11/22/11 kkh

HAYS, Kan. -- Three weeks of training their livestock and a lifetime of experience with the animals led to much success for Fort Hays State University students in the Block and Bridle Little International fitting and showing contest.

Jake Renner, Pratt senior, was the Round Robin grand champion, followed by Grady McMahon, Ayr, Neb., senior, who was the reserve champion.

Event champions are listed by hometown, classification and award.

AYR, Neb.: Grady McMahon, senior, beef reserve champion, horse novice champion and swine novice champion.

CALHAN, Colo.: Tayla Cannella, freshman, swine reserve champion.

ELBERT, Colo.: Stephen McIntyre, junior, beef grand champion.

ELLIS: William Poland, sophomore, horse grand champion.

HANSTON: Cassandra Wasko, junior, horse reserve champion.

IMPERIAL, Neb.: Frank Ringleman, sophomore, beef novice champion.

PALMDALE, Calif.: Michael Davis, sophomore, sheep novice champion.

PRATT: Jake Renner, senior, dairy grand champion, sheep grand champion and swine grand champion.

ROUND ROCK, Texas: Taylor Eason, dairy reserve champion, dairy novice champion, sheep reserve champion.

The "Little I" was open to any student enrolled at FHSU. Students were judged on how they presented the animals an their general knowledge of the animals.

Belt buckles were awarded to grand champions, and jackets were awarded to reserve champions in each division. Chairs were awarded to novice champions.

The novice division was for students who had never shown that particular species of animal before.

"Every night out there working animals was a lot of fun -- hanging out with everyone," said Kasandra Huser, Victoria junior and Little I co-chair. "I also really enjoyed show day because I was able to watch everyone's hard work pay off."