This episode spotlights student success and competitive excellence at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Host Gary Darby covers fall sports headlines (volleyball’s winning streak, top-ranked women’s soccer, men’s soccer momentum, and football’s home matchup) and campus arts updates from the Heindl Center, then dives into two feature conversations that showcase NWCC’s growth in rodeo and nursing.

Guest 1: Coach Will Lummis — NWCC Rodeo

Rodeo head coach Will Lummis returns to preview a new season opening at Missouri Valley College and reflect on a breakthrough 2024. He details major facility upgrades—including a 30-stall rodeo barn, expanded practice arenas, and a robust herd of practice cattle—that have supercharged recruiting and pushed the men’s team into the national top-25 with multiple CNFR qualifiers. Lummis also shares insights on team culture (“iron sharpens iron”), the logistics and cost of rodeo travel, and an invitation to Bull-O-Rama on October 25 at 7 p.m. in Senatobia. Professionally, Lummis recaps a banner 2025 season with multiple wins and his sights set on closing out his competitive career on a high note while elevating NWCC’s program.

Guest 2: Ryan Marshall — Nursing Student Spotlight

Ryan Marshall, a Senatobia native and Nursing IV student, describes his career pivot from ministry to healthcare and how NWCC’s nurturing, high-expectation environment prepared him for pediatric nursing. He discusses hands-on learning, weekly testing rhythms, and his NICU externship at Regional One in Memphis, plus life balance with a young family. Ryan encourages adult learners and high-school prospects to consider nursing—highlighting NWCC’s reputation for producing compassionate, job-ready graduates—and shares his countdown to December 12 graduation. Note: Spring nursing entrance applications close October 1.

Keywords

Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC, Bank First Ranger Hour, Ranger Hour podcast, NWCC Rodeo, Coach Will Lummis, Bull-O-Rama, college rodeo facilities, CNFR qualifiers, Missouri Valley College rodeo, NWCC Nursing, Nursing IV student, pediatric nursing, NICU externship, Regional One Health, nursing program deadline October 1, Heindl Center, NWCC volleyball winning streak, women’s soccer No. 1, NWCC football home game, Senatobia events, community college success stories