Texas Tech University's Meat Judging Team continued their winning streak with a first-place finish at the American Royal Meat Judging Contest on Sunday (Oct. 18) in Omaha, Neb. They posted a 108-point victory over the nearest competitor, Oklahoma State University.

South Dakota State University, Kansas State University and Texas A&M University rounded out the 'Top 5' teams at the competition. Texas Tech placed first in the beef judging, lamb judging, overall beef, total placing and total reasons divisions.

"The team won their fifth contest in a dominating fashion," said Mark Miller, professor and San Antonio Livestock Show Distinguished Chair in Meat Science. "I'm proud of the excellence and focus the team members are displaying at each contest."

Individually, Matt Bruton won the contest by 19 points. Team members Meagan Igo and Collin Corbin finished third and fourth overall. The team also had eight of the 'Top 10' individuals in the alternate division. The team is coached by Miller and Travis O'Quinn, a meat science graduate student.

In addition to Bruton, Igo and Corbin, team members include:
"Sarah Calhoun, a junior from Weatherford
"Adam Copeland, a junior from Katy
"Tate Corliss, a senior from Estancia, N.M.
"Kelsey Fletcher, a junior from Universal City
"Josh Hasty, a senior from Cleburne
"Kelly Hutton, a junior from Castle Rock, Colo.
"Amber Krause, a junior from Florence
"Abby Long, a junior from Boerne
"Josh McCann, a junior from Newport, Va.
"Brandon O'Quinn, a junior from League City
"Henry Ruiz, a senior from Eagle Pass

The win at the American Royal follows a 150-point victory at the Eastern National Meat Judging Contest in Pennsylvania on Oct. 3 and victories at the National Western Stock Show, the Southwestern Livestock Exposition and the Houston Livestock Show last spring. Texas Tech will compete in one more contest before the international competition in Dakota City, Neb., on Nov. 15.

Written By Moriah Beyers

CONTACT: Moriah Beyers, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2805, ext. 248 or moriah.beyers@ttu.edu

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