Vikings win third straight rodeo

LIVINGSTON, Ala. -- If a simple explanation is needed for why the Missouri Valley College men's rodeo team is pulling away from the rest of the NIRA Ozark Region, then its in consistent multiple-event performances by individuals.

With only six cowboys eligible to score team points, those who can do so in more than one category have a big impact. Hence, three Vikings accumulating 680 points between them, more than any other full squad, secured a third straight title for MVC last week in the West Alabama Rodeo.

Senior Adam Gilchrist (265 points) of Maple Creek, Sask., took the all-around championship by tying for third place in saddle bronc riding and teaming with senior Jake Shaw for second in team roping. Shaw had 230 more points, coming in sixth in steer wrestling, due to his top time in the long "go."

Two victories didn't hurt, either. Senior Kyle Brennecke (185) of Grain Valley won in bareback riding and junior Will Smith of Lugoff, S.C., got all 180 of his points with his third victory in a row in saddle bronc riding.

Put together, Valley racked up a season-high 980 points to put Tennessee-Martin (605) further behind in the season standings, 3,365 to 2,475 points.

The Vikings had its strongest showing so far in team roping, as junior Jared Kempker and senior Brady Wilson came in third and seniors Chance Weldon and Chris Coulter finished fourth.

The Valley women didn't have a good meet, only freshman Shelby Jacobsen placing in the top 10 by tying for second place in goat tying -- and she wasn't on the official roster. Tennessee-Martin (265) held on to its season lead with its victory.

The campaign reaches the halfway point this weekend at the Murray State (Ky.) Rodeo.