From track to the arena: Montana Tech senior balances construction management and rodeo

When Montana Tech senior Kellen Colliflower isn’t studying construction management or attending classes on campus, there’s a good chance he’s on horseback, chasing down a steer, or preparing to ride a bucking bronc.

A member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe from Box Elder, Colliflower has spent much of his life around horses and rodeo arenas. What started with mutton busting as a kid grew into a lifelong passion for rodeo — a passion he’s managed to carry with him even as he pursues his degree at Montana Tech.

“I’ve been around horses ever since I was born,” Colliflower said. “Being around them teaches you to be calm. It teaches teamwork because you can’t force a horse to do something — you have to ask. It’s a partnership.”

Colliflower always knew he wanted to attend Montana Tech. Growing up, he was drawn to the university’s small, close-knit community and its reputation for strong technical and trade programs.

“I kind of always knew I wanted to come here because of the trade school,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to Bozeman because it was too big. It’s more of a community here.”

He joined Montana Tech’s track and field team, where he found a welcoming group of teammates who made the transition to college easier.

“It was a very welcoming environment when I came here,” he said. “I’m still friends with a lot of the people from the track team.”

After his first semester, Colliflower discovered that the university had launched a construction management program — a good fit for his interests and career goals.

“I started out in mechanical engineering, but I switched over to construction management because the careers were more local,” he said. “It just felt like a better fit for me.”

Now a senior, Colliflower hopes to graduate in the spring and eventually work as a project manager for a construction company in Montana.

“With the career fairs here, there are a lot of opportunities,” he said. “The people who graduate from Montana Tech come back and look for students to hire — it’s a good network.”

Although he hung up his track spikes after two years, Colliflower found another outlet for his competitive spirit — rodeo.

He and fellow Montana Tech student Justus Peterson both compete independently through the Big Sky Region of college rodeo. The two often travel together to events around Montana, with plans to compete in Bozeman this spring.

Colliflower competes in bulldogging (steer wrestling) and saddle bronc riding.

“Bulldogging is where you jump off your horse, catch a steer, and throw them to the ground,” he explained. “Saddle bronc riding is where you throw a saddle on with no horn and just ride a bucking horse. It’s a rush.”

His current horse, a small but speedy gelding named Too Short, like the rapper, has become his trusted partner in the arena.

“My grandpa bought him, but he couldn’t really hold him up,” Colliflower said. “I figured he might run by a steer, so I just put him in the box, ran by one, jumped one, and it worked.”

Between classes, traveling to rodeos, and managing his horse, Colliflower’s schedule stays full. But he says Montana Tech’s supportive environment has made balancing everything possible.

“What I’ve noticed about Tech is even in my bigger classes, the professors still know my name,” he said. “You’re not just another number here. The professors are really helpful and want you to succeed.”

That sense of connection was especially meaningful when Colliflower first arrived on campus.

“When I came here, it felt like I was the only Native student,” he said. “It was different coming from the reservation and adjusting to a new culture. But having a roommate from another small town and joining track really helped me adjust. It showed me how to go about my day here.”

He’s also received financial support through scholarships, including the Cobell Scholarship, a prestigious and highly competitive award for Native students, as well as scholarships from Montana Tech donors.

“They’ve all been very helpful,” he said. “They made it easier to come to school here.”

As graduation approaches, Colliflower is excited about his future in construction management — and his continued involvement in rodeo.

“I’d like to stay in-state and work as a project manager,” he said. “I love Montana, and there are a lot of opportunities here.”

He also hopes that his story encourages other students to consider Montana Tech.

“I’d say come here,” he said. “You get more one-on-one time with professors, and it’s a great community. You’re not just another number here.”