By Meliyah Venerable / Sports Editor 

The MVC men’s team came on top at the Annual Viking Stampede Rodeo, winning with 915 points while the women took fourth with 238.88 points.

The seniors were honored at the beginning of the rodeo, as they cherished this last time at home with the support of the community. 

“The home rodeo is a blast,” Senior Nick Pelke said. “Our expectations are always high but home rodeo is the first one of the year and it really sets the tone for the year! So having the school’s support and community helps tremendously.”

The men’s team dominated in bareback riding, having three men in the top three. Cole Franks finished on top, followed by Ty Pope and Nick Pelke. Earning 450 combined team points. Trey Watts took first in Saddle Bronc Riding, and won both go-rounds each evening. He earned the team 180 points. Jeb Nelson took third in steer wrestling, and Kolten Achenbach had a solid ride that won him second place in Bull Riding, with an 80 average. 

The rodeo was very productive, and Valley was lucky enough to finish on top in most events. But for some the rodeo wasn’t quite what they wanted, but they have plenty of rodeos left to make it to their end goal…The College National Finals.

“The Viking Stampede didn’t go the way I wanted but I am beyond blessed to get to compete and do what I love regardless of the outcome,” Colton Crawford explained. “My goal this year is to make it to the College National Finals in Casper, Wyoming.”

The women also had a successful rodeo, finishing fourth.  Sheyenne Anderson took second in Goat Tying With a time of 13.4. Anderson also placed second in the second go round of barrel racing, but didn’t make the time to win the event. Lauren Conwright won the first go round of Breakaway Roping with a time of 2.8 and finished sixth overall. 

“This year I made it back to the short round in goat tying and barrel racing,” Anderson explained, “This was my first ever home rodeo to make it back in the barrels so that was super exciting. I did not make it in the breakaway roping this year but overall it was a great last home rodeo.” 

The Vikings rodeo team have another rodeo October 15th and 16th at Three Rivers Community College (Mo.). The team is eager to see what they can do, and hopefully continue to grow and reach the National Championship. 

“I wanna win the Collegiate National Title in a bad way! I also want to be a National Championship team and I believe we can do that this year” Pelke said.