The Columbia City Livestock Judging Team was started in 2003 by Coach Greg Rupert. Located in Northeastern Indiana in a geographical pocket of Nationally competitive FFA and 4-H livestock teams, Greg saw a need for a local county team. During this organization’s 20-year tenure the teams have had 9 National Contest wins, including 5 at Denver, and 13 State Contest wins. This year’s win at Denver is a huge milestone for the team after a short lull. The goal coming out to the National Western was to prove that this team is still relevant and a worthy opponent at the State and National level. The team of Hayley Puckett, Matthew Blackburn, Lauren Rouch and Carly Linnemeier did just that. Winning the contest overall, placing 1st in reasons, cattle and sheep, 4th in goats and 5th in swine. These individuals now join the fraternity of Columbia City alumni before them who have accomplished the same goal and they are excited to go forward and continue to grow and develop their skill set. The success of this team is impossible if not for the many past alumni who have continued their career collegiately and returned to pass their new found knowledge to the next generation of youth.
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LAUREN ROUCH 7TH REASONS 8TH SHEEP 10TH CATTLE
MATTHEW BLACKBURN 3RD HIGH INDIVIDUAL 2ND REASONS
CARLY LINNEMIER 6TH REASONS 6TH CATTLE
5TH SHEEP 8TH SWINE
HAYLEY PUCKETT 7TH HIGH INDIVIDUAL
She is a Junior at Columbia City High School and began judging in the 8th grade. Lauren is proud of this moment because her judging career started in the midst of COVID. Lauren shared, “ winning Denver to me proves to me just how much my teammates and I have worked to improve ourselves. I know this moment wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our coaches and alumni who have supported us.”
She is a Freshman and has been judging since the 7th grade. When asked about her experience Carly commented, “Through this experience, not only have I gained skills in livestock evaluation and public speaking, I have found a group of hard working, dedicated people who bring me so much joy and encouragement. Denver has been such a special opportunity that I will never forget.”
He is a Senior at Columbia City High School and began livestock judging as an 8th grader. Matthew will continue his judging career next year at Black Hawk East. Matthew shared, “winning Denver is one of the best accomplishments and moments of joy I’ve ever experienced. I want to thank my coaches for helping me achieve my goals.”
She is a current Freshman at Illinois Central Community College. Hayley has many years of experience as she started judging in the 6th grade. When asked about the win Hayley said “winning Denver is something I will never forget. This win proved to me that hard work, dedication, and practice is something you will forever need in life.”
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