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UWRF Places Third in Midwest Academic Quadrathlon

By Jessica Bergan
University Communications

APRIL 27, 2009--Among the hustle and bustle of all of the class projects and extra-curricular activities, four University of Wisconsin-River Falls students went above and beyond to participate in this year's Midwest Academic Quadrathlon.

Team members representing UWRF included: Mitchell Schaefer, a senior animal science major from Taopi, Minn ; Robert Krenz, a senior animal science major from Wausau ; Bobbi Wellnitz, a senior dairy science major from Orfordville; and Jennifer Bjorge, a junior dairy science major from Dodgeville.

The contest took place in Ames and Des Moines, Iowa. UWRF placed third overall, getting fourth place in the quiz bowl and written exam, and fifth in the lab practicum. The overall first place team was Kansas State University, and receiving second place was North Dakota State University.

This year's team members were intrigued to participate many different ways. Schaefer said he was aware of the opportunity because of the extra credit offered and from professors and posters advertising the opportunity. Previous experience told Schaefer this was the contest for him, because he had been involved with past 4-H quiz bowls and participating in this contest last year as well.

There are no qualifications for students to try out for the team, but it helps to have a passion for and knowledge about agriculture, Schaefer said.  

The quadrathlon consisted of four parts to the challenge, including a written exam, a lab practicum, an oral presentation, and a quiz bowl. "Questions were based on subjects that are taught in animal science courses. They range from general animal husbandry to physiology, and reproduction of cattle, poultry, swine, sheep and horses," said Krenz.

  Said Wellnitz: "I had lots of fun. It is a little stressful at first, but once you get into it, you have a blast. I would advise other animal science-related majors to give it a try. It is interesting to see just how much you remember after three or so years of college."

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