What It Really Means to Be an Academic All-American

Every November, when the collegiate livestock judging season comes to a close judging teams from across the nation head to the North American International Livestock Exposition. For senior year contestants it's the last time they will ever step into a judging competition as a collegiate team member. With NAILE marking the end of the season, it's also when a select few participants are honored with the title of Senior College Academic All-American. The Academic All-American title isn’t just about placings in judging competitions; it recognizes the students' ability to balance judging practices, classes, grades, internships, and leadership roles throughout their college career.

“The senior college All-American is really neat because it's an Academic All-American,” said Helene Keiser, West Texas A&M University student and NAILE judging contestant. “Parts of the application process is your past judging experiences as well as your industry experience and how you're involved on campus and in your community.”

Unlike junior college honors that focus mostly on competition placings, the Academic All-American looks at the whole person.

“The senior college All American is especially cool to me because it's kind of a culmination of all the things that I've done throughout my four years of college, which is special because I am the only in-house kid on our team,” she explained.

Keiser is the only WTAMU team member who transitioned from the school’s meats judging team to livestock. All her teammates are student who started their judging career at a junior college then transferred to WTAMU. When asked what she’s most proud of, Keiser’s answer wasn’t about points or awards.

“One thing I'm most proud of is just the relationships that I've been able to make,” she said. “I was the only in-house kid and the only kid on my meat judging team to carry over and do the livestock judging team. Just growing not only my meat judging family, but now a livestock judging family, as well.”

From the coaching side, the meaning behind this honor hits just as deeply. WTAMU Coach Michael Semler, didn’t talk about banners, he talked about Keiser’s character.

“Helene is a rock star in our university,” said Semler. “She’s extremely involved, extremely capable, an impeccable student, a truly great evaluator, and just a fun person.”

Semler notes the value he finds in recognizing students that are not only competitive livestock evaluators, but more importantly, exceptional representations of their university and talents outside of judging.

Most people will never understand the consistency and commitment it takes to earn the title of Academic All-American. Semler recalls a 14-hour drive home from a barrow show where Helene still worked on homework.

“Most people don’t see just how consistent that kid is,” said Selmer.

And that consistency, steadiness, positivity, and relentless effort is what makes someone an All-American.

For Helene Keiser and Coach Michael Semler, standing on the green shavings at NAILE made the honor even sweeter. It was the perfect finish to four years of hard work, growth, and continuous love for the livestock industry.