Crump: 'Rodeo develops strong morals and values and family'

By CAROL RYAN DUMAS

Capital Press

Bright eyed and full of enthusiasm, Tricia Lynn Crump kicked off her year's reign as Miss Rodeo Idaho with two coronation banquets last week.

"My passion is to be a positive advocate for the sport of rodeo and our Western heritage," she said. "Rodeo develops strong morals and values and family."

Crowned the organization's 56th Miss Rodeo Idaho at the Snake River Stampede in Nampa in July, Crump, 23, has a full schedule ahead.

"My platform is ag education and awareness that consumers need to have a partner-type relationship with farmers," she said.

She is the daughter of Scott and Edie Richardson and Doug and Amy Crump, all of Pocatello.

Though her family is not involved in agriculture, she was an active 4-H and FFA member and grew up riding horses and attending rodeos with her parents and two brothers.

Her dreams of being a cowgirl began as a 4-year-old when she cinched the "mutton bustin'" championship at the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

Her 4-H and FFA public-speaking and leadership experience prepared her for the Miss Rodeo Idaho competition, and her reign as District 4 High School Rodeo Queen helped.

The four-day Miss Rodeo competition consisted of a series of interviews, speeches and horsemanship.

"They're really looking for the girl who's going to be the best speaker for rodeo in the state of Idaho," she said.

Crump won the appearance, personality, photogenic, speech and horsemanship awards to win the crown.

"She is an extremely talented young woman, and we are very proud to have her as our Miss Rodeo Idaho 2011," said Steph Seiler, president of Miss Rodeo Idaho Inc.

Crump will be representing Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association in the year ahead, attending more than 40 rodeos across Idaho. She has already made an appearance at the Denver Livestock Show and this week is headed to Rapid City, S.D., for the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.

"I am getting the experience of a lifetime, an opportunity to network with people all over the world and an opportunity to represent a sport I am passionate about," she said.

That opportunity could grow even bigger if she wins the Miss Rodeo America competition, to be held in late November.

Crump, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Idaho in 2009, plans to continue her education with a master's or law degree. Her experience as a legislative intern with Food Producers of Idaho during the 2010 legislative session has her aspiring to be a lobbyist for agriculture.

In that role, she wants to strengthen the positive relationship between ranchers, farmers and consumers, she said.

As for rodeo, it "is always going to be part of my life," she said, adding that she's been training horses since she was 16.