The third time was a charm for Leah Wedl.

Wedl, daughter of Vicki Allen-Wedl of Tomah, has been crowned Miss Rodeo Wisconsin 2008. It was her third bid for the title, and the 23-year-old Wedl said her two previous attempts will make her a more effective spokesman for the sport of rodeo.

“I’m kind of glad it took me a couple of years,” Wedl said. “I’ve gained a lot of maturity since I first sought the title of Miss Rodeo Wisconsin.”

She was elected Miss Rodeo Wisconsin in June 2007 and crowned at the Lincoln County Rodeo in Merrill. Her reign officially began Jan. 1, 2008, when she succeeded Miss Rodeo Wisconsin 2007, Chelsea Rae Strama of Medford.

Wedl will represent rodeo events in Wisconsin that are part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to promote rodeo, Wisconsin and our western heritage throughout the state and country,” she said. “This has been such an incredible experience for me. I am thankful for everyone involved in rodeo, from the stock contractors, contestants and fans for coming out to cheer the colorful array of cowboys and cowgirls.”

So far, her duties have taken her to diverse locales such as Daytona, Fla., Duluth, Minn., Cheyenne, Wyo., and San Antonio, Tex.

Wedl has ridden horses her entire life. She began barrel racing at age 11 and then competed four years in the Wisconsin High School Rodeo Association. She graduated from Tomah High School with honors in 2003, was a member of the National Honor Society, performed in the high school show choir and competed in track & field. She is still pursuing her education as a forensic anthropology major and plans to pursue a law enforcement career.

“I look forward to serving as queen with the dedication of an athlete, the ambition of a child, the poise of woman and the heart of a cowgirl,” she said.

Wedl will travel over 20,000 miles in 2008 and sign nearly 10,000 autograph sheets. She is seeking sponsorships to fund her reign as queen. Miss Rodeo Wisconsin is a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. She can be reached at missrodeowi2008@hotmail.com.

Despite her duties as Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, Wedl still finds time to breakaway rope, trail ride and attend western pleasure shows. She plans on being involved with horses and rodeos long after her reign as Miss Rodeo Wisconsin ends.

“I’m very fortunate to have grown up in a family with horses,” she said. “I’ll always enjoy horses, and I’ll always ride.”