After a season of successes that will take the team to Scotland to compete this summer, Fort Scott Community College recognized the sophomore Livestock Judging Team with a reception Friday afternoon that drew a number of faculty, family and community members.

“They’ve had a tremendous season,” FSCC faculty member Ryan Edgecomb said of the team he referred to as record-breaking, with national contest wins in Louisville, Fort Worth and Kansas City, as well as other wins throughout the year and across the country.

Edgecomb said the team faced many joys and trials along the way as they traveled numerous miles, building strong relationships along the way that he said could last a lifetime.

“That’s what we’re all here for,” coach Ryan Page, named coach of the year, said of that team-building process, adding the school strives to give them a good education as well as a good experience in Fort Scott while they participate on the team.

Page said he had a feeling from the beginning of the year that the team could have a good season, saying he was proud of the team for its self-initiated drive that took them to competitions the coach had not thought they would participate in.

“We’re never going to forget Fort Scott,” team member and academic all-American Chase Gleason said, thanking the faculty and others for their constant support and encouragement.

“There’s just something special about Fort Scott for me,” team member Callahan Grund agreed, saying the homey feel to the town encouraged him to come to FSCC from his home in west Kansas.

Because of their win at the North American Livestock Expo in Louisville, Ky., the team was invited to compete at the Royal Highland Stock Show in Edinburgh, Scotland. The team will leave June 22 and return July 3.