By Raychael Moseley / Managing Editor

Missouri Valley University Men’s and Women’s Rodeo teams opened their 2026-27 season at home during the annual Viking Stampede Rodeo on Sept. 16-19 at the Saline County Fairgrounds. 

The three-night competition included programs from Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. 

The Stampede is the only home competition of the season for the Vikings, giving Missouri Valley students and members of the Marshall community an opportunity to see the teams in action. 

Junior Lexi Kettel attends the rodeo every year.

“It’s fun to get everyone together and spend the night with my friends,” she said, “It’s nice to see the rodeo team showcase their skills.” 

Kettel was introduced to rodeo through MVU.

“Rodeos are a new experience for me that started when I came to MVU,” she said. “It’s always a good time and a fun environment.” 

The women’s team placed second in the team standings while the men placed fourth. Valley also produced two individual event winners.

Freshman Luke Moon won the bull riding average becoming the only competitor to complete rides in both rounds. Moon scored 78 points in the first round and 70 in the second round finishing with a combined score of 148. 

Sophomore Addy Derr led the women’s team by winning goat tying average with a combined time of 13 seconds. After placing fifth in the first round with a time of 6.9 seconds, Derr won the second round with 6.1 seconds earning 140 points. 

MVU student Emalyn Turner enjoys watching bull riding and barrel racing and was proud of the Viking team. 

“My two favorite events are bull riding and barrel racing,” she said. “Missouri Valley did great at bull riding.”

She also emphasized the strength and athleticism of the athletes and animals.

“It is entertaining to watch and see how hard the horses have to be trained and how strong the bull riders are.” she said 

West Alabama won the women’s competition with 500 points. The men’s competition was won by Tennessee-Martin with 540 points. 

Senior Kalyani Das competed for the last time at home in barrel racing. 

“It was quite sad and something I tried not to think about.” she said 

Das didn’t make it to the finals but said it allowed her to enjoy the time she had left. 

“I wanted to make it to the championship round on Saturday,” she said. “But, not making it also made me slow down and cherish it for one last time, knowing that this place in time at the rodeo is somewhere I wouldn’t be again.” 

Das is applying to vet school to become an equine performance vet. She plans to continue rodeo after school. 

The Vikings Rodeo teams will continue their season at West Alabama Sept 24.