The Kansas State University Meat Judging Team won National Champion honors at the International Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest hosted in Dakota City, Nebraska. The team was recognized Sunday, Nov. 10. The last time K-State won the title was 1992.
The team was the high team in beef judging, pork judging, placings, reasons and overall beef. Individually four students placed in the top 10 overall. Placing in the top 10 were Reece Geer, Clay Center, Kan., third; Hailey Wurtz, Seneca, Kan., fourth; Madison Bruna, Barnes, Kan., fifth; and Hayden Lott, Minneapolis, Kan., 10th.
In addition, four students placed in the top 10 of the alternates contest, including Jordan Sylvester, Wamego, Kan., first; Emma Balisky, Alberta, Canada, second; August Hulse, Culver, Kan., third; and Riley Youngers, Wylie, Texas, sixth.
Three students were recognized as All-Americans for a combination of their contest and academic performance. Receiving All-American honors were: Reece Geer, 1st Team; Hailey Wurtz, 2nd Team; and Hayden Lott, 2nd Team.
The team is coached by Dr. Travis O’Quinn and K-State graduate student Steph Witberler.
Members of the team included:
Emma Balisky, Alberta, Canada
Madison Bruna, Barnes, Kan.
Elaine Cockroft, Esbon, Kan.
Allison Davis, Shelbyville, Tenn.
Reece Geer, Clay Center, Kan.
Makenna Graney, Fennimore, Wis.
August Hulse, Culver, Kan.
Hayden Lott, Minneapolis, Kan.
Jordan Sylvester, Wamego, Kan.
Bailey Thornton, Wamego, Kan.
Katrina Turner, Derby, Kan.
Hailey Wurtz, Seneca, Kan.
Riley Youngers, Wylie, Texas
