ProRodeo Sports News - May 15, 2020

MISS RODEO AMERICA

BY MATT NABER A lifetime of preparation, years of competition and only one shot at the crown as Miss Rodeo America was completely ruined by the COVID-19 pandemic, if you’re the glass is half-empty type. But that’s not Jordan Tierney’s style. Her glass is half full. “I’m naturally a positive person, but if you watch the news too much and listen to too much stuff that isn’t uplifting you can get into a negative headspace,” Tierney said. “So, I’m keeping it in a positive perspective and reminding myself I’m not the only one affected. Even though this has thrown a curveball in my year, it’s the livelihood for these cowboys and cowgirls.” Tierney left home Jan. 8 and wasn’t scheduled to return until the end of March, after RodeoHouston. “It (COVID-19) didn’t pop up on my radar until I was in Houston,” Tierney said. “There was no talk of it shutting down the rodeo. Then we were in the trade show the morning of and we heard the mayor of Houston was going to announce if they were shutting down the rodeo or not. That’s when I had the realization it could impact my year. I was going home the next day, not in a couple.” The storm was on the horizon, but its impact didn’t hit until it was full force. “I was heartbroken,” Tierney said. “I was so sad about leaving, I was in disbelief. I couldn’t believe they’d canceled it. If you ever want to feel what it’s like when the world ends, it was that vibe. They announced it at 1 p.m., and we had to be off the grounds by 4 p.m.” All the people and livestock had to leave the area, not just for the Tierney takes queen duties online during pandemic Virtual Queen Miss Rodeo America 2020 Jordan Tierney, right, has taken an online approach to being the ambassador for ProRodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/15/2020

ProRodeo.com

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