Year in and year out, the Tarleton State University state wide invitational career development event has proven to be the largest judging competition in the world with almost 500 schools and 10,000 contestants participating.

This year was no different as hundreds of schools competed in 13 different events.

The Blanco FFA Chapter would prove to be one of the most successful schools at this year’s competition ranking 3rd overall in sweepstakes, while being the only school to place in the top five in four different events.

Highlighting this year’s contest for Blanco would be a first place finish for the livestock team of Kaleigh Anderson, Keaton Dodd, Alex Gustafson, Quaid Haack, and John Pepper. Individually, Kaleigh would finish 2nd and Alex 19th. As a result of their high placing, the Blanco FFA received a $500 TSU Judging Scholarship.

Also placing high and gaining points towards sweepstakes, was the range team. Team members Katie Baker, Tucker Edmondson, Grayson Elrod, Claire Klepac, and Taylor McCormick would place 2nd overall with Tucker, Taylor, and Katie placing 10th, 12th, and 13th respectively as individuals.

Individually, Austin Smith would bring home the highest honors for the Blanco FFA winning high point individual in the dairy judging contest. As a team, Austin, along with Aaron Thomson, who placed 5th individually, Lindsey Winn, Lauren Winn, Lacee Hunter, and Kelcee Hunter would place 4th overall.

Another strong showing for the local FFA chapter would come from the 3rd place entomology team of Brooks Wyatt, Kevin Reyes, Daniel Romero, and Brian Roche. Individually, Brooks would rank 4th overall followed by Brian in 7th and Daniel at 19th.

Finally, Blanco’s land team consisting of Victoria Jones, Lauren Graham, Austin Deshane, David Hostetler, and Shelby Moore would place 11th, with Victoria being recognized as the 15th high individual.

Other teams and students competing and gaining points towards sweepstakes included Payton Duvall, Weston Copenhaver, Corey Dowlearn, Ecce Bradfute, and Taylor Hartmann in wildlife and Mindy Dechert, TJ Raby, Taylor Green, Katelyn Bradfute, and Kylie Leachman in horse.

Advisors for the Blanco FFA are Felice and Jason Marek.