Dan attended Lockwood School in Billings, MT, from kindergarten through ninth grade. He was a good student and participated in various school sports and activities. Wrestling was his sport of choice at school, but Youth Rodeo was his favorite pass time. Following junior high, Dan spent three years at Billings Senior High School where he was active in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and high school rodeo competition where he rode both bulls and saddle broncs. In his first year of high school, as a five foot tall, eighty-five pound cowboy, Dan won the Montana High School Bull Riding Championship. He repeated the accomplishment the next year. As a senior, Dan won the Montana High School Saddle Bronc Championship and placed second in the the bull riding. In 1987, he graduated from Senior High.

Dan received a scholarship to Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming and spent two years there where he was a member of the rodeo team. He then received a full ride scholarship to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, where he continued in the college rodeo circuit. In 1990, Dan joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association and won the prestigious Rookie of the year Award. Then, in 1991 he won the National Intercollegiate Saddle Bronc Championship. He graduated from MSU-Bozeman in 1992 with honors and earned a degree in AgriBusiness and Economics. During his years on the college rodeo circuit, Dan has won many top honors in the state of Montana, as well as at the national level.

As an alumni of MSU-Bozeman, Dan received the university's prestigious Blue and Gold Award. The Blue and Gold Award honors an individual who has rendered great lifetime service or who has brought national or international distinction to MSU-Bozeman or to the state of Montana. The person must have achieved prominence through service to one or a combination of profession, family, country, world, university, philanthropy or humanity.

Dan Mortensen Day - A Visit to Lockwood School

Middle School Art students, under the supervision of art teacher Susan Seilstad,
made a banner to welcome Dan back to Lockwood Schools!

In 1996, Lockwood School recognized Dan's achievements by celebrating Dan Mortensen Day. Dan visited classrooms, signed autographs, and spoke to the student body about his experiences in school and on the rodeo circuit. He emphasized the importance of believing in your dreams and working hard to achieve your goals. 

Young fans look on as Dan autographs pictures. Seeing a famous person who graduated from Lockwood School is a thrill for them. Included among the many fans he has at Lockwood are some of his nieces and nephews. His niece, Megan, has a special message about her uncle. Read her message here.