Miss Rodeo California is a hometown queen

[NPI Float=”left”]/Media/0/jpg/2010/5/bc2427b1-dacf-6969-a497c29217a400d5.jpg[/NPI] In addition to its local rodeo queens, Ramona can boast being the hometown of Miss Rodeo California 2010, Markie Battaglia.

Battaglia, 21, is an all-around cowgirl who plans to spend the weekend at the Ramona Rodeo. Look for her in the arena each rodeo show and throughout the rodeo grounds greeting visitors and talking about rodeo.

A senior at Arizona State University, she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in Spanish. She plans to continue her education to earn a master’s degree in broadcasting and work for ESPN Deportes.

An avid team roper and barrel racer, Miss Rodeo California grew up in junior rodeo and high school rodeo, competing and succeeding in both. In addition to team roping and barrel racing, she enjoys reading, running and spending time with family and friends.

Battaglia has held a number of rodeo queen titles, including Miss California Rodeo 2004. In addition to being crowned Miss Rodeo California at the pageant this year, she swept other pageant categories, including Photogenic, Appearance, Personality, Speech and Horsemanship.