Wildcat winners: University of Arizona’s inaugural meat judging team makes impressive debut
The University of Arizona has a new source of pride on campus: its first-ever Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team! After decades without a presence in this prestigious competition, a dedicated group of Animal Science majors, under the guidance of coach Megan Sorenson and advised by Dr. Duane Wulf, has made a remarkable entrance onto the national stage during the 2025 Spring Semester.
The journey began with a crucial boost from the American Meat Science Association (AMSA). The U of A successfully secured a $10,000 Judging Jump Start grant, a testament to the university’s commitment to launching this program. These funds have been instrumental in supporting the team’s training, travel, and equipment, paving the way for their impressive debut.
The Wildcats kicked off their inaugural season at the highly competitive National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, in January. Facing off against 12 teams and 67 students in the National Division (and 26 teams and 193 students overall), the U of A team showcased their commitment and hard work by placing an outstanding 5th Overall. They also secured top finishes in several categories, including 3rd in Beef Judging, 4th in Beef Grading, 4th in Pork Judging, 4th in Questions, and 5th in Placings. Individually, team members Katelyn Dawkins (Las Vegas, NV) and Aislee Drake (Phoenix, AZ) both earned spots in the top 10 overall individuals, with Katelyn placing 8th and Aislee 9th. Katelyn also shone in Pork Judging (3rd) and Questions (5th), while Aislee excelled in Lamb Judging (7th), Placings (8th), and Questions (8th). Other foundational team members contributing to this early success included Joslyn Chorley (Casa Grande, AZ), Emilee Bluhm (Gilbert, AZ), and Karlee Larzalere (Ramona, CA).
The team carried their momentum into the Southwestern Invitational Contest at the Fort Worth Stock Show in Texas in February. Once again competing in the National Division, the UofA squad demonstrated their consistency and growth, achieving 4th Overall. They further solidified their strengths by placing 2nd in Pork Judging, 2nd in Total Placing, 3rd in Lamb Judging, 4th in Total Questions, 5th in Beef Grading, and 5th in Beef Judging. Individual accolades continued, with Aislee Drake earning 3rd in Pork Judging and 4th in Placings, and Joslyn Chorley placing 5th in Placings. Katelyn Dawkins also stood out with a 4th place finish in Lamb Judging.
The Spring semester concluded with the South Plains contest in Hereford, Texas. The team continued to demonstrate their skills, placing 5th in Pork Judging and 5th in Questions. Individually, Aislee Drake had another strong showing, placing 5th in Pork Judging, 8th in Overall Beef, 8th in Questions, and 9th Overall. Emilee Bluhm, Joslyn Chorley, and Karlee Larzalere also contributed to the team’s efforts.
Coach Megan Sorenson, an ACBS graduate student, has been instrumental in the team’s rapid progress, alongside the guidance of faculty advisor Dr. Duane Wulf, professor and director of the Arid Lands Animal Production Center. Their commitment to training and mentorship has clearly paid off in the team’s impressive results.
Looking ahead, the University of Arizona Meat Judging Team is already gearing up for the Fall 2025 semester, which will include three more contests. The season will culminate with the National Championship in Friona, Texas, in October. With the strong foundation built this spring, the Wildcats are poised to continue their exciting journey and further establish the University of Arizona as a force to be reckoned with in intercollegiate meat judging. The future looks bright for this talented and dedicated group of students!
Join the Meat Judging Team
We're looking for members to build the 2026 team! Are you interested in building on the strong foundation that the 2025 team began? If you would like to know more about joining the team and what competitions entail contact Megan Sorenson, meganvsorenson@arizona.edu.