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Get your boots ready for another fantastic year of rodeo with the Viking Stampede on September 21-23.
Marshall, Missouri, a small town nestled in the heart of the state, is home to one of the most renowned rodeo programs in the country. Missouri Valley College, located in Marshall, has established itself as a breeding ground for future rodeo stars and has produced numerous world champions over the years. This article explores the rich history and success of the Missouri Valley College rodeo team, the impact it has had on the community of Marshall, and the journey of some of its most notable alumni.
Eighteen years ago, Ken Mason and his wife, Kari, made a life-changing decision to move to Marshall, Missouri, where Ken would become the rodeo coach at Missouri Valley College. Little did they know that this move would set in motion a series of events that would turn the college’s rodeo program into a regional powerhouse.
Under Ken Mason’s leadership, the Missouri Valley College rodeo teams have achieved remarkable success. The men’s team has won 12 Ozark Region titles, including seven consecutive championships. In 2010, the men’s team finished as reserve national champions, and the women’s team achieved the same feat in 2016. The rodeo program has become an integral part of the community, with the locals embracing and supporting the team.
Missouri Valley College has earned the reputation of being the top school in the nation for bareback bronc riders. The moniker “Bareback U” is well-deserved, as the Vikings have consistently produced exceptional talent in this event.
The success in bareback bronc riding began under Ken Mason’s tenure, but it reached new heights when Kyle Brennecke finished as the reserve champion at the College National Finals Rodeo in 2010. Since then, the Missouri Valley College bareback riders have been unstoppable.
Names like Tanner Aus, Tim O’Connell, and Jess Pope have become synonymous with excellence in bareback bronc riding. These alumni have not only excelled at the collegiate level but have also gone on to achieve great success in the professional rodeo circuit, with O’Connell even becoming a three-time world champion.
What sets the Missouri Valley College rodeo program apart from others is the dedication, discipline, and teamwork instilled in its riders. Ken Mason emphasizes the importance of hard work, coachability, and having a plan. The riders are pushed to be the best they can be, and they hold each other accountable.
The team’s success is also attributed to the support and resources provided by the Marshall community. The community has played a vital role in the support of the rodeo program, with Missouri Valley College providing state-of-the-art facilities and Marshall providing unwavering support.
Missouri Valley College’s rodeo program has been a stepping stone for many talented individuals who have gone on to achieve greatness in the rodeo world. One of the program’s most notable alumni is Jess Pope, who captured the 2022 Bareback Riding World Championship and placed first in the average at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Pope’s success adds to the legacy of world champions that have emerged from Missouri Valley College.
Tim O’Connell, a three-time world champion, and Tanner Aus, a seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, are among the other Missouri Valley College alumni who have made their mark in the professional rodeo circuit. These alumni serve as inspirations for current riders, fostering a culture of excellence and a drive to succeed.
The success of the Missouri Valley College rodeo program has had a profound impact on the community of Marshall. The town takes great pride in its iconic rodeo team and the legacy Missouri Valley College has created. The support for the team is unwavering, with the locals attending rodeo events and cheering on their hometown heroes.
Marshall has become a hub for rodeo enthusiasts, attracting visitors from all over the country who come to witness the talent and skills of the Missouri Valley College riders. The community’s support and passion for rodeo have helped shape the program into what it is today.
As Missouri Valley College continues to recruit promising rising stars and produce world champions, the legacy of the rodeo program in Marshall, Missouri, only grows stronger. The dedication of the coaches, the hard work of the riders, and the unwavering support of the community all contribute to the ongoing success of the program.
The impact of Missouri Valley College rodeo extends far beyond the college campus. It has become a symbol of pride for the entire community, inspiring young rodeo enthusiasts and showcasing the talent and passion that Marshall has to offer. With each new season, the Missouri Valley College rodeo team continues to set the bar high, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of rodeo.
Marshall, Missouri, may be a small town, but it has made a big name for itself in the rodeo world. Missouri Valley College’s rodeo program has become a powerhouse, producing world champions and captivating the community with its success. The dedication, discipline, and support that define the program have paved the way for a legacy that will continue to thrive in Marshall for years to come. The impact of the Missouri Valley College rodeo team extends beyond the campus, inspiring a new generation of rodeo stars and solidifying the town’s reputation as a rodeo hub. Marshall, Missouri, truly is a place where rodeo dreams are made.
