Tech judging teams strive for excellence beyond competitions
Ryan Rathmann, Texas Tech University's livestock judging coach, emphasizes a bigger picture that extends beyond claiming multiple consecutive national championship titles. Rathmann, who has won six national championships "" one for every year he has been a coach "" has a selfless attitude when it comes to coaching and inspiring his students.
Although Rathmann attributes much of his success to luck, anyone can see that it's a lot more than just luck that's earned him the title of "the winningest coach in livestock judging history." Indeed, the importance of being selfless and acting as part of a team, can be seen through his reaction to his teams' success.
Positive Experience. "It's a satisfying accomplishment," he said. "But, it's more satisfying to know that all of the students I've coached over the years have had a positive experience and have accomplished something they'll remember for the rest of their lives."
Livestock judging isn't the only team that's garnered national championships at Texas Tech, as the university's meat judging team is also known for excellence and developing skills in students that will help them succeed later in life. Mark Miller, professor and San Antonio Livestock Show Distinguished Chair in Meat Science as well as coach of Texas Tech's meat judging team, said it's very humbling to have such a successful program, which he says is possible because of the hard work of the students.
Develop Skills. "I am honored to be at Texas Tech and to get to work with such great students," Miller said. "I feel a tremendous amount of pride and excitement about the team's accomplishments."
Miller said being a member of these judging teams helps students develop skills that will help them down the road. "The program is not about winning," he said. "It's about developing skills in students that they can take with them and use to help them get a job and to be successful both personally and professionally."
Competitive Environment. Rathmann said livestock judging is extremely effective in developing public speaking skills, which can make a difference in terms of how successful students can be in their chosen careers. "I could go on and on about the skills students gain from competing in livestock judging," Rathmann said. "But, the number one skill is communication. Students also learn rational decision making skills and the ability to excel in a competitive environment under pressure."
Aside from the various skills students develop, they are also able to build connections in their fields, which can later lead to career opportunities. Rathmann said the majority of students on the judging teams will end up working in agriculture.
University Benefits. "Through traveling across the country while on judging teams, students gain exposure to different types of production systems and to a network of people," Rathmann said.
Miller and Rathmann both agreed that the university also benefits from the success of its judging teams, as well. Texas Tech receives national exposure when its teams excel, and their success helps the university bring in potential students. "Success begets success," Rathmann said. "It's a lot easier to recruit when you have a successful program. But, that is something we've earned."
National Championships. Miller said there are students from all over the country who come to Texas Tech because of the success of the meat judging program. Rathmann said the university supports the judging teams and all their accomplishments.
"From top to bottom at different levels they care about what we're doing and they support the kids," Rathmann said.
For both Miller and Rathmann, winning national championships is only part of their story. "I tell my students: you're just writing a chapter in your book of life here at Texas Tech," Miller said. "And, I encourage them to go out and write the rest of their book with honor and integrity when they leave here."
Written by Jessica Benham
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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