2026-01-09: Avian Science Notes, December, Vol 2
How the California State Avian Bowl Champions became National Champions
Coach Samantha Downey had her team of Tess Morici and Kaydence Erickson studying and then studying some more. All the time spent learning the 2025 Study Sections paid off. The Californians aced the written Avian Bowl test and were seeded #1.
(Photo 1 caption: From left to right, National Avian Bowl Co-Chairs Dr. Mickey Hall and Dr. Francine Bradley, Mr. Richard Miller (father of Tess), Kaydence Erickson, Tess Morici, and Poultry Science Association Executive Director, Andy Vance. Coach Samantha Downey was unable to be in Louisville and Mr. Miller acted as coach and accepted the Bradley Bowl for the Coach of the National Avian Bowl Champions. He did promise to deliver the Bowl to Coach Downey!)
On the day of the competition, California’s first game was against Alabama. The Californians won that game and moved on to face North Carolina. North Carolina was defeated and the Californians had Wisconsin for their next game. Winning that game, California was through the Winner’s Bracket.
(Photo 2 caption: Smiling team members after the competition.)
After their defeat to California, the Wisconsin team emerged from the Loser’s bracket and faced California again. The result was the same, with California emerging as the National Avian Bowl Champions.
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Try to Form Avian Bowl Teams with at least 3, if not 4 Members
(Photo 3 caption: We all thought Tess was spending every minute preparing for Avian Bowl. Evidently, she had time to train a Kentucky Derby winner, as well!)
While this year’s team of two members had a most successful experience in Louisville, there are dangers when fielding a team of two. Remember that a 4-H “team” must have at least two members. So, if one member of a team of two falls ill on the day of the competition, the team is OUT. Also, California has sent teams of 2 two to the Nationals who fell short. If at all possible, try to find three or four 4-Hers of the appropriate age to make up your team.
(Photo 4 caption: The National Champions challenge you to name the breed and variety of this chicken.)
