Aubrey Triplett / Ranger Rodeo

In this episode of the Bank First Ranger Hour, host Gary Darby introduces first-time guest Aubrey Triplett, Northwest Mississippi Community College’s piano instructor and accompanist. A proud Northwest alumna with a degree in piano performance from Arkansas State University, Aubrey discusses her passion for collaborative performance, her teaching journey, and her upcoming student recital. The spring music major recital will be held Monday, April 21 at 7:00 PM at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. Triplett shares how the recital showcases student progress and emphasizes the role of musical collaboration in education. She also announces her plans to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Memphis.

In the second half of the show, Gary catches up with Will Lummis, NWCC Rodeo Coach and 2025 American Rodeo Steer Wrestling Champion. Lummis reflects on his recent victory at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, where he competed for a $100,000 prize against some of the nation’s top rodeo athletes. He highlights his horse, Swamper, and the key to their winning partnership. Lummis also provides an update on Northwest’s rodeo team, which is wrapping up its spring season with strong performances. The team is competing this weekend at UT Martin and will host the Ranger Rodeo April 24–26 in Senatobia—marking the final Ozark Region event and a crucial qualifier for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

The episode also covers spring updates across Northwest athletics, including nationally ranked softball (34–8) and baseball (27–16), both heading into key matchups against Meridian, Itawamba, and East Central. Listeners are encouraged to visit NWCCRangers.com to track team stats, standings, and tickets. Plus, Gary previews upcoming events at the Heindl Center, including the Commodores concert on April 26 and more performances in the works for the fall season.

Keywords:

Northwest Mississippi Community College, Bank First Ranger Hour, Aubrey Triplett, piano recital, music major night, Heindl Center, Will Lummis, American Rodeo Champion, steer wrestling, NWCC Rodeo, Ranger Rodeo, College National Finals Rodeo, NWCC Softball, NWCC Baseball, Region 23, NWCCRangers.com, NWCC athletics, student recitals, music education, Senatobia MS events, Northwest Performing Arts, rodeo championship, Commodores concert