The Iowa State Rodeo Club crowned Renietta De Jager the Miss Iowa State Rodeo 1995 at a ceremony before the Cyclone Stampede rodeo finals Saturday night.

“I couldn’t believe it,” De Jager said of waiting for the winner to be announced. “I was so nervous I wanted to cry and scream all at once.”

Contestants were judged on horsemanship, rodeo knowledge, appearance and personality. They performed many activities throughout the weekend, including modeling sessions and personal interviews.

De Jager prepared for the contest by studying the collegiate rodeo rule book and the Iowa State Rodeo Club’s constitution. She said she practiced riding on several horses and “asked a lot of questions.”

The rodeo queen’s responsibilities are to represent the Iowa State Rodeo Club and promote collegiate rodeo, De Jager said. She said the queen acts as an “ambassador” to the public, informing and educating people about the sport.

De Jager is a senior in animal science/dairy science from Maurice.