The Oklahoma State University horse judging team capped off another successful season at the 2020 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City late last year.

It was the fourth time in the past six years the team has won the world champion title and it featured a Kingfisher High School alumna.

Sydnee Gerken was the 11th overall individual in the event.

Gerken graduated KHS in 2016 and earned her animal science degree with a business option from OSU in December.

“This team’s dedication, positive attitude and commitment to each other allowed them to put together another championship season and it was an honor to work with such a talented group of students,” said coach Steven Cooper, an associate professor of equine studies in the department of animal and food sciences.

“As much as I would like to take credit for this year’s success, the true thanks goes to their coach, Rachel Scott, an OSU animal science graduate student from Georgetown, Texas, and high individual of the 2018 world champion team.

“Rachel spent countless hours not only coaching these students, but more importantly, mentoring team members to be successful in and outside the judging arena.”

OSU fielded two teams at the 2020 AQHA World Championship judging contest.

The OSU Pete’s team was second in halter, first in performance, second in reasons and first overall.

The Poke’s team was fourth in halter, third in performance, third in reasons and third overall.

Gerken, who took a position as the director of operation for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association’s Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions in January, was fourth in halter and seventh in reasons.

Holly Beringer, of Cascade, Iowa, was third in halter and fourth high individual overall.

Colton Carter, of Owasso, was seventh in halter.

Lara Hays, of Claremore, was ninth in performance.

Ariana Horton, of Easton, Kan., fourth in performance, second in reasons and seventh high individual overall.

Jenna Scali, of Adrian, Mo., was second in halter and performance, third in reasons and high individual overall.

Derek Strawn, of Columbia, Mo., 10th in halter, eighth in performance and reasons and 10th high individual overall.

Hannah Tweed, of Chouteau, first in performance, fourth in reasons and second high individual overall.

Other team members included Sydney Cannon, of Newcastle, Leo Elsasser of Columbia, Mo., Rachel Martin of McKinney, Texas, Megan Olson of Owasso and Sydnie Opolka of Hackett, Ark.

“I am extremely proud and thankful to have played a part in the growth and success of this team. Throughout this season, each teammate showed unmatched dedication to self-improvement not only in horse judging, but in all other aspects of their lives,” Scott said.

“This championship is a result of a great group of students doing what they love with unyielding determination.”