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Above the trophy case at the East Campus, a quote sums up the college’s spirit: “We take pride in what we do, and it shows. Attention to detail is what separates champions from other people.” This captures the heart of the East Campus, which is renowned for producing some of the most competitive teams in the nation.
For 15 consecutive years, Black Hawk College has held the title of #1 two-year school at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) contest. It’s also the only two-year college to ever win the national Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) competition. Recent wins at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show and the American Royal further cement its place as a collegiate powerhouse.
The students’ dedication drives this success, with countless hours spent practicing, training, traveling and competing. But there’s more to the story than trophies and accolades. Despite its small size and rural location, the East Campus draws students from across the nation, including Pennsylvania, Texas and Georgia. Out-of-state students make up a significant portion of the campus, drawn by programs that offer unmatched training and opportunities.
Livestock and horses are at the heart of the campus’ competitive edge, attracting students willing to relocate for elite coaching and the chance to excel. One such student is Aaron Amick of Roanoke, IN, who discovered livestock judging in high school.
Encouraged by his FFA advisor and inspired by a passion rooted in childhood livestock shows, Aaron embraced judging as a way to grow and compete. His drive is deeply personal, fueled by a message from his late grandfather: “Great job judging today! You are a credit to the judging profession.” Amick says this encouragement pushes him to pursue excellence in everything he does.
Amick’s achievements are impressive, including back-to-back wins at the World Beef Expo collegiate contest in Wisconsin. His favorite species to judge? Hogs. “They’re simple to place but allow for creativity in reasoning,” he said.
Aaron credits his success to goal-setting and consistency, with hopes of one day becoming a well-known judge across species and shows.
The Black Hawk College coaching staff plays a vital role in fostering such talent. Coach Blake Bloomberg leads a 12-member sophomore Livestock Judging Team, with 11 members coming together from states such as Wisconsin, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas. The reputation of coaches like Dr. Bloomberg attracts top-tier talent, ensuring students are prepared for success. As Amick put it, “I know my coach has us prepared to the best of our abilities.”
The Black Hawk College East Campus may be small, but it’s home to one of the most competitive and sought-after programs in the country. From the students’ dedication to the coaches’ expertise, Black Hawk College continues to shape champions and solidify its legacy as a cornerstone of collegiate achievement.
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