FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. – Collin Roland, a standout senior from Fayetteville High School (FHS), has inked his letter of intent to rodeo collegiately with Missouri Valley College, marking a significant milestone in a continuing career of bareback riding excellence.
Roland, who plays varsity baseball at Fayetteville, has long showcased his prowess in rodeo, particularly in bareback riding. His journey in the sport began at the age of seven, and since then, he has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including a national title at the 2021 Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) Finals in Las Vegas.
The signing ceremony, held in FHS’s media center on Wednesday morning, March 20, was attended by Roland’s friends, family, and supporters.
“I’m so proud of Collin,” said Josh Podoris, former coach of Roland. “The first thing I noticed when I started coaching Collin was his work ethic. What he does to balance high school baseball and rodeo is amazing. Collin has great character and comes from a wonderful family and I know big things are ahead for him.”
Missouri Valley College, located in Marshall, Missouri and renowned for its strong rodeo program under the leadership of head coach Ken Mason, emerged as the ideal choice for Roland among the numerous offers he received.
“Coach Mason, he’s a great guy,” Roland remarked. “He’s produced a lot of great bareback riders, and I know when I get out there, he’s going to support me in every way possible.”
With the Vikings of Missouri Valley College, Roland will further hone his rodeo skills while pursuing a degree in business.
As Roland begins this new chapter away from Fayetteville, his hometown community will eagerly anticipate his continued success with high hopes for another shot at a national championship, this time collegiately.
