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CONNOR PELL HIGH INDIVIDUAL OVERALL SENIOR COLLEGIATE
My name is Connor Pell, and I am a current senior at Oklahoma State University. I grew up in Northeastern Oklahoma on my family’s farm. While I did get involved in other species, we were largely focused on our show pig operation. I was heavily immersed in varying FFA activities, though I still had a deep passion for sports like football and others. My parents, Ray and Holly, worked hard to instill values of faith, hard work, and a competitive spirit in everything I’m involved in. I am very blessed to have a Mom and Dad who believe in and love me in everything I do. I could not accomplish what I have without them. During my senior year at Adair High School, I decided I wanted to continue my livestock judging career at a place I truly felt could win, and with a quality coach. After touring several junior colleges, Redlands Community College felt the most like home. I’m eternally grateful to Spencer Scotten for giving me a chance and to teammates who made the ride truly special. Not only are Spencer and his entire family outstanding people, but the faculty and staff during my time in El Reno, OK, were all crucial in my development both spiritually and professionally. In particular, Brandon Callis became one of my biggest mentors. From bible studies to life talks in his office, he always had a way of getting through to me
and helping me mature as a man. He helped me bridge the gap of the urge to win, while showing love, respect, and kindness to all, honoring our Creator. With the help of an outstanding coach in Spencer and a mentor in Callis, I was able to cap off my Junior College career with a win at Houston, along with being a member of the National Team of the Year and with All- American honors. Upon graduating from Redlands, I transferred to Oklahoma State. Growing up near Stillwater and having numerous alumni in the family, I’ve always “bled orange.” Being a member of the OSU livestock judging team has truly been a dream come true. I’m grateful to be a part of a great group that finishes out at NAILE in a few weeks, along with having very
talented coaches in Dr. Parker Henley, as well as assistants Pace Mittelstaedt and Ty Drach. They have helped my teammates and I work to perfect our craft and perform to the best of our abilities. Winning the American Royal was a surreal experience. After the critique, I thought I had a chance but was unsure because of how challenging the contest was. Once the awards came around, I was actually announced as 10th overall. I won’t lie; I was initially pretty disappointed. However, as I was nearly to the front, the speaker confirmed that she had made a mistake and had started reading the names in reverse order. I was overtaken with joy as I had just inadvertently found out I won potentially the last contest held in Hale Arena. I’m truly thankful for everyone in my corner; parents, friends, coaches, mentors, and to the Good Lord for allowing me the ability to compete. Winning a contest, let alone one with such prestige as the American Royal, is a huge blessing and something that every livestock judge has tried to do. However, as humbling of an accomplishment as this is, I do not want this win to define me. Twenty years from now, there’s a chance no one will remember that I was the high individual at Kansas City in 2025. What they will remember is if I treated them with kindness, respect, and honesty. In the end, I hope that we as an industry don’t lose sight of these values.
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