Pond's Ponder
Successful people or groups are often termed ‘lucky.’ Aristotle said it best:
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives—choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”
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Lending a Hand to National Clean-Up | |
“Many hands make light work,” and the WTAMU Environmental Science Society exemplified this spirit during their recent contribution to the beautification of Amarillo. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the club participated in the Amarillo Parks Clean-Up program. Their hands-on efforts reflect the club’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. | |
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Back When They Bucked:
First Roughstock Practice in a Decade
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The WTAMU Rodeo Team cracked open the chutes after an estimated 10-year hiatus and held their first roughstock practice on Sept. 17.
The revival began last February when Mr. Cody Bonds, Head Rodeo Coach and Instructor of Animal Science, brought in a maintenance crew to remove trees that had grown in the bucking chutes on the east end of the arena. This was a crucial first step in restoring WTAMU's roughstock program.
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On that September day, the team welcomed bucking stock from McCloy Rodeo Company in Morse, TX, Rawhide Rodeo Company in Claude, TX, and Mark Owens in Amarillo, TX. The pickup men on hand to support the athletes included Kyle Hash, T.J. Bohlender, and current rodeo team member Paden Jarosz.
This comeback is fueled by support from the rodeo community and the enthusiasm of motivated student athletes.
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Following the roughstock practice, the WTAMU Rodeo Team competed in their first college rodeo of the year at Eastern New Mexico State University in Portales, NM on Sept. 19-21. Notable achievements include:
Josue Molina claimed 3rd overall in the saddle bronc riding with a 74.5 point ride.
Tryce Johnson roped in 4th overall in the tie-down roping.
Emma Smith earned 2nd overall in the barrel racing with a 17.51 second run.
The team’s impressive performances highlight their commitment and readiness for the competitive season ahead.
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Ranch Horse Team Claims Reserve at the Aggieland Classic | |
The WTAMU Ranch Horse Team made an impressive debut at the Stock Horse of Texas Aggieland Classic in Bryan, TX, their first competition of the fall season. The team earned the title of Reserve Champion D1 Collegiate Team! | |
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Non Pro Overall:
Cutter McLaughlin claimed the title of All Around Collegiate Non Pro Champion after winning 1st in reining, trail and pleasure and tying for 4th in cow work.
Parker Ralston secured 5th overall, achieving 6th in cow work, tying for 3rd in reining, 8th in trail and 5th in pleasure.
Ashley Wortham finished 6th overall, with an 11th place in cow work, 7th in reining, 2nd in trail and 4th in pleasure.
Thomas Binig placed 7th overall, tying for 4th in cow work, and finishing 9th in both reining and trail, while tying for 2nd in pleasure.
Payton Porterfield came in 8th overall, tying for 3rd in reining, finishing 10th in trail and tying for 7th in pleasure.
Chloe Rourke rounded top ten with a 10th overall, tying for 6th in cow work and finishing 10th in reining.
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Limited Non Pro Overall:
Audrey Hart earned 4th overall, with a 7th place finish in cow work and tying for 5th in reining, trail and pleasure.
Camry Mangum secured 7th overall, claiming 3rd in both the cow work and trail, while tying for 5th in reining,
Grace Hyde placed 9th overall, with a 4th in trail and 8th in pleasure.
Haylee Triplett placed 4th in the cow work and tied for 5th in the pleasure.
Arielle Wortham tied for 5th in the reining and 8th in the cow work.
Layten Graham finished 8th in trail and 10th in pleasure.
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Novice Overall
Joslyn Topolnicki finished 4th overall, tying for 10th in reining and tying for 3rd in trail.
Cora Onorato claimed 7th overall after winning 1st in trail.
Tess Lewis tied for 2nd in reining and also tied for 7th in trail.
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Meat Science Success in Pennsylvania | |
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The WTAMU Meat Science Team took home 4th High Team overall at the Eastern National Meat Judging Contest in Wyalusing, PA. The team’s performance highlights include:
- 2nd in Beef Grading
- 2nd in Lamb Judging
- 3rd in Specifications
- 3rd in Reasons
- 4th in Pork Judging
- 4th in Placings
- 5th in Beef Judging
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Daniel Raab placed 4th overall, securing 3rd in Lamb Judging, 3rd in Reasons, 5th in Beef Judging and a perfect score in Specifications.
Lane Golla finished 6th overall with a remarkable 1st in Specifications (perfect score), along with 2nd places in Beef Grading, Beef Judging and Total Beef.
Katie Labrum came in 12th overall, achieving a 3rd in Specifications with a perfect score.
Helene Kaiser excelled with a 1st place win in Lamb Judging.
Campbell Offield secured 3rd in the alternate division.
Will Hauerland finished 4th place in the alternate division, also achieving a perfect score in Specifications.
Lily Hooser placed 6th place in the alternate division, with another perfect score in Specifications.
Other team members included Clayton Stevenson and Mya Alford.
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Dr. Loni Lucherk, Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging, and Will Boyd, graduate student, coached the team. | |
Horse Judging Team Secures the Reserve | |
The WTAMU Horse Judging Team excelled at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) horseIQ Collegiate World Championship in Fort Worth, TX , on Sept. 18-20, securing the title of APHA Reserve World Champion Collegiate Team among 14 teams and 57 individuals. Highlights include: |
- Tied for 1st in Reasons
- 2nd in Halter
- 3rd in Performance
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Karlee M. Frank accomplished 2nd overall, excelling with a 1st place win in Reasons, a 2nd place finish in Halter and a 3rd place in Performance.
Aislin Mcstay placed 8th overall, accomplishing 4th in Halter, 8th in Reasons and 10th in Performance.
Andrea Byrd finished 9th overall, earning 8th in Performance, 12th in Halter and 13th in Reasons.
Chloe J. Hamaker came in 13th overall, with a 14th place in Performance.
Laney Gates placed 13th in Halter.
Katelynn M. Horn finished 11th in Reasons.
Additional team members included Zachary T. Rich.
The team is coached by Dr. Christy Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Animal Science, with support from assistant coach Lyndi Starr and junior coach Haley Bucher.
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#ICYMI
In Case You Missed It
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