STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Missouri Valley College men's rodeo team wasted little time putting itself into position to contend for a spot in the College National Finals Rodeo when the second half of the season began last week.

The Vikings picked up 270 points on Troy (Ala.) for second place in the NIRA Ozark Region standings by taking second at the Mississippi State Rodeo. Valley only trails the Trojans by 10 points for the automatic qualifying spot after tallying 600 points -- second only to champion Arkansas-Monticello's 645. Tennessee-Martin has a comfortable 4,025-2,490 lead over Troy in the season points total.

Although the Vikings had only one individual event winner, they had a number of strong performances. Senior Cooper Link of Louisburg, Kan., was the only bull rider to successfully complete two eight-second mounts, posting scores of 69 and 77 points, to earn a gold buckle.

Valley hung up big points in bareback riding, where senior Yancy Cody of San Angelo, Texas, and freshman Kyle Brennecke of Grain Valley came in second and third.

The Vikings also got second-place showings from junior Wes Clancy of St. James in saddle bronc riding and freshman Jake Shaw of Cocoa, Fla., in steer wrestling.

Senior Wade Pickerill and junior Kirk Nelson tied for fourth in saddle bronc and the team roping combo of senior header Cody Littrell and senior heeler Ryan Barnes placed fifth.

The Valley women were sixth with 150 points, with Troy continuing its dominance in the region with another victory -- increasing its season total to 1,900 points, 330 points ahead of West Alabama.

Freshman Kate Kimble of Henry, Ill., was fourth in barrel racing, with sophomore goat tyer Sasha Sankey and sophomore breakaway roper Kallie Agre placing fifth.

The Vikings will be back on the road March 30-31 at the Arkansas-Monticello Rodeo.