Blake and Wravenna Bloomberg
Blake and Wravenna Bloomberg are a union of two of the most talented and competitive people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. My witness of their passion and impact on the livestock industry dates to the first day of Animal Science at Black Hawk East in the Fall of 2003. The day they met.
At exactly one o’clock in the afternoon, the auditorium at BHE was filled with around 70 Freshmen. I opened with, “I want all of you in this auditorium to look around.” I paused for the next minute. “This is the greatest assembly ever assembled at Black Hawk College.”
Sitting amongst those freshmen were a young man from Illinois, Blake Bloomberg, and a young lady from Nebraska, Wravenna Phipps. They didn’t know each other at that moment, but it didn’t take them long to start dating. Both Blake and Wravenna were members of the esteemed ‘04/’05 BHE Livestock Judging Team that won Kansas City, Louisville, Denver and Houston. One of only three teams in Junior College history to win all four contests. After having marked cards at every National contest, both Blake and Wravenna continued this trend on the University level.
The passion Blake and Wravenna have for youth in the livestock industry is exemplified in their children – especially their daughter Breckyn who has started showing. I watched Blake grow up, and his talent happened so naturally. I am big into genetics. Genetically speaking, they both received a world of talent and ability from their families.
What Blake and Wravenna have to offer the livestock industry from an education standpoint is unmatched. In over 50 years, there has never been a time more important than now to recognize families like the Bloomberg’s. It is because of individuals like them that we will continue to have livestock and Agriculture focused events moving forward.
History will record Blake and Wravenna Bloomberg rewriting livestock showing history – and they are just getting started! It has been fun to be a part of and I look forward to watching it all evolve the next 10-15 years!
- Dan Hoge
I’m a firm believer that God puts certain people in your life for a reason. Blake, Wravenna and their kids have truly been a blessing in my world and we have created a friendship that I’ll forever be thankful for. Some of my favorite memories are the thousands of miles Blake, myself and Oklahoma State judging teams traveled in the vans. Several laughs, triumphs and tears were shed traveling across the country, but one thing is for certain - Blake’s and Wravenna’s passion for the team members and success was unparalleled. I took it for granted back then, but now I can say it was pretty dang awesome learning from the best coach in the game. Leaving home was never easy in college, but thankfully Wravenna and the kids became my second family and it has been enjoyable watching them grow up and have success in the show ring. If there is anything I want them to know, I just want to say thank you for everything you have done for me over the years and being role models for many in the livestock industry.
- Kyndal Reitzenstein
When you start talking about industry greats and people who truly have made a lasting impact on not only the cattle world, but also on countless student’s life, it would be foolish not to consider Blake Bloomberg, and his wife Wravenna, at the top of the list. Together, they are truly an inspiring class act paving the way for women judges while constantly striving to develop not just exceptional stockman, but even greater young people. I’m extremely grateful livestock judging made our paths cross and am proud to call them both mentors and friends.
- Kylie Patterson
I have had a great deal of people that have influenced my life over the years, but I don’t think anyone has more than Blake and Wravenna. They are two of the greatest people I have ever known. They are family. Not only are they BOTH incredible livestock evaluators, but they provided me with opportunities that many others would have never considered. Blake was not only a coach and mentor but a big brother to me in so many ways. They stood up for me and supported my sister and I like we were their own. I think everyone who judged for Blake would agree that he is a winner and will teach you to be a winner, but more importantly, he will continue to help you in your career and your life aspirations long past graduation. There’s no two people that I would say have a greater impact on the industry and the future of the livestock industry more than Blake and Wravenna Bloomberg. I couldn’t imagine having judged for or been an assistant to anyone other than Blake, and I am beyond thankful to call them and their family my family as well.
- Ashley Judge
Blake and Wravenna Bloomberg are the true definition of friends that become family. They will be there for you during the highs and lows of life. In the Fall of 2016, Blake took a wild and untamed group of Black Hawk students under his wing and turned us into National Champions. What people didn’t see was a team that became a family. A family that is still together today. Blake truly earned my full respect when he delivered the worst news I’ve ever received in my life. The Bloomberg’s helped me through a tragedy and for that, I’m forever grateful. They stood by me through the worst moments of my life and will stand by my side on the happiest day of my life. Most people see the competitive, intense family at shows and if you are lucky like I am, you get to see both sides of the Bloomberg family. All I have to say is Thank You for the Trust and Love you have shown towards Brynn and myself.
- Grant Colvin