Rodeo Announces Jason Tapley as New Assistant Coach
Marshall, Mo., (Feb. 17, 2026)- Missouri Valley College rodeo Head Coach Ken Mason announces the addition of Jason Tapley to his coaching staff for the 2026-27 rodeo season.
Tapley comes to Missouri Valley with more than 30 years of rodeo experience, both collegiately and in the pro rodeo circuit. In collegiate rodeo, Tapley competed for Southern Arkansas from 1990-1995, and was a five-time qualifier for the College National Finals Rodeo. He qualified for the short go-round twice in steer wrestling and once in team roping at the CNFR. Tapley was a three-time Ozark Region individual champion, winning regional titles in tie down roping and men's all-around in 1994, and steer wrestling in 1995.
"Everyone involved with college rodeo knows that Missouri Valley College, under Coach Mason's leadership for the past 20 years, has become one of the premier programs in the Nation," said Tapley. "To have the opportunity to step in and be a part of that legacy is truly amazing. What further sets this program apart for me is that Missouri Valley's core values are rooted in God and family. Their goal is to produce winners, not only in the rodeo arena, but in every aspect of life. I am deeply honored and excited to join the Missouri Valley rodeo team, the coaching staff, and incredible community."
Tapley was the Arkansas Cowboys Association champion steer wrestler in 1991 and 1994, and the Arkansas Rodeo Association champion steer wrestler in 1995 and 2018. He was named the PRCA Great Lake Circuit Steer Wrestling Rookie of the Year in 1996, and was a six-time qualifier for the PRCA Circuit Finals. In 2010 he was the PRCA Southeast Circuit Champion steer wrestler, and was the circuit's reserve champion in steer wrestling in 2012. Tapley also advanced to the PRCA Dodge National Circuit Finals in steer wrestling in 2010 and 2012, and was a Cheyenne Frontier Days finalist in steer wrestling in 2019. Since 2020, Tapley has served as a judge for PRCA, NIRA, NHSRA, NJHRA, amateur rodeos and jackpots.
"I am very excited to have Jason Tapley join our coaching staff," said Missouri Valley College Rodeo Head Coach Ken Mason. "Jason has competed at a high level, and been around rodeo for a long time. His success and experience will be greatly appreciated, and he'll make a great addition to our staff."
Tapley will join the staff in June, in preparation for the 2026-27 rodeo competition season. Currently, Missouri Valley leads the men's and women's standings in the Ozark Region, as the program gets set to resume its season with the Murray (Ky.) State rodeo, March 5-7 in Murray, Ky.
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.