Kruse says win was unbelievable

 Jade Kruse could hardly believe it.
    Each time the judge read off her name, she felt her heart jump.
    Most Photogenic? Check.
    Horsemanship? Check.
    Speech? Check.
    As each one was checked off the list, Kruse would step out of line with her fellow Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas contestants, give a wave and step back. Each time, her face broke out in an even bigger grin.
    "I still can't believe," she said afterwards. "When he started calling my name, I kept thinking, 'Is it really me?'"
    The three contestants for Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas 2010 had been through a week of competitions, each vying for the opportunity to represent the epitome of their state's rodeo cowgirls.   
    And as the crowd filling the grandstands of Dodge City Roundup Arena erupted into cheers Saturday when Kruse took her victory lap, the Oakley native broke into a grin.
    Later that evening, as she shook hands with well-wishers, thanked those who came out to support and offered up hugs to runners-up MeKayla Bainter and Lexi Potter, Kruse couldn't put the same smile away.
    "I'm super excited," she said. "I'm just still hoping it will eventually sink in."

Reach Mark Vierthaler at (620) 408-9908 or e-mail him at mark.vierthaler@dodgeglobe.com.