The Texas Tech University Meat Judging Team in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences came up just four points shy of defending its national championship after claiming wins in all six competitions leading up to the national championships.

Oklahoma State University outlasted Texas Tech at the International Meat Judging Contest on Nov. 13 in Dakota City, Nebraska, 3,990 points to 3,986. Angelo State University finished third with 3,905 points while Colorado State University (3,875) and Texas A&M University (3,850) rounded out the top five.

"I am very proud of our coaches and our Reserve National Champion Team," said Mark Miller, the San Antonio Stock Show Distinguished Chair in Meat Sciences and coach of the team. "All of their hard work and pursuit of excellence gave Texas Tech University an excellent national representation."

Kye Schwartz, a junior from Wall, captured the individual crown, the second straight year a Texas Tech competitor won individual honors. Schwartz totaled 1,027 points to edge Julianna Albrecht from Oklahoma State by two points.

Jessica Humphrey, a senior from Okeechobe, Florida, finished eighth overall with 944 points while Cole Perkins, a junior from Llano, was 10th. All three earned first-team All-American status while Tommy Fletcher, a junior from La Vernia, was named second-team All-America.

Other members of the team are:

• Kyle Caldwell, a junior from Midlothian
• Katlynn Freeman, a junior from Panhandle
• Lane Harrington, a senior from Frost
• Boyd Henry, a junior from Wall
• Courtney Jasik, a junior from Mertzon
• Shannon O'Quinn, a junior from League City
• Kiersten Scott, a senior from Scott City, Kansas
• Keeley Sears, a junior from Peaster
• Blayne Troxell, a junior from Pampa
• Chelsi Vineyard, a junior from Stephenville
• Megan Writt, a junior from Houston

Graduate students Loni Lucherk, Nick Hardcastle and Mallorie Phelps also serve as coaches for the team.

Written by George Watson

CONTACT: Michael Orth, chairman, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-5653 or michael.orth@ttu.edu

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