Koellermeier crowned Sisters Rodeo Queen

A home-grown Central Oregon woman, Mikaela Koellermeier, was crowned the 2015 Queen of Sisters Rodeo on Sunday, September 21. She will represent the rodeo in its 75th anniversary year.

Nineteen-year-old Koellermeier was one of four highly qualified contestants for the title in a field that was described by Marcea DeGregorio, host of the tryouts, as the finest quality of candidates she has seen in her history with Sisters Rodeo.

A former queen of La Pine Rodeo and Crooked River Round-Up, Koellermeier shined in the riding pattern in the arena on her mare, Dutch, who charged the routine with dramatic speed and superb execution.

"Even though my family has been attending Sisters Rodeo my whole life, I did not imagine becoming a rodeo queen until 2011, when I served as a princess of Rimrock Riders," she said. "That inspired me to try out for La Pine Rodeo in 2012 and Crooked River Round-Up in 2013. Being a princess opened my mind to a totally different world."

In her speech to a crowd of about 50 rodeo and community members, Koellermeier explained that growing up in a family-owned kennel was a great education. "Caring for dogs taught me responsibility and obligation, a model for my future."

She poetically described the setting of the mountain backdrop of Sisters Rodeo and the enthusiasm of its fans as a powerful influence in her desire to become part of the tradition. The year her dad caught a football from the celebrated barrelman/clown JJ Harrison during Sisters Rodeo enriched the attraction by making her feel a part of the excitement.

The 2015 queen's father, Doug, is a 33-year member of Bend Fire Department, who serves as deputy chief. Her mother, Leslie, owns a dog kennel, where Mikaela learned the responsibilities of animal care from the time she could walk.

As a member of Oregon High School Equestrian Team at Mountain View High School, Mikaela was part of a team that won the Oregon State Team Penning Championship in 2013.

Her mother said, "Mikaela is the luckiest young women I know. She has parents who love her and friends who support her. When she puts her mind to something, she's amazing."

Her father spoke with unguarded emotion when he said, "I am inspired by her, by her integrity and the way she handles herself."

A testament to her integrity was voiced by Carol Stiles, the executive director of The Center Foundation, for whom Koellermeier has been a family "nanny" and house sitter throughout her teen years. Stiles' husband is former Deschutes County Sheriff, Les Stiles.

"I couldn't be more happy for Sisters Rodeo," Stiles said. "The judges selected an outstanding person to serve as a representative who will make the rodeo and the community proud."

"I was just the babysitter," Koellermeier responded.

"I am so honored to represent Sisters Rodeo," she said in quiet amazement. "This is my opportunity to give back to the community while I share my excitement about the tradition of Sisters Rodeo."

Sisters Rodeo will begin June 10 with Xtreme Bulls followed by four rodeo performances June 12-14. For tickets and information, call the ticket hotline at 541-549-0121 or 1-800-827-7522, or visit the ticket office at 220 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters. For information visit www.sistersrodeo.com.