MSU Extension 4-H Animal Science

Demonstrating good sportsmanship during competition is not just for youth 4-H members; it applies to everyone involved, including volunteers, parents, leaders and others. Youth can learn great lessons about sportsmanship from those whom they admire. Competitive events and activities provide a great opportunity for young people to learn how to be fair, respectful and gracious – whether they win or lose.

The Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes one youth member and one adult 4-H leader who exemplify the definition of sportsmanship. The winners have gone above and beyond to lead by example and lend a helping hand to those around them during animal science programs.

Michigan State University Extension is proud to recognize Steve Trattles, a 4-H leader in St. Joseph County, as the 2025 adult winner of this award. Steve was nominated by Debbie Adamski, organizational leader for the Burr Oak 4-H Club, with support from St. Joseph County 4-H Program Coordinator Kayla Mitchell.

Steve has invested nearly thirty years of his time into Michigan 4-H, serving as the president of the St. Joseph County 4-H Livestock Association and the 4-H beef and dairy beef superintendent for many years. Additionally, Steve is a fair board member for the St. Joseph County Grange Fair, serves as the open class beef and dairy cattle superintendent, and sits on several committees.

Debbie shared this about him: “Steve is excellent at listening to others’ ideas and views. He is open-minded and respectful. Communication is key when involved in so much, and he is really good about that. He is a role model and I highly recommend him for this award!”

Kayla Mitchell shared this about Steve: “Since I became the program coordinator in 2022, Steve has been an essential asset to my team of dedicated leaders. His knowledge, insight and support have been instrumental to my success… Steve has put in many hours, not only by serving in an official capacity at meetings, but also in his spare time.”

Kayla outlined the ways in which Steve supports 4-H, including serving as a liaison between 4-H and the fair board, making phone calls to auction buyers with outstanding balances, supporting his fellow 4-H volunteers, and helping to sort through issues that need to be resolved, among many others.

Kayla added, “Steve has been involved in the cattle industry his whole life. He keeps up on market trends and implements new market standards with innovation to keep the program growing and successful in St. Joseph County. He shares his knowledge with youth during countywide clinics and secures outstanding judges for the fair on an annual basis. His knowledge, his dedication to youth and the 4-H program, and his willingness to step up when no one else does are qualities I am truly appreciative of having in a volunteer. I am absolutely confident that he would be an exemplary candidate to receive this award.”

Steve works every day to make the best better, and he inspires 4-H youth to lead with great sportsmanship in and out of the show ring. His nomination letters speak volumes to the positive impact he has on the youth he works with. Congratulations, Steve!

Carly Case of Berrien County, Collin Keeslar of St. Joseph County, and Abigail Pyle of Antrim County were also nominated for this award. Their efforts are also greatly appreciated. Thank you all!

The 2025 youth winner of this award is Wyatt Bargy, a 4-H member in Antrim County.

Interested in becoming a volunteer for 4-H animal science projects? Contact your local MSU Extension Office to learn more about the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process.