Chad Hahn of Rocky Ridge rose to the top to claim the honor of first place showman at the 2005 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, July 22 and 23, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show in Denver, Colorado. A total of 55 contestants,
representing 35 states, competed in the 39th annual event sponsored in part by the American Angus Auxiliary and Andis Clippers.
Hahn claimed the honor after first being named to the group of 15 finalists during a preliminary round and competing in the final competition. The prestigious title, which youth can compete for only once in their lifetime, includes a monetary prize from the
Hamilton James Memorial Fund and a silver Revere bowl, the Dean Hurlbut Award. The Jake White family also presented Hahn with a handcrafted trophy buckle.
Showmanship contestants must first qualify at the state level before they can advance to national competition. Only two junior members per state can compete per year and once a showman has competed, they are not eligible for the national showmanship contest
again. Contestants competed in four preliminary rounds before the 15 finalists were named. Each of the finalists was awarded a set of clippers from Andis.
The exhibitors are evaluated on their skills in handling the animal, their ability to follow instructions, use of equipment, courtesy, sportsmanship and general appearance. The contestants do not show their own animal, but are randomly assigned animals owned
by other contestants.
Chad is the son of Patricia Kerns and stepson of Chester Kerns. Chad lives at Windy Ridge Acres on Old Frederick Road in Rocky Ridge.
