Storm clouds rolling across the Kansas prairie and drops of rain cooling the evening air didn't dampen the spirits of seven young ladies vying for the crown of Miss Rodeo Kansas and Miss Rodeo Kansas Princess 2004.

And as the envelopes opened and the names were read, for two young ladies their dream of standing on stage together again came true.

Ashley Cooper, a Baker University student from Princeville, Ill., and Lisa Jones, from Colby, were named the Miss Rodeo Kansas and Miss Rodeo Kansas Princess 2004 at the Roundup Arena prior to the start of the rodeo Thursday evening.

This is not the first time for the two to share the stage. In 2002 they were named Miss Beef Empire Days queen and princess respectively in Garden City.

"I am looking forward to it," Cooper said. "Even though we live on opposite ends of the state, we will be doing a lot of traveling together. It is like having your best friend with you. It is someone your own age that you can hang out with."

And while it is nice to be able to share a friendship and travel together, Cooper said she is also looking forward to having a driving partner.

"It is nice to have someone help keep you awake and have a driving partner."

While the two will not officially take reign until January, they will be finding sponsors and mapping out rodeos and events they will be attending. For Jones, who is a high school senior, that will mean making sure she can get out of school to attend events, and for Cooper it will mean taking a break from college.

"This is a once in a life time opportunity and I feel like if I don't take advantage of it I am afraid I will miss something," Cooper said. "School will still be there."

But if it was not for family support, the two agreed it would not have been possible.

"My mom came earlier in the week, but my dad drove 700 miles today to be here," Cooper said, adding her parents live in Illinois.

And while the two have a long road ahead, their dream has finally become a reality.