WILBURTON, Oklahoma – The Eastern Oklahoma State College meat judging team earned top honors at the Beef Empire Days contest, held at Tyson Fresh Meats in Holcomb, Kansas, and Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas. Eastern claimed the 1st place overall team award to begin the fall season on a strong note.

The Mountaineers also swept several categories, finishing 1st in Total Beef, 1st in Beef Grading, 1st in Questions, 2nd in Beef Judging, 2nd in Lamb Judging, 3rd in Pork Judging, and 4th in Placings.

Coach Jade Edwards praised the team’s performance and dedication.

“It was very exciting to get back in the van for the fall season and come home with a win,” Edwards said. “Our students put in a lot of time over the summer and the beginning of school to compete at the highest level. I am very proud of their performance and know they will continue to work diligently in the pursuit of our two final contests of the year.”

Eastern’s success was highlighted by standout individual performances:

• Averie Bain of Valliant was named High Individual Overall, also placing 1st in Total Beef, 1st in Beef Grading, 3rd in Placings, 4th in Questions, 4th in Lamb Judging, 4th in Beef Judging, and 5th in Pork Judging.
• Robert Kincade of McAlester finished as the 2nd High Individual Overall, earning 1st in Beef Judging, 2nd in Placings, 3rd in Questions, 3rd in Lamb Judging, and 4th in Beef Grading.
• Gracie Ward of Indianola placed 5th High Individual Overall, with 2nd in Beef Grading and 5th in Questions.
• Eli Whitney of Clinton earned 3rd in Beef Grading.
• Bailyn Hill of Antlers was named High Alternate.
• Dylan Neely of Okemah placed 4th High Alternate.

The Beef Empire Days contest is one of the premier fall competitions in collegiate meat judging, attracting teams from across the country. Eastern’s victory adds to the program’s long-standing tradition of success and excellence in collegiate meat judging.

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