Yuman Casey Rose is Miss Rodeo Arizona

Casey Rose of Yuma will represent the state at rodeo events across the country for the next year as the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Arizona.

One year after finishing as first runner-up in the same competition, Rose was crowned 2008 Miss Rodeo Arizona pageant last weekend in Payson.

Rose said she was the only entry in this year's pageant. "I like to say I scared away the competition," she joked. "There were some others registered but they dropped prior to the competition."

Nonetheless, she had to give a prepared speech about Arizona, answer impromptu questions and perform on horseback to earn the crown.

"Horsemanship skills are a big part of the competition." Rose said. "I did well, but there are things I need to improve on."

She and her counterparts from other states will compete at the Miss Rodeo America pageant to be held in conjunction with the Wrangler Pro Rodeo National Finals in Las Vegas in December.

In the meantime, she will travel around the country to ride in parades and rodeos, as well as appear at sponsor events, schools, autograph signings, radio and television interviews and other state pageants.

"It's a great way to meet new friends, experience new things and grow as a person. I want to promote rodeo and Arizona the best way possible."

This is the 50th year of the pageant, and Rose is the second Yuma County resident to win the title. The first was Laurie (Baker) Brown, who won the crown in 1999.

As the winner, Rose took home a $2,000 scholarship, a trophy saddle and various other awards.

Rose, who won the title of first runner-up in the 2007 state competition, was also the 2005 Yuma Jaycees Silver Spur Rodeo queen.

The daughter of Barry Rose and Teresa Storjohann, she began riding at age 3 and enjoys team roping with her family, according to Sun archives.

Rose, 22, currently works for Comstock Air Conditioning and is pursuing a social studies degree at Arizona Western College.