(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team opens the 2009-2010 season on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 when they travel to River Falls, Wis. for a show at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Saturday's show will begin at 1 p.m. while Sunday's will start at 9 a.m.

Golden Eagle Western Coach Nicky Overgaard is looking forward to the start of the season.  "The team is feeling confident with extra practice and work out times," says Coach Overgaard.  "Additionally, I feel that we have a great group of riders that work well together. This will be of great importance at horse shows when they need the support of each other before and during their classes."

The returning riders have worked hard in the off season and are looking forward to the first competition.  Leading the team will be returning open rider and co-captain, Amanda Peterson (Sr, Rochester, Minn.).

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: Amanda Peterson