Fall 2014
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS
an annual publication from the Department of Agricultural Sciences at West Texas A&M University
Success is the State of Mind at WT
Livestock Judging
After a tough season, the livestock judging team still demonstrates the leadership and personal development characteristics of the department’s competitive teams. Copy by Morgan Gadd
More than Medals
The West Texas A&M University Livestock Judging team faced a tough fall schedule, and although they would have liked better results, the team fought hard in its final season together. After a fourth place finish at Ft. Worth in the spring looked forward to a competitive fall season. The first contest of the season was at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan. offered the team a chance to get back into the routine of competition. The team finished 10th overall. The following day, the team went to Wichita, Kan. for the Mid-American Classic where they placed ninth overall. At the Tulsa State Fair contest on Oct, 4, the team placed 18th overall with no individuals breaking into the Top 10. It was the team’s fourth place finish at the State Fair of Texas judging contest in
Dallas that managed to get the started in the right direction.
The road trip to the American Royal in Kansas City proved tough for individuals but overall the team finished 12th against stiff competition. The team finished out their season in Louisville, Ky. at the North American International Livestock Exposition. Although the team did not finish in the Top 10 as they had hoped to, a WTAMU individual did break into the top ranks in the swine division. Raegan Richter from San Antonio was 10th in the swine division. Richter placed in the Top 10 in every species throughout his four years of collegiate judging, Richter said Louisville was the highlight of his judging career. “I have a passion for the swine industry and this Top 10 finish really polished off my career, and I couldn’t be more
grateful,” Richter said.
Ryan Dahl from Texhoma also reflected on his judging experience. “Livestock judging teaches students responsibility and accountability. It has been great to me. Not only has it taught me many life lessons but I made many lifelong friends through it,” Dahl said. The department values the hard work and dedication shown by the students, whether it takes place in classrooms or in the industry itself. Next year’s team is already looking forward to competing and the positive impacts that judging will have on their professional lives. The 2014 team members are: Morgan Gadd from Fishers, Ind.; Ellen Bardwell from Edgewood, N.M.; Richter; Dahl; and Ashley Kanaman from Campbell. The team is coached by Travis Begley, a graduate student from Plainview.
Focused
Rodeo
on the Finals
For some WTAMU rodeo members, the finals are within reach. Cowboys Association rodeos each year.
by Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
The WTAMU team decided to use the “Pendleton Style” format as a way to entertain the audience and increase competition among the schools and individuals. The Pendleton Round-up, The Women’s Rodeo team started the season off by winning the Women’s a rodeo held in Oregon each year, uses a modified start for its timed events. Team Championship at the Eastern Both the livestock and competitors New Mexico State University’s rodeo were given a running start before the held Sept. 18 to Sept. 20. Heather judges began recording time. Knerr from Grass Range, Mont. won the women’s all around and placed The format provided for three fourth in barrel racing and second in days of quality entertainment but goat tying. proved difficult for the host team as
The women’s team finished fifth overall as Knerr finished third in the all-around. She placed sixth in barrel racing and ninth in breakaway roping. In addition, Ali Bilkey from La Hunta, Colo. finished fifth in breakaway roping.
no WTAMU students placed in the Top 10 of any event. Perhaps not all was lost as the team could still win the best collegiate rodeo award, which includes a cash prize as well as other accolades the team can use to improve its position in college rodeo.
Going into the spring season, the women’s team is sitting seventh overall and Knerr is sitting eighth overall in breakaway roping and 10th overall in barrel racing and goat tying.
The West Texas A&M University Rodeo team enjoyed a great semester of competition at four rodeos, including one the team hosted in Amarillo.
On the men’s team, E. J. Bechthold from Booker finished sixth overall in the steer wrestling. The teams travelled to Vernon College Oct. 2 to Oct. 4 where the women’s team as well as individual cowboys and cowgirls competed well against some stiff competition. The women’s team placed sixth overall and Knerr finished second in breakaway roping. On the men’s team, Kelton McMillan from Paden, Okla. finished eighth in tie-down roping and Chris Bechthold from Booker finished fourth overall in bull riding. The WTAMU Rodeo team partnered with Clarendon College and hosted the West Texas A&M University rodeo Oct. 9 to Oct. 11. The team hosts the rodeo every other year as part of its membership in the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The team was fortunate enough to use the Amarillo National Center, the same facilities that host the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association events as well as the Working Ranch
In the last rodeo of the fall season, both the men’s and women’s team did well and placed in the Top 10 at the Oct. 16 to Oct. 18 competition hosted
The men’s team finished ninth overall and saw strong performances from its members. Individually, Pyrce Harris from Canyon placed fifth in tie-down roping and Chris Bechthold finished fourth in steer wrestling.
“We are doing great, we had a great semester, and have high hopes for many students to go to the NIRA College Finals in Casper in June 2015,” coach Raymond Hollabaugh said.
Equestrian
Dedicated to Succeed WT Equestrian finished its fall season focused on returning to Nationals
Copy by Josi Reed
Redlands Community College Western Show The West Texas A&M University Equestrian team began its 2014-15 season Oct. 4 and 5 with two western shows at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla. For the second straight season, WTAMU was named High-Point team in both shows at RCC.
Point Rider in the second show. All WTAMU riders at the shows placed in the top-six of their classes over the two-day competition. Additionally, three riders qualified for Regional competition based on their performances at the Redlands shows. Camille Graupman from Nacogdoches earned her points in Advanced Horsemanship. Megan Pirtle
that will be held at North Central Texas College in Gainesville in March. “The [fall’s first competitions] were certainly a success,” head coach Amanda Love said. “Winning both shows puts the western team in good standing to follow through with the high goals they set for themselves again this year. Getting Graupman, Newkirk and Pirtle qualified for the Region Championship was certainly a bonus to the other achievements.” West Texas A&M University Hunt Seat Show
There were many successes individually in the first show. Mandie House from Talala, Okla. was named the Reserve High Point Rider for the first show, while William Wright from Louisburg, Kan. was named the High
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The WTAMU Hunt Seat team competed in its first shows of the season at the West Texas A&M University Horse Center Oct. 18 and 19. The Lady Buffs opened strong and were named High Point Team for the first show and Reserve High Point Team for the second show. from Canyon earned enough points to qualify in Novice Horsemanship and Kimberly Newkirk from Winsted, Conn. qualified for regionals in Intermediate Horsemanship. By qualifying, these individuals will compete in the Regional Championship
Reilly Millbauer of Argyle earned High Point Rider honors in the first show and the Reserve High Point Rider ended up in a four-way tie between WT riders Adalise Berg from Conifer, Colo., Emillie Gardner from Austin, Hannah Ellis from Grand Junction,
Photos Courtesy of Megan Pirtle
Colo., and Madison McKenzie from Niwat, Colo. On Sunday, Berg and Kelsey Gore of Louisana State University tied for High Point Rider. The tie was broken on a coin toss that Berg lost, thus becoming the show’s Reserve High Point Rider. Cana Fitzgerald from Penn Laird, Va. qualified for regionals in Beginner Walk Trot. Kelsey Wilson from Edgewood, N.M. and Jenny Foil from McGregor both earned enough points to qualify in Walk Trot Canter, and Hannah Valigura from Austin qualified for regionals in Novice Fences. The Regional Championship will be held at the WTAMU Horse Center in March. “The competitions were a validation that the big goals our hunt seat riders set for this year are very attainable,” Love said. “Coach Swarthout and I are extremely pleased with the performance and dedication of the entire team and how well they represented WT.” University of Oklahoma Hunt Seat Show The WTAMU Hunt Seat team
traveled to Norman, Okla. to compete in its second show of the 2014-15 season Nov. 1-2. The team placed third in the weekend’s first show, finishing just one point behind the Reserve High Point Team, followed by a fourth place finish in Show 2. Kayla Reeves from Canyon was named Reserve High Point Rider for the second show on Sunday. Two riders qualified for the Regional Championships. Gardner qualified in Novice Flat and Berg qualified in Novice Fences. “This competition for the WT Hunt Seat team was a challenging one,” Love said. “Coach Swarthout and I are extremely proud of our athletes and their efforts. The finishes were not what they had set their goals for and, while it was a respectable performance, it will drive us to work harder and better prepare.” West Texas A&M University Western Show The western team finished out their fall semester by competing in two shows on November 22 at the WTAMU Horse Center. The western
team won High Point Team for the first show, and took Reserve High Point team for the second show. It was an exciting day for the team as well as for individual riders. Wright claimed the title of High Point Rider for both Show 1 and 2, while Graupman was named Reserve High Point Rider for Show 1. Four WT riders qualified for the Regional Championship. Josi Reed from CaveIn-Rock, Ill. qualified in Advanced Horsemanship, Kelsey Matthews from Morrow, Ark. qualified in Intermediate Horsemanship, and Fitzgerald and Ashlyn Tyk from Amarillo qualified in Beginner Horsemanship. “This past weekend was a great success for the western team,” Love said. “The entire team really came together and hosted a top notch event that allowed our riders to perform.” The hunt seat team will return to action Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2015 at Texas State University. The Western Team will be showing at Texas Tech University Feb. 7 and 8.
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Photo Courtesy of Crystal Drager
Rising to the top The West Texas A&M University Stock Horse team finished as the collegiate Reserve Champions at the Stock Horse of Texas World Show in Abilene Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in its only competition of the fall. The two-day competition consisted of events ranging from working cow horse to ranch trail. The WTAMU team is made up of individual riders that compete in each of four events in a division that is based on experience. Individual scores are tallied after each day and used to determine the overall team champion. Both days WTAMU finished second behind North Central Texas College. Highlights from the Day 1 show include: Luke Abraham from Canadian
placed third in cow horse in the Non Pro division. Larami Stewart from Munday placed second in cow horse and ninth in reining in the Non Pro division. In the Limited Non Pro division, Blane Thompson from Canyon placed fifth in cow horse. Jason Seymour from Olathe, Colo. finished fifth in pleasure and ninth in trail. Crystal Drager from Brussels, Wis. placed second in reining and Kendra Smith from Johnson City placed eighth. Both ladies competed in the Novice division where Drager is currently sitting third overall in the point standings. Day 2 proved to be another successful competition for the stock horse team as highlights include: Abraham placed
second in cow horse and Stewart placed fifth in cow horse, eighth in trail and ninth in both reining and trail. Drager placed first in reining and Smith placed third overall, fourth in trail, and eighth in both reining and pleasure. The team will have plenty of chances to compete next spring as their season will begin back in Abilene on Jan. 31. and competitions will continue in San Antonio, Lubbock, Vernon, Stephenville, Bryan, and Ardmore, Okla. The Stock Horse team is advised by John Pipkin and coached by Marilyn Brandt, a graduate student from Andover, Ill., and Zeb Corvin, an WTAMU alumnus and owner of Corvin Performance Horses.
More Opportunities
for
Aiming
A new student club focuses on competition and leisure in the shooting sports
Students with an interest in competitive shooting successfully started a new club at West Texas A&M University this fall. The WTAMU Trap and Skeet Club began because of student leadership and faculty support. The club started largely because students Braden Graves from Floydada, Colton Meyer from Canyon and Rhett Proctor from Rocky Ford, Colo. approached Dean Hawkins, the head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, with an idea to start a club that would encourage student participation in the shooting sports, both competitively and leisurely. “He [Hawkins] said if we could find an advisor and if there was enough student interest, then we should start a club,� Meyer said. John Richeson, assistant professor of animal science and Sam Ives, associate professor of animal science agreed to
Photo Courtesy of Colton Meyer
serve as faculty advisors for the club. The inaugural officers are: Meyers, president; Proctor, vice president; Lexi Pinkert from Levelland, treasurer; Ashley Adams from Amarillo, secretary; Graves, risk manager; and Payden Hales from Amarillo, public relations. Not only did they find an advisor and students that were interested, the founding members also discovered community support for the club. The Amarillo Gun Club has offered its facilities to the club and its members as a place to hone their skills or just shoot a few clays for fun. In addition, the Amarillo Gun Club has given the WTAMU club storage space at the range, supported the club through donations and will host a fundraising shoot Jan. 31 to assist the club. Both the gun club and the trap and skeet club are working to get a gun donated to raffle at the January event.
There are approximately 15 members in the new club, which plans to put a team or teams together and compete against other collegiate trap and skeet clubs. The team would compete in the Association of College Unions International events that include trap, skeet, five-stand and sporting clays. Dues are $50 a year or $30 a semester and include a T-shirt and use of the Amarillo Gun Club facilities. In addition, dues will go to shooting supplies and competition costs such as entry fees and travel. Meyer hopes that between donations, fundraising and dues the only thing members will need to provide is a shotgun. The inaugural members are mostly agricultural students, but the club is open to all students at WTAMU. If you are interested in learning more about the club or joining, call Colton Meyer at 806-5845712.
Horse Judging
Business
as usual
This year’s horse judging team won three of four contests, adding to WTAMU’s storied history. Tulsa State Fair The West Texas A&M Horse Judging team continued its long-standing legacy by starting its season with a win at the
Tulsa State Fair on Sept. 29, in Tulsa, Okla. “I am really proud of the team’s quality work and positive, teachable attitude,” coach John Pipkin said. “This contest provided an outstanding test
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to know what needs to be done to get ready.” The WTAMU placed first and second overall beating out 12
other teams including Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University. Caitlin Dunsmore from McKinney, placed seventh in halter, first in performance, first in reasons and
first overall. Ashley Hansen from Muscatine, Iowa placed third in halter, eighth in performance, third in reasons and second overall.
Grace Guyer from Kokomo, Ind. placed ninth in halter and second in reasons. Maral Otabachian-Howell from Trinidad, Colo. placed fourth in performance and Megan Pirtle from Canyon, placed eighth in halter.
Kelsay Singleton from Stephenville placed third in performance and eighth overall. William Wright from Louisburg, Kan. placed 10th in halter.
All-American Quarter Horse Congress For the second year in a row, the WTAMU team placed fourth overall at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress on Oct. 15. in Columbus, Ohio.
of talented students that represented WT on an international stage,” Pipkin said. In individual placings, Dunsmore finished ninth in halter, third in performance, first in reasons, and first overall. Guyer finished second in reasons and third overall. Emily Jones from Poolesville, Md. placed eighth in halter, Matthews placed fifth in reasons while
Singleton was overall champion of the contest that ended the team’s season as well as the individuals collegiate judging career. In their last competition, Guyer finished third overall, Dunsmore finished fourth overall and Wright finished fifth. This year’s team did not waver in the face of legend nor adversity, winning three of four contests.
“It’s hard to believe four months ago, 13 people jumped in van The competition was “This semester has brought with an old guy and took off very close as only 11 points across the country looking tears, elation and slight separated the first from at horse after horse and run fourth place teams. insanity but in this beautiful after run and now we’ve “The team has worked reached the end,” Pirtle said. really hard this fall to put mess, we found ourselves toe This semester has brought themselves in a position tears, elation and slight to toe with the best horses, to succeed,” Pipkin said. insanity but in this beautiful coaches and competitors.” “Each team member did mess, we found ourselves toe some good things, but have to toe with the best horses, coaches Otabachian-Howell placed third in areasthey know they can improve in.” and competitors.” reasons and eighth overall. Singleton The team finished second in This year’s team members are: placed 10th in reasons. halter, third in reasons and fourth in Dunsmore, Hana Fellhauer from National Reining Horse performance gaining 2,997 points in Manzanol, Colo., Guyer, Hansen, their fourth-place finish against 17 Association Futurity Jones, Matthews, Otabachion-Howell, other senior division teams. Danae Parman from Channing, Pirtle, The WTAMU Horse Judging team Three individuals placed in the Top ended their year by winning the NRHA Singleton, Nicholle Tieken form Shiner, Wright, and Leah Zadel from 10 in the competition against 74 total Futurity contest Dec 6. where four of Johnstown, Colo. individuals. Dunsmore placed fifth the Top Five individuals were on the in halter and third in reasons. Kelsey WT team. Matthews from Morrow, Ariz. placed 10th in performance and ninth overall and Pirtle placed ninth in halter.
American Quarter Horse Association World Championship The WTAMU Horse Judging team won the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Nov. 20 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The WTAMU team accumulated 3,369 points and finished first in reasons, fourth in performance and eigth in halter on their way to winning the 22-team competition. “This was another exceptional performance by an outstanding group
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One All-Around
Cowboy
Photo Courtesy of Andrea Becker
Logan Harkey ’14 received the 2014 Scholar American Honor by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association for his excellence in rodeo and academic achievement. The award only goes to about 40 or 50 student-athletes a year, so it was quite an honor for Harkey to be included, he said. Harkey completed his bachelor’s degree last May and began a master’s degree at WTAMU this fall. He competed on the WTAMU Rodeo Team as an undergraduate student where he managed to make the collegiate rodeo finals last year. The award requires students to maintain at least a 3.5/4.0 grade point average and make the college national finals. Harkey competed in team roping and calf roping during his time on the rodeo team. The highlight of his collegiate rodeo career was placing 13th out of approximately 70 competitors in calf roping at the college finals. In addition to his success, the NIRA selected “Fred,” Harkey’s horse, as the 2014 Men’s Horse of the Year. Harkey still plans to rodeo between graduate classes, but admitted school has kept him from going to many rodeos this semester. His devotion to academics is half the reason he is being recognized after all. “I know that rodeo is not always a good financial investment, so I decided to look for other ways to make a living and that is why I am here [WTAMU],” Harkey said.
Harkey said he is grateful for sponsors and others that support him. Custom Barns and Construction in Canyon, Hi Pro Feeds in Friona, and the Willard Rope Company in Rockwell currently sponsor Harkey.