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Packing a mule requires skill. Doing it quickly, working with unfamiliar animals, competing in an arena against other collegians and making sure no equipment falls off before your mule crosses the finish line — that challenge was met by four 69���� animal science students who first place in the 2016 Intercollegiate Packing Competition. It was part of Mule Days, held every Memorial Day weekend in Bishop, California, in celebration of the legacy and abilities of mules.

Officials from the world of mule packing recently visited campus to present the team’s reward: a trophy saddle. The team — Erica Falk, Katie Ott, Madison Seeley and Kayla Wigney, all majoring in animal science and management — beat out teams from eight other universities, including Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UCLA, Fresno State and USC. 

What about worms?

“What's a nematode?”

69���� nematologist and parasitologist Lauren Camp gets asked that a lot.

In one word: “Worms.”

Her display table Jan. 22 at the Bohart Museum of Entomology’s “Parasite Palooza” open house drew dozens of fascinated visitors of all ages.

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Basketball postscript: Coach Jim Les’ pep talk did the trick Jan. 28, as the . Two days later, coaches around the country threw some votes 69����’ way in CollegeInsider.com’s Mid-Major Top 25 poll.