Colby Announces Karson Harris as New Head Rodeo Coach

COLBY, Kan. — Colby Community College has 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 résumé 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' 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, further establishing himself on the professional stage.

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's 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.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to bring back a tradition of winning at Colby," Harris said. "We 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've put in, and we're going to create a culture centered on preparation, accountability, and treating each other like family."

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

"We're going to build around a core group of roughstock riders while adding key pieces in the timed events to round out the team," he said. "Just as important, we'll recruit student-athletes who are committed to the program, want to stay multiple years, and take pride in being part of what we're building."

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

"I've been around rodeo my entire life and have had the chance to learn from a lot of great coaches," Harris said. "I've 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's important to meet them where they are."

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