Kansas State University Meat Judging Team Wins National Championship After 32 Years
The Kansas State University (K-State) Meat Judging Team clinched the National Champion title at the International Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest held in Dakota City, Nebraska.
This victory, announced on November 10, marked the university’s first championship in this event since 1992.
The team excelled in multiple categories, earning high team honors in beef judging, pork judging, placings, reasons, and overall beef. Four members placed in the top 10 overall:
- Reece Geer of Clay Center, Kansas, took third place.
- Hailey Wurtz of Seneca, Kansas, placed fourth.
- Madison Bruna of Barnes, Kansas, secured fifth.
- Hayden Lott of Minneapolis, Kansas, earned 10th place.
Additionally, in the alternates contest, four K-State students placed in the top 10:
- Jordan Sylvester of Wamego, Kansas, took first.
- Emma Balisky of Alberta, Canada, came in second.
- August Hulse of Culver, Kansas, placed third.
- Riley Youngers of Wylie, Texas, placed sixth.
Academic and Athletic Excellence
Three students received All-American honors, recognizing outstanding academic and contest performances:
- Reece Geer, 1st Team
- Hailey Wurtz, 2nd Team
- Hayden Lott, 2nd Team
Team Leadership and Members
The team, coached by Dr. Travis O’Quinn and graduate student Steph Witberler, comprised students from across the U.S. and Canada:
- Emma Balisky (Alberta, Canada)
- Madison Bruna (Barnes, Kansas)
- Elaine Cockroft (Esbon, Kansas)
- Allison Davis (Shelbyville, Tennessee)
- Reece Geer (Clay Center, Kansas)
- Makenna Graney (Fennimore, Wisconsin)
- August Hulse (Culver, Kansas)
- Hayden Lott (Minneapolis, Kansas)
- Jordan Sylvester (Wamego, Kansas)
- Bailey Thornton (Wamego, Kansas)
- Katrina Turner (Derby, Kansas)
- Hailey Wurtz (Seneca, Kansas)
- Riley Youngers (Wylie, Texas)
The victory highlights the team’s dedication and skill in the field, showcasing K-State’s excellence in agricultural education and competitive performance.
Celebrate Kansas State University’s meat judging victory—visit our homepage to explore more about meat industry education and competitions.
