CC judging contest well attended

By Fred Gray

The Clarendon College Invitational Judging Contest was held Saturday, March 24. The 1,587 students represented 134 schools from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Including parents and sponsors, approximately 2,000 guests visited Clarendon for the event, pumping thousands of dollars into the local economy.

During the course of the day, the students wore serious countenances as they participated in their events, with shy smiles breaking the stress of the competition. Occasionally, as the students realized that they did well, broad smiles would break out in the group. Complements accompanied jobs well done.

The Donley County team, composed of Austin Adams, Jayson Pigg, John Pigg, and Tylee Williams won first place in the Livestock Sr. 4-H category.

Other Clarendon and Donley County teams competed very well in other categories. Our local students did well in the competition and should be proud of their efforts.

Johnny Treichel, the Clarendon College judging coach, said that the success of the event was the result of the dedicated efforts his judging students, who worked well over a 1,000 hours. He also thanked Larry Gray and the Hommels’ 3H All Natural Beef for their invaluable support.

This year’s attendance was down a bit because this year’s contest had to be scheduled a week earlier than normal due to a conflict with state exams and other UIL events. The change resulted in extra competition from judging contests held downstate. Treichel anticipated that next year’s contest will be better attended when it is held during its regularly scheduled time, and no conflicting downstate judging contests will occur.

The tireless effort of Treichel deserves a great deal of the credit. His leadership and dedication has been an important economic boon for Clarendon, Donley County, and Clarendon College.