A year’s worth of hard work and triumph were recognized Saturday as the Butler Community College Livestock Judging Team, along with their families, met for their annual banquet at Susie’s Chili Parlor.

The team ranked this year as number one in the nation. The team, headed by coach Chris Mullinix, enjoyed strong rankings these past years as well in spite of a constantly fluctuating team roster. The team traveled over 25,000 miles to participate in 12 contests over the course of the year. Out of those, the team made top 10 finishes at every contest, with 15 top five finishes and nine champion finishes. They received 40 individual recognitions among top 10 placements total.

While Mullinix pointed out to attendees that such a feat is a great one that many other teams haven’t experienced, he also asserted his confidence that the team was going to improve more still.

“I only see those numbers getting better,” he said.

Mullinix took the stage after the meal was finished, during which a slide show was projected of photos from the different events the team went to. After telling the attendees about the team’s accomplishments, a second slide show was played concerning what qualities, both serious and fun, made them successful as a team.

Mullinix reiterated that point as he continued his speech after the slide show.

“I keep challenging these students to learn their strengths and embrace them,” he told the crowd.

He emphasized how one of the most dynamic aspects of the program is the team learning to work together and gain a true love of the experience.

“It’s really cool when you can see a person find that passion,” Mullinix said.

He noted that of their own accord the students applied that hard work ethic to other aspects of their life as well. Of his team, 12 students have maintained a grade point average over 3.7.

Mullinix introduced the freshman team first, which went undefeated this year, followed by the sophomore team. He introduced the team member, reflecting on their accomplishments and the standout elements of their character and team dynamic to those gathered. While their strengths ranged from energy, leadership and drive to succeed among others, Mullinix said it was the fusion of those aspects, maturity and the inspiration the individuals within gave each other that attributed to how well they performed.

Mullinix warned the freshman group to be wary in spite of this year’s triumphs to heed the challenges ahead.

“It’s not always easy,” he told them. “There’s going to be some rough times. I challenge you to rise to them.”

To the outgoing sophomore class, he encouraged them to remember the bond and experiences they’ve shared and take what they’ve learned out into the world and make a difference.

Advice aside, he expressed his great pride in the group as a whole.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever had a team that had the collective will to win that this team had,” Mullinix said. “We’ve learned a lot from each other.”