“I had an administration that gave me an opportunity at 22/23 years old, gave me my first job I ever had, to take the reins of that livestock judging program and build it how I saw fit. I didn’t realize how lucky I was at the time, but I sure do now. Boy did we have an amazing run. Some of my best friends were also my students. The list of people that I have had the opportunity to coach, now to see what they are doing in their own careers, in the livestock business and judging major shows has been pretty cool.” Chris explained. In 2013, Mullinix made the move from El Dorado to Manhattan where he still serves as the Livestock Judging Coach for K-State. Last November, he led that team to victory as the National Champion Livestock Judging Team. The win made Chris the third person in history to win the National Championship as an individual, on a team and as a coach. Joining Dr. Scott Greiner and his mentor and former coach Dr. Scott Schaake with the historic feat. When asked what’s next, Chris said, “I just don’t know any more if there is another step in this part of my career that can outdo the two that I have been fortunate to have. I hope we can continue to do the same things that K-State has been built on long before I was here. The things that Dr. Don Good [K-State Livestock Judging Coach 1948-1966] helped to put into place that Dr. Scott Schaake continued to build upon. I just feel lucky to be the next person asked to maintain that tradition. I feel very fortunate from a
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next Livestock Judging Coach there. “A couple of years later when it was my turn to become a member of that team, I got to have him as my coach as well. It’s amazing how things come together, and I felt very very fortunate that I was able to work with him and learn from him as well.” Chris stated. “Maybe a little Divine intervention landed me where I am [in Kansas].” Chris was a member of the 1995 K-State’s National Champion Livestock Judging Team while also being named High Individual. Throughout his stint at K-State, he
was a member of the Dairy Judging Team, Wool Judging Team, Livestock Judging Team, AGR and multiple Student Organizations. Many opportunities were presented to Chris due to his decision to go to K-State. One of which was being offered the head judging coach position at Butler Community College right out of college. He spent 16 years in El Dorado where he coached multiple National Champion Livestock Judging Teams and influenced countless individuals who have gone on to make their own marks on the livestock industry.
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