Thank you Lauren Halvorson of Oklahoma
State University for reporting from the Varsity Equestrian National
Championships held in Waco, Texas this past weekend. Find out the inside
scoop from Halvorson who was named an All-American and also who won the competitions!
Lauren Halvorson Reports from Varsity National Championships
Rides are complete, judges cards are signed, and the champions have been awarded. The 2011 Varsity Equestrian National Championships have come to an end.
This year’s championship was full of upsets, close wins, blood, sweat, tears and joy. But that is what it’s all about. All year, the equestrian athletes have been hitting the barn and the weight room to prepare for this one weekend. The one chance to show all the other schools what they have to offer.
The Auburn Tigers won the final Hunter Seat competition with an impressive score of 7-1. The Tigers defeated the Georgia Bulldogs, the team that beat them the year before.
The Aggies of Texas A&M won the western competition for the third year in a row, defeating the Kansas State Wildcats 5-3.
However, someone should warn 2010 Heisman Trophy Winner, Cam Newton that he and his boys are not the only champions on campus this year. The overall championship went to the Auburn Tigers for winning the hunter seat and placing fourth in the western.
Before the competition there was a ceremony where the All-Americans and All-American Honorable mentions were awarded. All-American honors were given to the top four riders in their event based on their record from the season. Honorable mentions were given to the riders whose records did not make the top four but were exceptionally better than the rest of the riders in the nation. The All-American honors were given to the following riders:
In the horsemanship, Courtney Chown of Texas Christian University, Lauren Halvorson of Oklahoma State University, Johnna Letchworth of the University of South Carolina, and Indy Roper of Auburn University earned All-American honors. Honorable Mention All-American status was awarded to Kelsey Adams of Texas A&M University, Ashley Aikman of Texas Christian University, Kelly Bovaird of Kansas State University, Maggie Fortune of the University of South Carolina, Katie Lisabeth of Texas A&M University, Carey Nowacek of Texas A&M University, and Maria Salazar of the University of Georgia.
In the reining event, Caroline Daniels of Oklahoma State University, Angela Gebhart of South Dakota State University, Indy Roper of Auburn University, and Diandra St. Hilaire of the University of Georgia were awarded All-American status. Rachel Houchin of Oklahoma State University and McKenzie Lantz of the University of Georgia were acknowledged as Honorable Mention All-American award winners.
In Equitation on the flat, All-American honors were awarded to Carly Anthony of the University of Georgia, Maggie McAlary of Auburn University, Michelle Morris of the University of Georgia, and Lindsay Portela of Auburn University. Caroline Cramer of the University Tennessee-Martin, Kara Fergusson of Baylor University, Lisa Goldman of Baylor University, Kelsey Hart of the University of South Carolina, Chelsae Keyes of New Mexico State University, Christina Lin of Auburn University, Grace Rogers of the University of Georgia, Allison Rose of Oklahoma State University, Callie Selchau of Texas Christian University, and Grace Socha of Auburn University round out the Honorable Mention All-American recognition.
In Equitation over fences, Carly Anthony of the University of Georgia, Maggie McAlary of Auburn University, Abby O’Mara of the University of Georgia, and Jordyn Pettersen of Southern Methodist University were awarded All-American status with Taylor Brown of Baylor University, Kimberley Hewson Budnik of Fresno State, Lia Chafee of Texas A&M University, Brooke Coleman of Texas A&M University, Carolyn Curcio of the University of South Carolina, Holly Elsbernd of Fresno State University, Kacy Jenkins of the University of Georgia, Ali Loprete of Auburn University, Michelle Morris of the University of Georgia, Anna Schierholz of Auburn University, and Emily Williams of Texas A&M University awarded with Honorable Mention All-American.
Being named an All-American was a great honor to me and I am extremely thankful. I am also proud to say that my team, The Oklahoma State University Cowgirls, and I finished fifth in the western competition and our english team placed fourth. Nationals was an amazing experience. Since we brought horses, it was great to see the teamwork it took to prepare all 15 of our horses to show.
I had a great time traveling and showing with the team this season. I have learned so much from the Varsity Equestrian program, and I am looking forward to my next three years of eligibility. (Pictured left is All-American Lauren Halvorson)
