ProRodeo Sports News - May 15, 2020

rodeo but also the livestock shows.

“It was pandemonium,” Tierney said.

HOME RUN ON A CORONA CURVEBALL With ProRodeo competitions on hold, Tierney went back to the family ranch in South Dakota where she’s been helping her parents with calving. She’s also been looking at schools for her MBA after the 2020 season ends. “I’ve been baking a ton, too, and I had to stop because it was becoming an issue,” Tierney laughed. “It was cold outside at first, so I made strawberry shortcake, snickerdoodles. I was on such a big kick with baking that I had to switch to vegetables.” Even without competitions she’s still Miss Rodeo America, the ambassador for ProRodeo, so she’s gotten creative with fulfilling those duties from home. Recently, she took part in a virtual queen clinic to help younger aspiring rodeo queens learn how to prepare. “It was well-received,” Tierney said. “People enjoyed it, and I hope it helps some young girls figure out that stuff. It’s been interesting to see how people are doing the virtual landscape with all of this and their creativity with it.” Even from home, Tierney has been keeping up with her public appearances. She’s been on “ProRodeo Tonight” onThe Cowboy Channel and met with online audiences via shows such as Miss Rodeo Idaho’s Facebook Live show, “In the Know from Idaho.” “I feel bad for the state queens, but they’re blowing me away with how they’re making the most of their year,” Tierney said. “I’m so proud of them, they’re doing a great job.” Nicole Jordan, Miss Rodeo Idaho, shared Tierney’s mantra of positivity. “I love that we have that virtual platform to connect with fans,” Nicole Jordan said. “We’re seeing it with the PRCA too and getting to know athletes in a different way, which is really fun for us.” As with Miss Rodeo America, Nicole Jordan had to reevaluate how to fulfill her rodeo queen duties from home. “Social media gave me a platform I wasn’t as familiar with, but I feel I’ve grown a lot because of it,” Nicole Jordan said. “I can’t even imagine what it’s like for Jordan (Tierney) who worked so hard for three years. She’s making the most of it and being so positive and uplifting for us. We look up to her as a role model.” Typically rodeo queens follow the example of their predecessors, but this year’s rodeo queens are forging new paths. “I’ve tried to just keep in mind that I’m still Miss Rodeo America but more virtual,” Tierney said. “I want to make sure it’s positive and uplifting. I don’t want anything to be in a negative light because I’m a virtual Miss Rodeo America now, so I want to make the most of my social media impact.” Tierney’s approach of quality over quantity has been admirable, Nicole Jordan said. “When things get started back up, we’ll have rodeos and queen contests, and people will be able to return to some normalcy,” Tierney said. “When they do get started again, I’ll never take for granted a 3 a.m. flight or getting up early for a flight, a muddy rodeo or snow or anything. I don’t care, it’ll all be positive, and I’ll be grateful to be there. I can’t wait for the day that I need to get up at 2 a.m. for a flight.” Jordan Tierney, Miss Rodeo America, met with a third-grade class from her home in South Dakota via Zoom on May 12. Photo courtesy Jordan Tierney

ProRodeo Sports News 5/15/2020

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