ABOUT MISS RODEO UTAH 2010

What does it mean to be Miss Rodeo Utah?

Miss Rodeo Utah symbolizes the young women of Utah who want to promote the sport of rodeo that stands for family, hard work, values, and commitment. She represents Utah at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. She also travels throughout Utah appearing at rodeos and western-oriented events.

Age: 20
Hometown:  Lehi
Education:  Graduate of Lehi High School, currently attending Utah Valley University.  She is pursuing a degree in speech communications.  
Parents: Mitch and Deanna Wardle
Sports and hobbies: Martina enjoys doing anything outdoors, especially skeet shooting with her grandfather, hiking Mt. Timpanogos and working in the yard with her mother.  She loves swing dancing and running.  During the summer, she can be found quilting in her grandma’s backyard. She is constantly taking pictures of all the crazy things she does with friends and often attempts to break the world record for the number of text messages sent in one day.
Why I want to be Miss Rodeo Utah: “I spent a lot of time with my grandpa when I was younger.  He let me put curlers in his hair, convinced me that John Wayne movies were more interesting than cartoons and taught me how to ride. He often tells me stories of his life.  Many of the stories revolve around rodeo.  The big wins or big wrecks have always been my favorites.  Just as my grandpa did in his day, my cousins and I have developed our own rodeo memories. No matter if we landed in the pay out or just landed in the dirt, we can agree that every performance taught us character, values and perseverance.  It is because of these experiences that I know I want to be a representative for the sport of rodeo.  Anyone who has participated would agree that rodeo is so much more than a source of entertainment:  Rodeo is a way of life. The world of rodeo is a culture of courage, strength and kindness. Rodeo queens play a special part in this culture.  A line from a history book perfectly articulates my feelings that “the rodeo queen is a symbol of rodeo” and “a metaphor for western women.” It is no small responsibility to be a symbol, especially for a sport with such a long and prestigious heritage… She welcomes current fans and invites new ones to share the traditions of our wild sport. Her sincere smile and sparkling crown undeniably catch every little girl’s attention. Everyone is a role model for someone in their life, but I believe the people who choose to be in the spotlight have a greater responsibility to the people around them. If I am given the opportunity to act as Miss Rodeo Utah I will represent the people, sport and state I love with integrity and diligence.”