Big Performance by LLC Livestock Judging Team

The Lake Land College Livestock Judging Team took home Reserve Champion Team and an individual team member took High Individual Overall of the prestigious National Western Stock Show competition held this month in Denver.

Members earned high team in swine, second high team in cattle, third high team in cattle reasons, third high team in reasons, and second team in high overall.

Individually, the Livestock Judging Team members excelled with Micah Smock, Botkins, Ohio; Jenna Girman, Ormond Beach, Florida; and Tucker Schlipf, El Paso, Illinois earning high marks.

Smock was the High Individual Overall in the contest, also placing eighth in swine. Girman’s versatility earned her the 10th High Individual as she placed in the top 10 in four categories, placing fourth in swine, sixth in cattle, fourth in cattle reasons and eighth in reasons. Schlipf rounded out the strong performance for the team placing seventh in swine.

Jordan Rauch, Lake Land College agriculture instructor and livestock judging coach, said “As a coach it has been extremely rewarding to watch these 10 students work together for a common goal they set their freshmen year. They have had a great year so far, finishing in the top 10 at each national contest. Their success in Denver is a culmination of hard work, a competitive atmosphere and a passion to reach their full potential. To see all of that pay off in a big way for the students is what every coach hopes for.”

Rauch also mentioned Lake Land College Alumni continued the tradition of winning as Austin Walter, Texas Tech placed 6th high Individual Overall in the Senior College division and Gage Hank, Jeremiah Cupps, and Logan Hebert, Western Illinois University contributed to the champion senior college team.

Additionally congrats to Lake Land Alumni Austin Walter (Texas Tech) for his 6th High Ind. in the Senior College division and Gage Hank, Jeremiah Cupps, and Logan Hebert (WIU) for being part of the champion senior college team.

The Lake Land College Livestock Judging Team members are: Smock; Girman; Shlipf; Maddie Fugate, Mahomet; Lindsey Pugh, Louisville, Ohio; Shannon DeHaan, Taylor, Missouri; Landon Tadich, Perry, Georgia; Keaton Stoller, Gridley, Illinois; Lauren Burgener, Moweaqua; and Cole Wilcox, Bedford, Indiana.

The judging team is preparing for the Dixie Nationals in Jackson, Missouri on Feb. 9. Following this competition, the team has a contest at the San Antonio Stock in Texas. Finally, members will travel to the Houston Stock show on March 11.