Scriven is Rex Allen Days rodeo queen

By Carol Broeder
Published/Last Modified on Friday, Oct 19, 2007 - 05:22:23 am MST

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Wick News Service

WILLCOX — Maria Scriven of Hereford is the 2008 Rex Allen Days Rodeo Queen.

“Most everything in my life revolves around horses and rodeo,” the 23-year-old said. “So when you do find me with some spare time and I’m not at a horse related function, I like to camp, fish and hang out with my family and friends.”

Scriven lives on a small ranch and has several horses, but her two “main” horses are Chubs and Bandit.

From left, 2007 Queen Destiny Vaught, Rex Allen Days Queen chairman Marion Tenney and 2008 Rex Allen Days Queen Maria Scriven, 23, of Hereford stand together at the Rex Allen Days. Behind Tenney is runner-up Katie Cowan of Sierra Vista. The Eurofresh-sponsored saddle in front of Tenney was won by Rose Albright. (Carol Broeder•Wick News Service)

“Chubs is my all around horse,” she said. “He does barrels, roping, gymkhanas, some shows, and was even a queening horse. Bandit is currently my goat tying horse and is going to be my up and coming barrel horse.”

Scriven cites various horse events she is involved in.

“I participate in the Sierra Vista Riding Club monthly gymkhana and am currently winning their year-end buckle for high point,” she said.

Scriven is involved with her church’s ranch family fun days, and serves as a member of the arena committee.

“When I’m not at a rodeo or at one of these events, I enjoy roping, trail riding and just spending time on horseback,” she said.

Scriven has held three rodeo queen titles and one princess title, and has various awards, buckles, saddles and ribbons for competition in 4-H, gymkhanas, barrel races, horse shows and other horse events.

She served as 4-H president for four years and also as a horse leader.

“I was an honor student in school and received the highest academic achievement award for the Cochise College Rodeo Team,” said Scriven, adding she holds an associate’s degree in applied science in agriculture.

“It would be an honor to be the 2008 Rex Allen Days Rodeo Queen for many reasons,” Scriven said in her application. “First of all, I would have the honor of representing the great ranching community of Willcox, the Rex Allen Days Rodeo and also my favorite sport — rodeo. Preserving the cowboy’s way of life and our Western heritage has always been important to me and this experience would allow me to educate the public about them. I would also like to be queen so I can continue my education with the scholarship, gain a lifetime of memories and new friends.”

The runner-up is 21-year-old Katie Cowan of Sierra Vista.

CAROL BROEDER is a reporter with the Arizona Range News in Willcox.

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taby wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:29 AM:

" Way too go Maria, I want to be just like you when I grow up. Thanks for all the lessons you have given me. I loved riding with you and look forward to doing more in the furture. your girl taby "

Kandice wrote on Oct 20, 2007 2:53 PM:

" I love seeing the community get involved in these events. I remember going to the Rex Allen Days Rodeo when I was a child, and there was a magician who sawed the rodeo queen in half in the middle of the arena. We also participated in the turtle races every year. It was great fun and one of my happiest & most vivid memories from my childhood. I hope the community keeps these events going strong. Congrats to Ms. Scriven and all those who worked to make the weekend's festivities a success. "