Milestone for Missouri Valley Football Coach

Prior to the Saturday's game against Avila, Missouri Valley CollegeHead Coach Paul Troth was honored for achieving his 100th win at Missouri Valley College

MVC's 29-22 win over the Ravens on Sept. 27 was not only a pivotal win in the 2014 season, but also marked a coaching milestone for Troth as he picked up his 100th victory as head coach at MVC. Despite reaching the milestone, Troth said he was not aware of the accomplishment until after the game.

"I didn't know about it until someone mentioned it to me down on the field," Troth said. "It's nice, but as a coach you're always focusing on the next game."

Troth arrived at Missouri Valley prior to the 2002 season after a successful stint at Huron (S.D.) University. His first season was a success as Troth guided the Vikings to an 8-2 record, a three-win turnaround from the season before and was named the Schutt Sports NAIA Coach of the Year. The highlight of the season came in a game against then-ranked No. 3 Evangel (Mo.) University.

"That first year against Evangel was memorable," Troth said. "We were down by 28 points at halftime and came back to win the game. That game was the start of things."

After some up-and-down seasons from 2003-2005, in 2006 Troth led the Vikings to their first undefeated regular season since 1974 earning his first Heart of America Athletic Conference championship. Missouri Valley also qualified for the NAIA Football Championship Series (FCS) for the first time since 1999 and advanced to the semifinals That playoff run included a comeback win over Northwestern (Iowa) College.

"That win over Northwestern was one to remember," Troth said. "We came back and scored late in that game to win."

The 2006 season was a turning point for the Viking football program. Since the start of that season, the Vikings have made six appearances in the NAIA FCS, including advancing to the semifinal round three times, and have won four conference championships. Also, the 2006 season started a streak that continues today; being ranked in consecutive NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Polls. That streak currently stands at 107-consecutive polls which is the third longest active streak in the NAIA.

"There wasn't any one thing that started in 2006 that has led to the success we've experienced," Troth said. "There's been multiple factors including coaching continuity. We've had a staff made up of people that are very good at what they do and have coached together for a number of years."

In addition to coaching continuity, Troth talked about the support the program gets from the College and supporters of MVC.

"Our administration, from the President down, has been very supportive during my time here which helps in having long-term success," Troth said. "In addition, our boosters, parents and fans have done a tremendous job supporting our program over the years."

The support goes both ways as Troth's program has not only made an impact on the field, but also in the community during his time at Missouri Valley. His team actively participates in events throughout Marshall showing its support to people who help support the football program. Two big volunteer efforts take place during the annual Marshall Clean-Up Day every spring and the Reading Superbowl held every winter at local elementary schools.

Troth becomes the third Viking head coach to win at least 100 football games, joining College Football Hall of Fame inductee Volney C. Ashford (197 wins) and Missouri Valley Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Ken Gibler (162 wins).

"It's nice to be mentioned along with those two legendary coaches, but those two accomplished a lot," Troth said. "Ashford coached for 30 years, put together a 41-game winning streak and was inducted into the hall of fame, nationally. Gibler coached in four different decades and had great success throughout his career."

The Vikings continue adding to Troth's career-win total as they defeated Avila on Saturday giving Troth win number 101. Meanwhile, Troth will continue doing what he has done every week during the regular season, focus on the next opponent.