Thursday, December 29, 2011

Ken Mason National Intercollegiate Rodeo Coach

Ken Mason named the 2011 Coach of the Year

University of Tennessee also inducted Mason into
University of Tennessee at Martin Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2011

Russell native and Missouri Valley College Rodeo Coach, Ken Mason was recognized for both of his accomplishments at the UT Martin rodeo April 16, 2011.

Martin is the son of Richard and Charlene Foland of Russell and a 1991 graduate of Russell High School.  He's the son-in-law of Doug and Colette Swarthout and Steve and Pat Sallee.

For the past six years, Ken has been the rodeo coach at the Marshall, Missouri, College of Missouri Valley College for the past six years.  He and his wife, Kari, live in Marshall with their two daughters, Sydnee and Taylor.

Mason's rodeo career started in Iowa High School rodeo where he won the state championship in bareback riding in 1991 and qualified for the National High School Finals in both bareback riding and saddle bronc riding in 1989, 1990 and 1991.

While attending college, Ken competed in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and team roping.  He won many championships while in college.  In 2010, Coach Mason led the men's team to their fourth consecutive Ozark Regional Championship and its first NIRA Reserve National Championship.  The Lady Vikings ended the 2010 season as Ozark Region runner-ups, and also qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo.   The men's team finished the season as Ozark Region Champions, winning by 1973.33 points to secure a spot to compete in the College National Finals Rodeo.

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