A junior animal science major from Tahoka took home first place honors in Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' Mr. CASNR contest on Thursday (Jan. 25) at Tech's Animal & Food Sciences' Livestock Arena. Dane Rivas, representing the college's Agri-Techsan organization, won first place in the western wear, interview and talent competition, while the people's choice vote went to Ag Ambassador's Paul Montgomery.

"Mr. CASNR has come a long way since its beginning, and I'm glad to be a part of this tradition," Rivas said. Following graduation Rivas said he looks forward to pursuing a career in the ministry. The Mr. CASNR Contest was hosted by the CASNR's Ag Council.

Earlier in the day, members of the Dr. Bill Bennett Student Success Center launched a new event for the day's CASNR Winter Welcome activities: the Queso Cook-off. This year's inaugural winner was a team from the Ag Ambassadors organization.

According to group's lead chef, Haleigh Erramouspe, the winning recipe included a tasty mix of Velveeta, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel, sausage, ground beef, and hot green chile. Separately, Collegiate FFA won best presentation, and the people's choice vote went to Sigma Alpha in the queso competition.

The Agri-Techsans are a select group of undergraduates who assist with recruiting for and promoting CASNR and Texas Tech. Members of the group visit numerous high schools across the region, and attend University Days, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and national and state FFA conventions, as well as many other on-campus events to recruit future students. Meanwhile, the college's Ag Ambassador Program is a group of students dedicated to spreading the story of American agriculture, natural resources and their opportunities for youth in these fields.

CONTACT: Stephanie Legako, Academic Specialist for Student Retention, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or stephanie.legako@ttu.edu

0130NM18 / PHOTOS: Kayla Jennings