UW wool judgers represent on national stage

On Jan. 15, collegiate wool judging teams gathered at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Denver for the National Western Stock Show Intercollegiate Wool Judging Contest, where Wyoming students did the Cowboy State proud. 

According to a University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Sheep Program Facebook post, UW wool judgers finished the contest as the overall reserve champion team, while also bringing home champion honors in the Handspinning Division.

The team is coached by Head Coach Dr. Whit Stewart, who also serves as UW Extension’s sheep specialist, and Assistant Coaches Cameron Harrick of Laramie and Allie Van Why of Chugwater. 

Team members include Hadley Paisley of Wheatland; Trevor Halverson of Big Timber, Mont.; Claire Poppenberger of Prescott Valley, Ariz. and Elizabeth Schroeder of Evergreen, Colo.

“After a seventh-place finish out of eight universities at the UW 7220 Wool Contest just two days prior, this hard-working squad responded with grit and determination, coming back strong for an excellent all-around finish on a national stage,” the Facebook post reads. 

The UW Wool Judging Team’s official website notes, “Our wool judging team is a community of passionate, driven students dedicated to learning and sharing Wyoming’s wool story. Through hands-on experiences and intercollegiate competition, team members develop analytical thinking, teamwork and communication skills, all while mastering wool evaluation and its impact on finished products.”

“Joining the team means gaining industry-relevant skills, collaborating with 4-H and FFA programs and representing the nation’s leading wool state,” it continues. “Together, we celebrate excellence, learning and the future of Wyoming wool.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.