MVC rodeo program exhibits much growth

This rider is preparing for the Missouri Valley College Viking Stampede this weekend at the Saline County Fairground. [Click to enlarge]

Editor's note: With the Valley Stampede this weekend, this story looks at the rodeo program at Missouri Valley College in Marshall.

Valley will roll once again as the rodeo team is back in full strength for the new school year at Missouri Valley College in Marshall.

Numbers are as high as they have ever been for team members with 66 members for the upcoming season. The team is led once again by Head Coach Ken Mason, this year accompanied by Assistant Coach Bridget Lambright. Expectations are big for Coach Mason with his large team.

"I plan on taking two teams to the college national finals this year," Coach Mason said.

Due to Mac Porter, Missouri Valley alum of 1949, many improvements have been made to the facility including outdoor arena lights, 5,000 feet of rod fencing, renovations to the existing 220-foot by 80-foot indoor arena and stable housing 84 horses, installation of automatic waters and other improvements.

Several years ago, Porter was asked by the college to consider the program. There were six people at that time who wanted to form a rodeo team. Initially, Porter made a deal with the individuals that he would fund the operation so long as they completed all of the work themselves.

Porter then began the project by designing a 44-horse stall barn with a 60-foot by 200-foot indoor arena.

"We started this project under the impression that if we build it they will come," Porter said.

During the first year, there were between 30 and 40 members. The team quickly outgrew the facilities. They added a 20-foot wing on the north side of the barn to house 20 more stalls.

Shortly after that addition the program continued to grow and another wing was added on the south side for another 20 horses.

"I have never been so surprised at the polite manners that were exhibited by the team and how hard they worked on the project," Porter said. "They built virtually everything themselves."

It soon became evident that the team was pulling together and becoming more and more successful each year.

Porter then decided to build a clubhouse for the team to house their meetings each week in 2002. Not only has Porter funded all of the facilities for the rodeo program, but he also has a certificate of deposit in the Kearney bank that yields $2,500 each year for the team.

While attending the convocation service years ago, Marshall Mayor Connie Latimer recognized Porter in his efforts of building a rodeo team. She also complemented that the rodeo students are always the first in line whenever work is needed in the community.

Plans for the program include a new dormitory for the rodeo students directly south of the rodeo clubhouse.