Kate Cox is Miss Rodeo Arizona 2001

by Dennis Fendler, Payson Roundup

Kate Cox, 20, of Gilbert, Arizona, captured the 2001 Miss Rodeo Arizona Crown in Payson, Arizona on May 13th. Kate competed with 10 other candidates for the state title in a four-day affair culminating with the coronation on Sunday morning. Miss Cox is the daughter of Chuck and Marilyn Cox of Gilbert, Arizona, and has attended Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University where she is majoring in pre-veterinary medicine. Her former rodeo royalty title include the Arizona state high school association queen (ASHSAQ) and the Miss Turquoise Circuit 2000 title. Her accomplishments include the Prudential volunteer ward for her work with a Downs Syndrome Youth through the 4-H program and a member of the ASU Deans list and Barrett's Honors college. Kate also promotes Agriculture as the District Specialist in Gilbert public schools. Congratulations, Kate...

Results of the other "Silver Crown Showdown" winners are as follows: 1st runner-up: Maria Gomez, Apache Junction, Az.; 2nd runner-up: Joanie Hopman, Prescott, Az.; 3rd runner-up, Betsy Rice, Payson, Az.; 4th Runner-up, Christina Davis.

Horsemanship award, Maria Gomez, Apache Junction; Appearance award, Betsy Rice, Payson; Personality award, Kate Cox, Gilbert; Speech award, Kristina Bane, Sierra Vista; Photogenic award, Kate Cox, Gilbert; Congeniality award, Kristina Bane, Sierra Vista; Essay award, Betsy Rice, Payson; Judges Spirit award, Kristina Bane, Sierra Vista; Sales Achievement award, Maria Gomez, Apache Junction; Scholarship Benefit ticket sale award, Regina Brown, Show Low. A total of $4,550 in educational scholarships was awarded to the winners, including a $2,000 to Miss Rodeo Arizona 2001.

Over two hundred and seventy attended the pageant, which has been held in Payson for the last four years. As Miss Rodeo Arizona, Kate Cox will serve as the official state ambassador to Rodeo and in December will represent Arizona in the national competition for Miss Rodeo America, held during the NFR in Las Vegas, Nevada in December.