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A TEAM THAT NEVER FLINCHED By Chyann Emerson & Sheridan Chaney
Walking into the iconic Freedom Hall at the North American International Livestock Exposition, walking through the renowned green shavings, and feeling the history—the pressure—they behold: This is the moment the Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging Team has spent more than a year preparing for. And when asked to step up to the massive challenge set before them, the team did so without flinching, ensuring the coveted bronze bull trophy returned back to OSU. tradition, and the pursuit of perfection, said Parker Henley, OSU livestock judging head coach. “When a team earns the bronze bull, it demonstrates that they invested an The National Livestock Judging Championship represents strength,
exceptional amount of time, maintained self-awareness, and worked together to get as close to perfection as possible,” Henley said. “It’s not just a trophy; it’s proof of what dedication and teamwork can achieve.” The National Livestock Judging Championship at the NAILE is a decades-old competition that Oklahoma State University has become a cornerstone of. OSU holds the current title as the most winning university in contest history. OSU’s most recent NAILE victory marks the 24th National Championship title for the university and is the 18th time OSU has had the high individual overall of the contest. “This team was resilient,” Henley said. “They faced one of the most competitive seasons in recent history
“Their ability to work together, push through adversity, and stay focused on the ultimate goal made them exceptional.” Throughout the 2025-2026 contest season, the team has competed in 14 contests across the state and nation, earning seven overall team championship titles and numerous individual accolades. Being a part of a well-versed program with deep roots in tradition and success comes with a certain pressure, said Preston Rhode, current OSU livestock judging team member. “At Oklahoma State, livestock judging isn’t just an extracurricular—it’s a legacy, a standard, and a responsibility,” Rhode said. Being a member of this
The 2025 Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging Team is coached by Parker Henley, with assistant coaches Ty Drach and Pace Mittelstaedt. The team consists of 12 members representing seven states: Maryland, Wyoming, Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma.
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and embraced every challenge head-on.
prestigious program comes with an added
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