Miss Wyoming USA 2010 - Claire Schreiner

Rebel makes strides as Miss Wyoming USA
October 15, 2009 by Grace Funcion


Claire Schreiner isn’t your average Rebel. She came to Las Vegas on a Track and Field scholarship and studies broadcast journalism, but when Schreiner goes home, she goes home with a title and a crown.
Schreiner is the reigning Miss Wyoming USA 2010.

“My mom would always take me to the Miss Wyoming pageants to watch when I was little. I looked up to those girls so much,” said Schreiner. “I even had pageant-themed birthday parties, but my mom always ended them in an eight-way tie. So ever since then I was determined to win my own crown.”

It’s a little girl’s dream come true. She won the crown on Sept. 27, after competing in three segments:evening gown, swimwear and interview.

“I don’t compare myself to the other girls. My biggest competition is myself because I can only control what I do and overcoming nerves and focusing on what I need to do is enough to keep my mind off of what the other girls are doing or saying,” Schreiner said.

“Pageants aren’t easy, and if they were, more girls would do them. You have to be so physically and mentally prepared, all while keeping your composure. It sometimes can be overwhelming and nerve racking but the Miss Wyoming USA pageant was such an amazing experience. Not only did I come home with the title, but I also met some amazing new friends.”

Schreiner explained what a typical day is in preparation for the pageant. “Well things can get crazy when the pageant is closely approaching. Working out and eat[ing] healthy has always been apart of me, so that isn’t hard… but its important to also organize your thoughts and prepare for interview because who knows what the judges will throw at you.”
The crowning moment was a surprising moment for Schreiner.

“I was in shock. This was something I’ve wanted for so long and worked so hard for and I couldn’t believe my dream had finally come true. My knees almost gave out on me,” Schreiner said.

But wait, Miss Wyoming USA in Nevada?

A native of Gillette, Wyoming, Schreiner came to Las Vegas in order to pursue her ambition in broadcast journalism and track and field.

“I would love to be a sideline sports reporter for major sporting events such as the Olympics or Monday Night Football,” she said. “I want to be a sideline sports reporter. I interned for ESPN’s Kenny Mayne this summer in L.A. This experience taught me so much and it really pushed me even more towards being apart of the sports broadcasting world.”

UNLV head track coach, Yvonne Scott, has known Schreiner since she took over the team in 2007.

“[Schreiner] has always been a very down to earth young woman. She is intelligent, fun, talented and a joy to be around,” Scott said. “Training at the Division 1 level is tough. We do a lot of running, weight lifting and jumping so that we can get the most out of our athletes in competition. [Schreiner] is no doubt a beautiful young woman, but she has never been afraid to sweat it out with the rest of the team.”

“She had the ability to balance all of the expectations of a student, a Division 1 athlete and a face in the community better than most and I applaud her for her perseverance and the UNLV Track Team wishes her all the success in the future. The sky is the limit for [Schreiner],” Scott added.

Schreiner manages to juggle the life of a student, an athlete and Miss Wyoming USA with great stride and confidence.
“Somehow I manage to squeeze everything in. I have this quote that I constantly run through my head during a busy day that helps me get through it. ‘What are you doing today, to prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities?’ That right there is enough inspiration for me to get everything done on my ‘To Do list,’” Schreiner said.

Schreiner also has others cheering her on, “My parents have always been my inspiration. They have always inspired me to be my best. Growing up my mom would always let my brother and I ‘Give a lot because you got a lot to give.’”
With the support of friends, coaches, professors and her family, Claire can exceed her own expectations.

“I’ve truly been blessed and my dream finally came true. I still can’t believe I’m Miss Wyoming USA at times!” she said. “Being Miss Wyoming USA gives me a louder voice and a larger audience to leave my mark on society. I get to make a difference in my community and be mentor for little girls.”



Article and pictures courtesy of The Rebel Yell
http://unlvrebelyell.com