(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Hunt Seat Equestrian team opens the 2009-2010 season with a big show on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis. Saturday's show will begin at 1 p.m. while Sunday's events will start at 9 a.m.

Golden Eagle Head Coach Brooke Leininger is excited to start the 2009-2010 campaign. Returnees include Jessica Biddle (Sr, Elburn, Ill.), Laura Critchett (Jr, Shoreview, Minn.), Nicole Veres (Sr, Random Lake, Wis.), Lauren Snively (So, Herndon, Vir.), Sara Wells (Sr, Calgary, Alb.), Megan Claybundy (Jr, International Falls, Minn.), Heather Fogelson (So, Grant, Minn.) and Lydia Lestingi (So, Clemons, N.Y.).

"Senior Jessica Biddle came back this fall stronger and more consistent in her riding and I expect to see her qualify for the regional championships," says Golden Eagle Head Coach Brooke Leininger. "Senior Nicole Veres also trained consistently over the summer months and is looking to make her senior year her best one yet.  She came inches away from qualifying for the Zone Finals last year and expect to see her make it there this year along with our other top athletes."

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com/.

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

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Photo Caption:  Laura Critchett,  Sara Wells