Texas Tech University's Wool Judging Team took champion and reserve champion honors Jan. 17 at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Texas Tech narrowly defeated the competition; winning by two points to claim the Denver competition for the first time since 1986.

Teams from Texas A&M University and Angelo State University finished third and fourth, respectively. Kansas State University, Colorado State University and New Mexico State University also competed with teams.

Top 10. The students have been preparing for the competition since August. Contestants graded one rail of 15 fleeces, placed six classes and presented two sets of oral reasons. Three Texas Tech students placed in the top 10 individuals. Aaron Renfroe, Markus Miller and Jeffrey Woods finished first, sixth and eighth, respectively.

Team members are:
"Matthew Harris, a freshman from Spring
"Stormie McClurg, a freshman from Nazareth
"Katie Rose McCullough, a freshman from Castle Rock, Colo.
"Markus Miller, a freshman from Abernathy
"Brandon Reeves, a freshman from Staunton, Va.
"Nathan Reeves, a freshman from League City
"Aaron Renfroe, a senior from Ozona
"Ethan Schlegel, a freshman from Tribune, Kan.
"Troy Tarpley, a sophomore from Fort Stockton
"Tyler Vogel, a freshman from Canyon
"Trevor White, a freshman from New Home
"Jeffrey Woods, a freshman from Sweetwater
"Loni Woolley, a freshman from Grandview

The team is coached by graduate student L.J. Ashorn and Moriah Beyers, a coordinator in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Sam Jackson, associate professor, supervises the program.

The team will represent Texas Tech at the San Antonio Stock Show in February and at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March.

Written by Moriah Beyers

CONTACT: Samuel Jackson, associate professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2805 ext. 232 or sam.jackson@ttu.edu