Umback named Sisters Rodeo Queen

Rodeo Queen Sara Umback with parents John and Patti. Umback will preside over the 2003 Sisters Rodeo festivities, scheduled for June 13-15. Photo by Jim Fisher

Sara Umback of Bend and Lincoln City has been selected as the 2003 Sisters PRCA Rodeo Queen following auditions held Sunday, March 23, at the Sisters Rodeo Arena.

She will reign during the 63rd annual Sisters Rodeo to be held June 13-15. In addition, she will represent the Sisters Rodeo Association at other Oregon rodeos during the year, according to John Leavitt, queen selection committee chair.

Sara, 19, is the daughter of John and Patti Umback of Lincoln City, where she was born and attended school. She is currently a freshman at Central Oregon Community College and plans to obtain a degree in radiology at Oregon Institute of Technology at Klamath Falls.

While attending COCC, Sara is working at River Ridge Stables at the Inn of the Seventh Mountain.

"For as long as I can remember, my family and I have visited the Sisters Rodeo each year," Sara said. "It will be great now being on the other side as the Sisters Rodeo queen."

The queen selection was announced before a group of 40 Sisters Rodeo Association members, family members and friends of contestants at the Rodeo Association Clubhouse.

Applicants were judged on personality, appearance, riding ability and performance of the contestant's horse.

Contestants also were interviewed by judges and they made a brief oral presentation before those attending the audition.

The queen will receive a wardrobe, a Sisters Rodeo belt buckle, travel expenses, and a $500 Sally Leavitt Queen's Scholarship for continued education.