Middle Tennessee State University
Members of the Middle Tennessee State University Block and Bridle Club enjoyed a very successful year packed with activities in 1999. Since club membership had dwindled over the past few years, recruitment was one of the focus issues for the club. Club members responded well to this issue by avidly recruiting members all year. By the end of the spring semester, club membership had grown by over 225%.
The year got underway in June with club members hosting the annual Block and Bridle Youth Beef Camp. Over 60 high school youth, from 10-18 years of age, along with their beef animal, spent four days on the MTSU campus learning about topics related to beef cattle.
The fall semester began with a leaders' retreat and Welcome Back Cookout in early September. Other activities in September included sponsoring the FFA State Livestock Contest and Ag. in the Classroom activities at a local elementary school.
Other leadership and service activities during the fall semester included a visit to the Tennessee Children's Home, sponsoring a child at Christmas and the Raider Agribition.
In January, twelve club members traveled to Fort Worth, Texas to attend the National Block and Bridle Convention. Club members were involved in several other leadership and service activities during the spring semester as well. These activities included the Tennessee Beef Agribition, a spring livestock show, a Careers in Agriculture presentation at a local high-school and assisting with the Middle Tennessee FFA Livestock Judging Contest.
Club members were a very social group this year as well. Members sponsored an intramural volleyball team, Christmas party, Valentine's Day party and a pizza party. As well several MTSU members took a road-trip to see Baxter Black and visit club members at Western Kentucky University.
Fundraising activities for the club included assisting with registered cattle sales, providing security for the Tennessee Beef Agribition, providing refreshments for trade-show participants at the Tennessee Beef Agribition and t-shirt sales.
The Spring Awards Banquet served as the culmination of the year's activities. Kevin Perkins and John Gunter were recognized as the outstanding freshman and outstanding senior, respectively. Julie Byrom received the workhorse award, and Joe Huffine represented the Tennessee Farmer's Cooperative who were inducted into the MTSU Livestock Hall of Fame.
1998-1999 Club Officers: President: John Gunter Vice-President: John Paul Anglin Secretary: Julie Byrom Treasurer: Vanessa Lawson Reporter: Christy Rogers
Club Advisor: Dr. Kevin Ragland
