Competitive Edge
Striving for Honor in the Pursuit of Excellence Story by Hardy Elkins
The 2009 National Championship Team set a school record for most wins in a season with six. Photo Courtesy of Dr. Mark Miller.
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ince the university’s establishment in 1923, the agricultural sciences have been a part of the foundation and a major focus of research at Texas Tech. Meat science, which is studied within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, is one of several CASNR programs that has uniquely exceeded all expectations to become a national model in its field. The motto of the meat science program is, “Striving for Honor in the Pursuit of Excellence.” According to the current coach Mark Miller, Ph.D., the phrase coined more than two decades ago by Gordon W. Davis, defines everything the program intends to accomplish. Miller was an undergraduate member of Davis’ first team in 1981. Since becoming head coach in 1990, Miller has been instrumental in developing the meat judging program at Tech into one of the most successful organizations on campus, as well as a national powerhouse. The 2009 team earned the national championship title at the American Meat Science Association’s International Meat Judging contest last fall and with six wins, tied a record for most wins in a season and set a school record. “A winning tradition definitely gives you a leg up when it comes to recruitment,” Miller said, “but it’s about more than just winning around here.”
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Miller said he likes for students to want to become a part of the meat judging team at Tech not only because they want to be winners in the judging arena, but also are determined to commit to the program’s philosophy. “The wins are great, sure,” Miller said, “but it’s definitely not the most important objective we try to teach our kids.” He tries to instill the idea that serving others always has a greater personal return than focusing merely on what you want yourself. Team members are encouraged to consider how they can better help their fellow man before focusing on themselves. “The experience the students have while on this team will change their lives, and they will be better husbands, better wives and better people as they learn to work with others in a positive way,” Miller said. Miller’s emphasis on selflessness and serving others has not only resulted in the crowning of national championships, but the production of countless quality individuals who continue to raise the bar in their respected fields after graduating from Tech. “At the end of the day,” Miller said, “you would hope that a student would walk out of here and their parents will know with confidence, that their child was a part of something that will give them the opportunity to be a successful person the rest of their life.” A
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