Lincoln County native Jacob Johnson was recently named a Collegiate Livestock Judging All American upon the completion of the 2020-2021 season.

Johnson, of Ruth, is an animal science major and sophomore at Eastern Oklahoma State College, where he received a scholarship. He graduated Abeka Academy homeschooling and was a member of Lincoln County 4-H.

He was one of only 15 students nationally selected for the honor, out of 150 competitors from 20 colleges. Johnson was the first EOSC student to be named All American in the past 16 years.

“We’re extremely proud of what Jacob has accomplished this year,” said EOSC livestock judging coach Chris Hall. “Being an All American is a highly prestigious award. Jacob came to Eastern with the goal in mind of becoming an All American. We’re extremely glad to be a part of his success, but it was his work ethic, determination and talent that allowed him to reach his goal.”

The All American selection process is based partially on how the competitor ranks in the four major national livestock judging contests. Johnson placed 10th in the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri; 17th at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky; 32nd at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas; and 49th at the Cattleman’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“Jacob is the type of student you strive to have in your program,” said EOSC Agriculture Division dean Larriann Livingston. “He has been a tremendous leader both in and out of the classroom and we couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishments.”

A student’s academic record also plays a large role in the selection process. Johnson is on track to graduate in May with a 4.0 grade point average. He plans to continue his educational and judging careers in the fall at either Kansas State University or Oklahoma State University.

“I could go on and on about Jacob and how impactful he has been to our team and the future of EOSC livestock judging,” Hall said. “Jacob’s legacy will have a lasting impact on our program. He will be someone for students to look up to and realize goals can be reached here.”