Glen Grote, Danny Brown, Harold Witcher, and Don Kuker

The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Meat Judging Team Reunion was held May 6-7, 2016 on the campus of Texas A&M University. Former and current team members along with families and friends attended a weekend of fun, fellowship, and fundraising.

The reunion began Friday night with a fajita dinner donated by Gatlan and Rachel Gray and prepared by the 2016 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Meat Judging Team. A large tent was set up in the field west of the Rosenthal Meat Center for the event for dining and for participants to visit and play games.

Meat Judging Team preparing pork and chicken fajitas

Jeff Savell, Russell Cross, Harold Witcher, Jimmy Pusok, Glen Grote, and Danny Brown

On Saturday morning, Nick and Karen Nickelson prepared a chuck wagon breakfast featuring a hominy dish and homemade biscuits. The chuck wagon was a hit with everyone, and thanks to Nick and Karen for bringing it down and cooking such great food. In addition, the current judging team prepared brisket and egg tacos and breakfast casseroles.

Nick Nickelson showing Jackson Larriviere chuck wagon cooking

Jackson Larriviere and Karen Nickelson

The afternoon allowed participants to go to the Texas A&M University/Vanderbilt University baseball game. The game was quite memorable as Kyle Simonds pitched a no-hitter for the Aggies and won the game 3-0!

The Saturday night activity was held at 7-F Lodge in College Station where the famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib was served by the 2016 Meat Judging Team. The prime rib was donated by Dwayne and Lynette Padalecki, and the meal was enjoyed by all. To cap off the meal, everyone helped themselves to an ice cream sundae bar.

Before the meal, Dr. Russell Cross, professor and head of the Department of Animal Science introduced Leslie Frenzel, a faculty member and advisor in the department as well as the meat judging team coordinator. Leslie introduced Drew Cassens, coach of this year’s team who then introduced team members, all 20 of them!

Russell Cross introductng Leslie Frenzel

Leslie Frenzel, Drew Cassens, and 2016 Meat Judging Team members

As part of the fundraising effort, a silent and live auction was held. Various items were donated for the auctions, and thanks to those who provided and purchased these items to help support the travel costs of the team. The mesquite bench, bottle openers, coat rack, and wine racks were hand crafted by Tammie and Terry Frenzel with TNT Crafts. The last item to be auctioned was very special to all Aggie Meat Judgers, a judging buckle with a very classic design and year of choice. Thanks to Stefan Tucker for serving as the auctioneer for the evening.

Stefan Tucker serving as auctioneer

Randy Phariss helping with auction

Jackie Fruit displaying auction item

Maddison Holder and custom-made bottle opener

Auctioning custom-made bench

The night was capped off with dancing with music provided by the Highway 36. The band members included Maurice Jurena – Steel Guitar; Bobby Mikulin – Bass Guitar; Steve Kocurek – Lead Guitar; Wes Osburn – Drums.

The Witchers dancing to the music of Highway 36

Everyone had a great time, and it was so good to have so many former students and their families come to campus for the reunion.

1980 Meat Judging Team members, coaches, and coordinator: Ray Riley, Greg Gossett, Randy Pharriss, Darrell Mohr, and Jeff Savell

Next year’s reunion will be held on May 5-6, 2017. Please mark your calendars and come to Aggieland for a fun-filled weekend.