GCCC Meat Judging Team Achieves Historic Success at 2024 Beef Empire Days Contest
[Garden City, KS] September 23, 2024 -- The Garden City Community College (GCCC) Meat Judging Team achieved outstanding success at the Beef Empire Days Contest on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The team earned the Champion Team Overall title and set a new school record with an impressive score of 3803 points. This victory marks the third consecutive year that GCCC has won the Beef Empire Days contest, highlighting their dedication and skill.
The 2024 Meat Judging Team's outstanding performance included:
- 1st Overall
- 1st in Pork Judging
- 1st in Beef Judging
- 1st in Questions
- 1st in Total Beef
- 2nd in Beef Grading
- 3rd in Lamb Judging
Individually, Aaron Morales from Garden City led the Busters, achieving the highest score in GCCC history with 992 points—20 points above the previous record. His accolades include:
- 1st in Pork Judging (2nd all-time score)
- 1st in Placings
- 1st in Questions (all-time highest total of 240 out of 250 points)
- 2nd in Lamb Judging, Beef Grading, and Total Beef
- 3rd in Beef Judging
Janessa Dwyer from McCook, NE, secured 6th overall with 949 points, earning 5th in Pork Judging and Questions. Luis Varela from Garden City followed closely, finishing 8th with 944 points, including 3rd in Beef Grading and 4th in Total Beef. Baylee Hutcheson from Garden City rounded out the top ten with 918 points, achieving 7th in Questions.
The team also recognized outstanding contributions from their alternates:
- Peyton Kneebone (Greeley, CO) - 1st High Alternate, 954 Points
- Andrew Dorris (Dinosaur, CO) - 3rd High Alternate, 935 Points
- Jean Cumming (St. Edward, NE) - 6th High Alternate, 886 Points
- Areli Rodriguez (Johnson, KS) - 7th High Alternate, 882 Points
GCCC Meat Judging Team coaches, Dr. Clint Alexander and Skyler Glenn, were impressed by the team’s performance. Dr. Alexander shared “We are incredibly proud of the intense work and dedication that the team has shown over the past four to five weeks. Their success is a testament to their commitment and passion for meat judging.”
Next on the team's agenda is the American Royal Contest in Omaha, NE, on October 13th, where they will aim to continue their winning streak.
2024 Meats Judging Team members (left to right): Janessa Dwyer, Baylee Hutcheson, Luis Varela, Aaron Morales, Andrew Dorris, Areli Rodgriguez, Peyton Kneebone and Jean Cumming.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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