It’s almost time for the performance of the Spartan Stampede rodeo. During intermission, we will find out who becomes the new 2016 Miss Michigan State Rodeo Queen. As we line up in the alley waiting for grand entry to start, our hearts are pounding. We walk into the arena with the spotlight on us and in front of hundreds of people. It has to be perfect, so we put our trust in our horses (that we’ve met for the first time). After grand entry is over, the nerves begin to hit. We have just a couple events before we find out which one of us five girls is the new rodeo queen.

As we are called into the arena at intermission, my heart is pounding again. We are in front of a huge crowd and are seconds away from one of our lives to change. They announce my name for winning horsemanship, interview, and modeling. Dr. Nielsen announces the 2016 Miss Michigan State Rodeo Queen– and it’s me! 

I’m in a state of shock as the crowd cheers as I’m crowned and climbing on my horse. This is a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I kick it into high gear as my horse and I fly around the arena to the song “Let There Be Cowgirls."

As rodeo queen, I am now the face of the MSU Rodeo Club. Rodeo queens are representing Michigan State Rodeo and the Spartan Stampede. Our job is to attend events, such as meet and greets, school visits, parades, rodeos, etc. We always have to look and act the part. This includes riding whatever horse is given to us, even if that horse isn’t something we would like to get on. There will be interviews, speeches, and a lot of communication that are all part of the job. It’s not an easy task, but I couldn’t be more excited to begin my year as queen. 

Being part of the rodeo is an honor. These cowboys and cowgirls are some of the strongest, yet kindest people you will ever meet. Rodeo really is the toughest sport on dirt, and I’m as proud as I’ve ever been to represent this amazing sport and school for 2016.

Claire Daugherty is a student of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources studying agribusiness management. She is expected to graduate in 2017. After college, she hopes to work outside with animals or farmers, with her dream being to own a horse and cattle ranch.