Six Viking Cowboys & Cowgirls Recognized as NIRA Scholar Americans

Marshall, Mo., (March 24, 2026)- Members of the Missouri Valley College men's and women's rodeo teams have been recognized as 2025 Scholar Americans by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

A total of six Viking cowboys and cowgirls were recognized as NIRA Scholar Americans from the 2024-25 academic and athletic year.  For the men's team the honorees include Carson Ball, Bryce Eck and Dawson Honeycutt.  Members of the women's team recognized include Kate Brisbane, Ruby Espey and Codie Vaughn.

The honors go to rodeo student-athletes who earned points at a 2024-25 NIRA-sanctioned rodeo, completed more than one term of college, maintained a 3.5 cumulative GPA and were nominated by their rodeo coach.

The Viking rodeo teams are midway through their spring competition schedule, and both currently sit in first place in the Ozark Region standings.  The men's team has accumulated 5,335 points on the season, ahead of second place West Alabama's 3,710 points.  The women's team has earned 1,422.5 points, staying ahead of second place Murray (Ky.) State with 1,240 points.

The rodeo season continues with the Tennessee-Martin rodeo, in Martin, Tenn., April 9-11.

About Missouri Valley College

Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.