Bio

The 1971 track and field team was one of the most successful in program history.  The team captured the MCAU Indoor Track and Field Championship, and placed second overall at the outdoor championships that year.  In addition to the conference success, the team won the NAIA District 16 championship.  In all, the team competed in 42 different competitions throughout the regular season, which included the conference championships, district championships, invitationals, triangulars and duals.  Throughout all of those competitions, the team finished in the top two in the team standings in each time they competed.

Leading the team was Head Coach Ken Gibler, with 22 student-athletes that excelled as sprinters, hurdlers, long jumpers and throwers.  The team routinely placed individuals on the medal stand in each competition, with the relay teams being the focal point.  Both the 440 yard relay team and the 880 yard relay team set school records that season.  Many of the student-athletes on the team played multiple sports while at Missouri Valley.  Along with Gibler, eight members of the 1971 track and field team have already been inducted into the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame.  

The team is remembered for its ability to compete at a high level in every event, in both indoor and outdoor competitions.  The team was routinely putting multiple athletes into various event finals.  All members of the team were competitive, positive and active on campus and in the community.  Many members of the team have remained close over the decades since graduation.

The 1971 team is the first in the history of the track and field program to be inducted into the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame.