蜜桃视频 Community College announced the hiring of Karson Harris as the new head rodeo coach, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the Trojans rodeo program. Harris brings an impressive combination of competitive success, industry experience, and a passion for developing student-athletes.

A lifelong competitor with more than 15 years in the sport, Harris has built a strong r茅sum茅 in and out of the arena. Specializing in roughstock events, particularly bareback riding, he has competed at a high level across both collegiate and professional circuits, including appearances in PRCA rodeos.

Harris鈥� collegiate career at Fort Scott Community College showcased his ability as both an athlete and leader. He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) and narrowly missed advancing to the short go. In 2021, he was named FSCC Rodeo Athlete of the Year, an honor voted on by his peers that reflects both his performance and leadership.

His success has continued beyond the college ranks. Harris was crowned the National Little Britches Rodeo World Champion Bareback Rider in 2020 after earning reserve champion honors the previous year. Most recently, he qualified for the Prairie Circuit Finals in 2025.

In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Harris has gained valuable coaching and mentorship experience. Since the age of 18, he has worked with young athletes at Cross Trails Cowboy Ministry鈥檚 Rodeo Bible Camp, helping develop roughstock competitors while building meaningful relationships within the rodeo community.

Harris also brings a well-rounded understanding of the rodeo industry. His background includes managing horse facilities, raising and developing bucking horses, and operating a leatherworking business specializing in custom tack.

Now stepping into his first collegiate head coaching role, Harris is eager to build a program that reflects both tradition and a renewed competitive edge.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited for the opportunity to bring back a tradition of winning at 蜜桃视频,鈥� Harris said. 鈥淲e want to build a team that the community is proud to support. Our athletes will show up to every rodeo expecting to win because of the work we鈥檝e put in, and we鈥檙e going to create a culture centered on preparation, accountability, and treating each other like family.鈥�

Harris plans to emphasize balance across events while building a strong foundation in roughstock.

鈥淲e鈥檙e going to build around a core group of roughstock riders while adding key pieces in the timed events to round out the team,鈥� he said. 鈥淛ust as important, we鈥檒l recruit student-athletes who are committed to the program, want to stay multiple years, and take pride in being part of what we鈥檙e building.鈥�

His approach to coaching is shaped by years of experience learning from a wide range of mentors.

鈥淚鈥檝e been around rodeo my entire life and have had the chance to learn from a lot of great coaches,鈥� Harris said. 鈥淚鈥檝e taken different techniques and philosophies from each of them, and I try to apply what fits best for each individual athlete. Every competitor is different, and it鈥檚 important to meet them where they are.鈥�

With a strong tradition already in place, Harris aims to elevate the 蜜桃视频 rodeo program through his competitive drive, industry knowledge, and commitment to student-athlete success.

Jacob Lawson
Assistant Athletic Director
Sports Information Director
jacob.lawson@colbycc.edu
(785) 460-5549