KANSAS CITY, MO.- The Texas A&M University livestock judging team was named the high-scoring team at the 2003 American Royal Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest, Oct. 25 in Kansas City, Mo.
Kelton Mason of Plains led the team as high-scoring individual overall with a score of 963 points. Garrett Parsons of Conroe was just five points behind and placed fifth high individual overall. Jake Franke of College Station was sixth place individual overall with a score of 957 points. Craig Melton of Brookshire placed 14th, and Jeff Thayne of Seguin placed 19th.
Besides high team overall, they also won high team in swine, cattle and reasons. Thayne was the high individual in cattle, and Franke was the high individual in reasons.
The team is coached by graduate student Ryan Rathman, under the direction of Dr. Chris Skaggs, associate professor in the department of animal science.
Twenty teams from across the nation competed in the contest. Oklahoma State University placed second, Kansas State University placed third, Texas Tech University placed fourth and Oregon State University placed fifth overall in the contest.
Texas A&M’s most recent win comes after being named the high-scoring team at the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minn. The team will compete for the national title at the 2003 North American Livestock Exposition on Nov. 17.
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