Casper College Livestock Team Wins First Place In Houston

The Casper College livestock judging team placed first overall at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The contest marked the last national contest for the sophomore’s junior college judging career.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest livestock shows in the nation, in which only the best come. The Casper College team made sure that they only brought their best game,” said Jeremy Burkett, head livestock judging coach and agriculture instructor.

According to Burkett, Laddy Trehal, Kiowa, Colo., “started the team off right.” Trehal took third in sheep and carried the team to third in the sheep division. In swine, B.W. Ochsner, Torrington, Wyo., was sixth with Trehal close behind in seventh, pushing the team to third in swine.

In the cattle division, Emily Hasenauer, Wallace, Neb., finished fifth and Cade Christensen, Peyton, Colo., finished ninth. “This was more then enough to win cattle,” noted Burkett.

“Houston,” said Burkett, “also holds a division of just placings at the contest.” In placings, Trehal was ninth, Ochsner sixth, and Hasenauer first. The team was first in placings as well. In reasons, the team finished third overall. In individual overall Ochsner finished seventh and Hasenauer finishing fourth. “This year has been amazing and it wouldn’t have been possible without each and every person on this team,” said, Hasenauer.

In the alternate division Dylan Freeman, Emmett, Idaho, was sixth overall and Chantz Potter, McKinnon, Wyo., took fourth beating Freeman by only a few points. Lacie Potter, McKinnon, Wyo., won the alternate division. “There is no better way to end my junior college livestock judging career. It’s truly been a blessing,” said Lacie Potter.

“At the end we were all waiting on the edge of our seats as they began to announce teams overall. Finally the last two were announced with the Casper College Livestock Judging team on top,” said Burkett.“ “After being so close all year, it feels so great to have all that work pay off. We finally just got it done,” said team member Colby Hales, Laramie, Wyo.

In addition, three Casper College Livestock Judging Team members were selected as All-American Livestock Judgers at the show: Katie Dodge, Spring Creek, Nev., Ochsner, and Trehal. “The All-American selection is based off of the student’s performance in the classroom and also the student’s rank in four of the national contests. It is a great recognition for these three for their talents and dedication to their education,” Burkett said. “Simply put, it is pretty amazing to be an All-American but it’s even better to be on Mr. Burkett’s first team with not just one but three All-Americans,” added Ochsner.

“I am so proud of this team, they have been such a great group to work with, and to have the opportunity to be their coach has been truly amazing. I wouldn’t want to be part of any other program in the nation,” said Burkett. “This is not just a team it’s a family, our family. And to be a part of something this amazing is very special. This year has been a great ride. And these students have a very bright future ahead of them,” Assistant Coach Jason Johnson added.