University of Tampa Head Coach Sherri O'Conner (standing) goes over the course with Allie Heinrichs of the Spartans (on horse) during the October 15th Florida State show (photo courtesy Kendra New/University of Tampa equestrian team).

UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA EQUESTRIAN TEAM MAKES IHSA DEBUT IN TALLAHASSEE

(Kendra New, who placed third in intermediate fences in her IHSA debut ride on October 15th, created a press release for the University of Tampa team's inaugural IHSA appearance that day. We have edited this Press Release slightly, including adding the school nickname "The Spartans" on occasion. Though not mentioned in the press release, rider Michenzi Marzano won her flat class to earn the Spartans their first-ever IHSA blue ribbon. One parent of a University of Tampa rider mentioned that the Spartans scored 10 points in their debut while New had the number 14. With the University of Tampa now among it's members, Zone 5, Region 3 will likely have 18 schools competing in at least one IHSA show during the 2011-12 season, giving it the largest number of schools nationwide of any IHSA region this season - Editor.)

Tampa, FL - On Saturday October 15, 2011 The University of Tampa Equestrian Team made their inaugural Intercollegiate Horse Show Association appearance. The show was hosted by Florida State University at Little Pond Farm in Tallahassee. Florida. Seven University of Tampa students - Kendra New, Michenzi Marzano, Allie Heinrichs, Jessica Booth, Rami Younes, Molly McGill and Brigitte Werelman were accompanied by their coach Sherri O’Conner of Far Reach Farm in Lutz for the first Zone 5, Region 3 competition of the season. The competition included 230 competitors from 14 colleges within Region 3. Equestrian athletes from Florida State University, University of Miami, University of Central Florida, College of Charleston, Savannah College of Art and Design, Wesleyan College, Georgia Southern University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Florida, University of North Florida, College of Central Florida, Florida International University, Mercer University and our very own University of Tampa were all in their riding apparel by 8AM Saturday morning and everyone’s nerves were on edge. The classes of competition included both jumping and flat classes and the UT riders were excited and ready to compete.

Only the top six riders in each class receive ribbons; Every Spartan rider placed within the top six in their respective classes. The Spartans brought home one first, two thirds, one fourth, one fifth and two sixth place ribbons. Seven riders and eight ribbons is an amazing accomplishment for the Spartan's first-ever competition, having faced many long-established programs. Coach and trainer O’Conner was very proud of her teams' accomplishment. This is the first season the University of Tampa has had an Equestrian Team.

--Kendra New

(Additional Editor's Note - Campus Equestrian has encountered difficulties over the years obtaining current English and Western Team Totals, Open Rider Totals and Regional Qualifiers for Zone 5, Region 3. We are grateful for New sending out information on the Tampa team and would happily post Press Releases for any of the other Zone 5, Region 3 schools if they wish to submit them to editor@campusequestrian.com. We also welcome photos of riders who have won high point or reserve high point rider honors or who have qualified for Regionals. There is no question that Zone 5, Region 3 has grown the most teams over the past three seasons nationwide and has probably added the most riders in that time too.)