UMC Golden Eagle News Archive:
June 6, 2006 - July 1, 2009

(Crookston, Minn.) – The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team opens their season this Saturday and Sunday when they travel to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Assistant Coach Nicky Overgaard will handle the Western coaching responsibilities.

Coach Overgaard expects big things from her student-athletes. Sophomore and co-captain Jackie Ezell (So., Carlton, Minn.) is expected to advance quickly through the Open Division. She put up big numbers in Advanced Horsemanship last season. Co-captain Sheena Engelbert (Sr., Ewen-Trout Creek, Mich.) brings tremendous strength to the team. “Sheena’s consistency as a rider shines through whether she is on a real tough draw or a real easy draw at the show,” says Coach Overgaard.

The Western team has several other returnees that are looking quite strong including Amber Miller (Sr., DePere, Wis.), Lindy Hausauer (Jr., Moorhead, Minn.) and Jessica Hanson (So., Andover, Minn.). Hausauer is coming off a strong finish as she competed in the Western semifinals last season in California where she finished in the top eight. Miller also had a strong season as she qualified for Regional Competition. Hanson is a few points away from qualifying out of the Beginner Western Horsemanship Division. Coach Overgaard expects Hanson to place in the top two at regionals and possibly make a strong run for the National Competition in May. She is also excited about Ashley Copa (Fr., Fargo, ND) coming in with a lot of National Horse Show Competition.

“We are looking forward to being competitive with South Dakota State University and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln”, says Overgaard.  “Those were the top teams to beat last year.  We are striving to get in the ribbons and choosing our strongest riders so we can get above those two teams.”

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).