ProRodeo Sports News - Sept. 3, 2021

where I needed to go if I wanted to be a bareback rider,” said Pope, a 2021 MVC graduate. “You could see it in his eyes from day one that it was his passion and his love to make good bareback riders. They have created something pretty special in Marshall, (Mo.).” The riders who have come out of MVC under Mason speaks to Mason’s knowledge. Last season at the conclusion of Round 8 at the 2020Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 10, there were familiar faces for Missouri Valley College at the top. Pope, O’Connell and Aus finished first, second and third in the round. It’s just one of the many moments that stands out for Mason during his 16-year coaching career. “I remember that night like it was yesterday,” Mason said. “If you don’t think that makes a guy feel good then you’re wrong. I have to admit it’s pretty darn cool when the NFR average winner and three-time world champion still send me videos and say, ‘What do you think coach?’” Some around the sport have been referring to Missouri Valley College as “Bareback U.” It’s not a shock to those who have been in the program. “Coach was a bareback rider, he loves it, and he can relate to it,” said Aus, a 2012 MVC graduate. “So, he attracts bareback riders and he’s got a good eye for people with potential, ability, heart and try. It’s really no surprise that they’ve had a successful program and why it continues to produce talent.” As for the next generation of cowboys, they’re beginning to see MVC

– now maybe more than ever – as an attractive landing spot when it comes to finding their home in college rodeo. Franks, the reigning College National Finals Rodeo all-around and bareback riding champion, is set to enroll there this fall. “This season I’ve traveled a lot with Tim (O’Connell) and Jess (Pope), they both went to MVC, so I thought it would be a great fit for me to take that next step,” Franks said. “There’s a ton of history in that program and I can’t wait to join it and see what I can do for coach.” It’s not just one and done seasons for these athletes when it comes to their alma mater. Pope and O’Connell both now call Marshall home. “My wife (Sami) and I still live here to this day, I never really even thought about leaving after college,” O’Connell said. “It’s become home for my family and me. I’m actually an assistant coach here at the school now, and I just enjoy helping the kids realize and chase their dreams.” The tradition doesn’t seem to be slowing down either with Mason at the helm. He said he’s humbled to see what this program has done and what it continues to do for cowboys across the country in a town of 21,000 people. “It’s exciting, fun and most of all humbling to get to work with these young men who want to be world champion bareback riders,” Mason said. “I’ll tell you what, we work as hard as any program in the country and when I get kids who buy into what we’re doing the success comes along with it. Who would’ve thought we’d have all of this in the middle of Missouri.”

Photo courtesy Tim O’Connell Mason, left, has coached at Missouri Valley College for 16 years and produced multiple college rodeo national champions. Tim O’Connell, right, still goes to MVC to practice his riding throughout the ProRodeo season. Roy Lee photo

ProRodeo Sports News 9/3/2021

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