Stithem Leads Colby Freshmen to Strong Finish at Dixie National Livestock Judging Show

After a quiet start to the season in January, the Colby Community College livestock judging team made a strong statement at the Dixie National Livestock Judging Show. The freshman squad showcased their talent, earning a seventh-place team finish out of 37 schools, signaling a bright future for the program.

February 17, 2026

JACKSON, Miss. - After a quiet start to the season in January, the Colby Community College livestock judging team made a strong statement at the Dixie National Livestock Judging Show on Saturday (Feb. 14). The freshman squad showcased their talent, earning a seventh-place team finish out of 37 schools, signaling a bright future for the program.

Freshman Bodye Stithem led the charge for Colby with a standout performance in the market division, finishing an impressive fourth overall with 356 points. Stithem's keen eye and consistent judging earned her solid marks across all categories, including a 44th-place finish in reasons with 249 points, helping solidify her as the team's top performer. Her efforts not only anchored the freshman squad but also contributed to Colby's strong overall showing.

Other freshmen also turned in notable performances, with Keaton Fattig earning 64th in breeding and market divisions and Gage Lee showing with 74th and 73rd-place finishes, respectively.

Sophomore Jessica Jahay, competing as Colby's lone upperclassman at the show, recorded a 45th-place finish in breeding and 36th in market, adding valuable experience and leadership for the squad.

Overall, the Dixie National Show served as a coming-out party for Colby's freshman talent, with Bodye Stithem's market success highlighting the team's depth and competitive potential. With a mix of determination, skill, and poise under pressure, the Trojans leave Mississippi with momentum as they prepare for the San Antonio Livestock Expo set for Saturday (Feb. 28).

Full Colby Results

Freshman Results

Breeding

64th - Keaton Fattig - 338

73rd - Bodye Stithem - 323

74th - Gage Lee - 319

Market

4th - Bodye Stithem - 356

64th - Keaton Fattig - 315

73rd - Gage Lee - 305

Overall

41st - Bodye Stithem - 679