Western team members head to semi-finals
Issue date: 3/18/09 Section: Sports
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Staff writer
On Feb. 27, the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Western Team hosted the western regional competition. Only those riders who had pointed out of their division during this year or at the end of last year were eligible to compete in this event.
Seven SMWC riders advanced to semi-finals.
It was an evening of good-hearted competition, and there were fun, social activities for all involved.
The SMWC fourth year stable management class held a welcome reception with drinks and snacks for the riders, their families and friends, and the coaches.
They also created a "Las Vegas" theme for this year's regional competition. The evening was 'decked' out with Vegas-style decorations, and there was even a horse and carriage with cards and money attached.
After the welcome reception and the opening ceremonies came to a close, the show began.
In the reining class, junior Allison Kralovansky came in second place. She then went on to dominate in the open flat class, placing first.
In the advanced division, junior Brittany Gambill came in second, and senior Casey Craig came in third.
In the novice division, sophomore Morgyn Purdy placed first, freshman Valorie Vaal placed second, and senior Sam Dumm placed fourth.
Then, in the intermediate division, SMWC riders snatched up all the placings. Senior Brittany Eyer placed first, freshman Whitney Mahloch placed second, sophomore Cortni Bigley placed third, junior Sarah Kniesly placed fourth, sophomore Morgan McMillan placed fifth, and sophomore Chelsey Sears placed sixth.
Finally, in the walk-trot class, sophomore Hope Kaawha came in second place.
As a finale of the home horse show season, Kralovansky received the honor of Regional High Point Rider.
Only those riders who placed first or second will advance onto Semi-Finals held in Texas March 21-22. From there, top riders will advance to Nationals, which are held in Tennessee April 23-26. After nationals, the western show season comes to a close.
The hunt seat team competed at Regionals on March 14 at Taylor University. From there, riders who placed first or second advance to Zones on March 28-29 at Purdue University. The top riders will advance to Nationals held in Tennessee. One SMWC rider has already earned her ticket to Nationals. Hunt seat team captain, Aubrey Fait, will represent SMWC as the Cacchione Cup regional qualifier at Nationals.
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