By: Andela Taylor, NCTA
Last year it snowed during spring break here in Curtis, resulting in a heart-warming news item and photos of students out on horseback feeding our NCTA herd, contrasting to what many college students typically do on breaks. The smiles on our students' faces while engaging in the work of caring for cattle show just what is meant when we say—"Where your passion becomes a career!"
Like enjoying working on the ranch crew, students compete in teams to supplement their educational goals and passions. As the spring semester peaks, NCTA teams are out competing at a high level.
NCTA Shotgun Sports Team travels to Las Vegas, Nev., this week to compete in the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association competition. Emily Miller, Norton, Kan., leads the team, placing first at the regional meet. Coach Alan Taylor is an inspirational leader for the team, as manager of the working ranch crew and campus herd, all while educating in animal science courses. Follow the team on social media through creative videos by team member Nathaly Dragoo of Lincoln.
The NCTA Crops Judging team of Codi LaBorde, Gavin Trembley, Garrett Thielen, and Chase Glover placed first among other two-year colleges at the recent contest held at Iowa State University. Codi LaBorde, Milliken, Colo. led the team, placing first as the overall individual and first in Plant/Seed Identification. Gavin Trembley, Hoxie, Kan., was the fourth highest-scoring overall individual. Garrett Thielen, Dorrance, Kan., earned first place in Lab Practical and fifthh overall individual. Dr. Brad Ramsdale, Associate Professor of Agronomy, instills excellence as he coaches the team to high success.
The NCTA Rodeo Team, coached by Jaden Clark, hones their skills for the season and prepares to host the 2nd Annual NCTA Rodeo Team Banquet. Students are working hard to gather auction items and sell tickets. This event on March 25 at the Anvil Bar and Grill provides an added benefit for students and community members to get better acquainted.
The winter competitions have been fruitful for the NCTA Livestock Judging team, coached by Dr. Doug Smith, Associate Professor of Animal Science and a respected icon in the industry. The team first traveled to Sioux Falls, placing 6th high team overall, along with strong individual scores. The next destination, Valentine, yielded a 2nd high overall team score and impressive individual results from six members. Most recently, the team competed at the Nebraska Cattlemens Classic, placing 10th overall. The opportunity to interact with industry professionals is second to none when competing in livestock judging.
Further updates on the remaining teams will be in the coming weeks. And again, we appreciate the dedication of our students who are caring for campus animals and competing for our teams during spring break this week.
NCTA Events:
Through March 17: Spring Break for Students
Through Marcch 19: Aggie Shotgun Team at Nationals, Las Vegas
March 25: NCTA Rodeo Banquet at Anvil Bar & Grill, Curtis
March 29-31: Recruiters at Nebraska FFA SLC, Lincoln
April 6-9: Punch in Pink Spring Round Up, McCook
April 11: Discovery Days Tour at NCTA
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General