The University of Wyoming livestock judging team won champion team overall and a team member won high individual overall at the Livestock Judging Classic in Phoenix Dec. 31.

They also won champion team in swine and champion team in sheep/goats. There were nine teams and 73 contestants.

“There’s definitely no better way to start the year than with a win, so I’m very proud of the group and their work leading up to the contest,” Caleb Boardman, livestock judging coach, said.

Logan Despain from Laramie was high individual overall, first in swine, second in reasons, fourth in beef and fifth in sheep/goats.

Zackery Schumaker from Sweet Springs, W.Va., was third overall, fifth in swine and fifth in beef.

Justin Terry from Grants Pass, Ore., was fifth overall, and Alexi Goodnow, from Craig, Colo., was ninth overall.

“Without question it is a reflection on the talent this group of individuals has and makes the prospects of the year to come exciting, but more importantly, their work ethic and how coachable they are is what makes me believe they could have a special year,” Boardman said.

On Thursday, Jan. 17, the team will compete at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.