Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team dropped points to North Dakota State University (NDSU) at the NDSU show in Fargo, N.D. on Saturday and Sunday. The Golden Eagles still hold a lead of seven points in the region.

Saturday saw several good rides with Kaitlyn Tollefsrud (Jr, Hawley, Minn.) winning her Reining Class. Kayla Krueger (So, Walker, Minn.) came out for a flawless ride to win her Advanced Horsemanship Class. Melissa Frietag (Fr, Wolverton, Minn.) and Karen Carpenedo (So, Bessemer, Mich.) each took home a blue ribbon in their Intermediate Divisions. Carpenedo's win gave her enough points to qualify for the regional competition. Megan Kramer (Jr, Owatonna, Minn.) had a nice ride taking home a second place ribbon in the Novice Class. 

On Sunday, Captain Kayla Klein (Sr, Hazen, N.D.) won her Reining Class and took third in the Rail Class giving her a Reserve High Point Rider title for the day. Amy VanTreeck (So, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) and Sabra Amundson (Fr, Colton, S.D.) rode very well and each secured a win in their classes. 

"We did not end the semester as well as we had hoped but really learned some good lessons along the way," says Golden Eagle Western Coach Nicky Overgaard. "We found out that small mistakes cost us big time in the points column. Now we are going to have a break until we start the spring season with our next show at home on Friday, March 5th.  Thankfully, we still have the lead in the Region but not at a comfortable margin at this point in time." 

Point standings at the end of this show are:

University of Minnesota, Crookston - 185
North Dakota State University - 178
Rochester Community and Technical College - 166
University of Wisconsin-River Falls - 138
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - 129

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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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Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Hunt Seat Equestrian team had a solid showing at its home show this weekend. The Golden Eagles were the high point team both days and lead the region with 196 points. The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is in second place with 158 points followed by Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC) with 131.

"The team pulled together to make these two wins happen," says U of M, Crookston Head Coach Brooke Leininger. "They are dedicated, hard-working athletes and I am very proud of how they did this weekend."

At Saturday's competition, the team came from behind from fourth place to win by one point. The day started off with a second place finish from Laura Critchett (Sr, Shoreview, Minn.) in Open Equitation Over Fences and a win in Open Equitation on the Flat. This gave her the Reserve High Point Rider title. Chelsea Vandenhemel (Fr, Owatonna, Minn.) won Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and took second in Intermediate Equitation on the Flat which tied her for Reserve High Point. Angela Peterson (So, Detroit Lakes, Minn.) finished second in Novice Equitation Over Fences followed by a second in Novice Equitation on the Flat. Sara Wells (Sr, Calgary, Alb.) finished second in Open Equitation on the Flat. Both Rebecca Wittrock (Fr, Forest Lake, Minn.) and Tiffany Rask-Holloman (So, Minneapolis, Minn.) finished second in their respective Advanced Walk Trot Canter classes followed by a second place finish from Melanie Rodriguez (So, Chanhassen, Minn.) in Beginner Walk Trot Canter. The day finished with wins from Walk Trot riders Annalee Sundin (Fr, Deer River, Minn.) and Lisa Schabo (So, Appleton, Wis.). The team finished the day with 32 points followed by SDSU with 30 points and RCTC at 29 points.

Sunday's competition started with winning rides from Chelsea Vandenhemel in Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and Denise Thompson (Fr, West Irondequoit, N.Y.) in Novice Equitation Over Fences. Lauren Snively (Jr, Herndon, Vir.) finished second in Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and Sara Wells finished second in Open Equitation Over Fences. Laura Critchett was second in Open Equitation on the Flat followed by a second from Megan Claybundy (Sr, International Falls, Minn.) in Novice Equitation on the Flat. Melanie Rodriguez was second in Beginner Walk Trot Canter followed by a second place finish from Walk Trot rider Lisa Schabo. The team finished the day with 32 points with UMTC coming in second with 31 points.

The Golden Eagles are off until February 19-20, 2011 when they travel to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Shows begin at 1 p.m. and 9 a.m. respectively.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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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Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team looks to extend its lead in the region when the Golden Eagles travel to Fargo, N.D. for shows at North Dakota State University (NDSU) on Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14. The shows begin at 1 p.m. and 9 a.m. respectively.

U of M, Crookston is leading NDSU by 22 points and looking to extend that lead in its last show before March 5, 2011. "We have been competing well and want to close out the first part of the season on a strong note," says Golden Eagle Western Coach Nicky Overgaard. "NDSU is right behind us so this will be an important show."

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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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Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Hunt Seat Equestrian team will host a home show on Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7 at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus. Saturday's show will begin at 11 a.m. while Sunday's show will get underway at 9 a.m.

Golden Eagle Head Coach Brooke Leininger is excited to showcase her student-athletes at home. "It's always exciting to host competitions here at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and I am again looking forward to opening up our doors to the region," says Coach Leininger. "This weekend I hope to see improvements in all of the riders as well as more consistency over the two days. These riders have been working very hard to get where they are and I hope to see all of it pay off this weekend." 

The Golden Eagles will host nine other teams. They include Carleton College, Gustavus Adolphus College, North Dakota State University, Rochester Community and Technical College, South Dakota State University, St. Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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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Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team moved into first place in the region this past Friday and Saturday with a solid show at South Dakota State University (SDSU). The Golden Eagles had trailed North Dakota State University by four points but are now ahead by 22 points after an impressive showing.

"The classes at SDSU were large," says Golden Eagle Western Coach Nicky Overgaard.  "Each class had  between ten and 14 riders making ribbons hard to come by." 

Karen Carpendo (So, Bessemer, Mich.) and Lisa Schabo (So, Appleton, Wis.) each took first place in the Intermediate Division while Sabra Amundson (Fr, Colton, S.D.) captured a blue ribbon in the Beginner Horsemanship Class. Mitzi Marlin (Fr, Nowthen, Minn.) had a great ride to a second place finish with Melissa Freitag (Fr, Wolverton, Minn.), Kayla Klein (Sr, Hazen, N.D.), Kayla Krueger (So, Walker, Minn.) and Amanda Flint (So, Aberdeen, S.D.) riding to third place finishes in large, difficult classes. U of M, Crookston finished the day with 23 points and a Reserve High Point team finish behind SDSU.

The Saturday horse show saw some great rides with captain Kayla Klein taking second place in Reining and Open Horsemanship to tie for Reserve High Point Rider of the day. Kaitlyn Tollefsrud (Jr, Hawley, Minn.) finished third in the Reining on a nice ride. In the Novice Division, Megan Kramer (Jr, Owatonna, Minn.) and Amanda Flint each won blue ribbons in their classes with Amy Van Treeck (So, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) picking up third place. Mitzi Marlin rode really well to win her Intermediate Class with Lisa Schabo also took third place. To finish the day, Sabra Amundson's third place ribbon gave her enough points to qualify for the Regional Horse Show. At the end of the day, the Golden Eagles were the High Point Team for the show ahead of SDSU. 

"This show was really tough with all of the large classes," says Coach Overgaard. "However, this show is where the team really pulled together to help each other out. It was great to see everyone working so well together.  Before the show, we talked a great deal about having a positive attitude and filling our heads with positive comments. It paid off." 

Total team points for the year's top 5 teams so far are:  University of Minnesota, Crookston - 150, North Dakota State University - 128, Rochester Community and Technical College - 122, University of Wisconsin-River Falls - 105, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - 84.

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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: The University of Minnesota Western Equestrian Team following the show at South Dakota State University

Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team returns to action on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 as they travel to Brookings, S.D. to take part in a show hosted by South Dakota State University (SDSU). Friday's show will begin at 1 p.m. while Saturday's will begin at 9 a.m.

The Golden Eagles are coming off a successful home show and Western Coach Nicky Overgaard is looking to keep the momentum and get closer to North Dakota State University (NDSU) in the standings. "We are looking to catch up to NDSU," says Coach Overgaard. "We are a few points behind. So we have to play hard to get caught up. I am looking for solid performances from Kayla Klein (Sr, Hazen, N.D.), Kayla Krueger (So, Walker, Minn.), Megan Kramer (Jr, Owatonna, Minn.), Lisa Schabo (So, Appleton, Wis.) and Sabra Amundson (Fr, Colton, S.D.). I want to see a few more riders get qualified for regionals this weekend as well."

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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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Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team hosted 11 other teams this past Saturday and Sunday at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus. The Golden Eagles put together a solid showing.

On Saturday, Kayla Klein (Sr, Hazen, N.D.) put together a nice Reining pattern for second place. Following in the Advanced Division was Kaitlyn Tollefsrud (Jr, Hawley, Minn.) winning a big class that was really quite difficult. In the Novice Division, Amy VanTreeck (So, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) brought home a blue ribbon with a solid ride. The Intermediate Division saw the largest classes of the day with big wins from Addie O'Neil (So, Redwood Falls, Minn.) and Lisa Schabo (So, Appleton, Wis.). O'Neil's win qualified her for regionals. Rounding out the successful day was Sabra Amundson (Fr, Colton, S.D.) who won her Beginner Class to help the Golden Eagles to Reserve High Point Team just one point behind North Dakota State University.

On Sunday, Klein started the day with a big win in the Open Reining Division while Tollefsrud again won a huge section of Advanced. The win gives Tollefsrud a berth at the regionals in the spring. Megan Kramer (Jr, Owatonna, Minn.) had a great performance in the Novice Division taking home a blue ribbon while Kayla Krueger (So, Walker, Minn.) earned fourth place giving her enough points to go to regionals. Melissa Freitag (Fr, Wolverton, Minn.) continues her steady improvement at each show and took second place in the Intermediate Division with Schabo and Amundson also placing second in their respective divisions. U of M, Crookston was Reserve High Point Team for the day once again.

"Overall, it was a good show for UMC," says Golden Eagle Western Coach Nicky Overgaard. "The classes here were larger than our first horse show. So this really gave us a look at where we landed in comparison to the rest of the region. The girls worked hard to host an organized horse show and our horses and facility really did shine. We are looking forward to traveling to South Dakota State University on Friday, October 29th to work on maintaining the lead in the region."

The U of M, Crookston Western team returns to action on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 with shows at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. Saturday's competition begins at 1 p.m. while Sunday's begins at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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: Western Team, Kayla Klein

 

Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Western Equestrian team will host 11 other teams at its annual home show on Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24 at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC) on the U of M, Crookston campus. Saturday's events begin at 1 p.m. while Sunday's begin at 9 a.m.

In addition to the host Golden Eagles, Bethany Lutheran College, Ellsworth Community College, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, North Dakota State University, Ripon College, Rochester Community and Technical College, South Dakota State University, St. Cloud State University, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will also take part.

U of M, Crookston Western Coach Nicky Overgaard is looking forward to hosting the show and showcasing her squad's talents at home. "We are looking forward to having home field advantage," says Coach Overgaard. "Our horses have been working really well for us and we are looking to having a good horse show. The team is working really well together and I hope to see that continue through the season."

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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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Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Hunt Seat Equestrian team traveled to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this past Saturday and Sunday for a pair of important shows. The Golden Eagles showed that they are, once again, a team to be reckoned with in the region earning the High Point Team Title both days.

At Saturday's competition, the team started off strong and maintained the lead finishing with 31 points. This was well ahead of second place finisher Gustavus Adolphus College who had 24 points and third place finisher the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities who had 21. Sunday started off slow for U of M, Crookston but the team gained momentum as the day progressed and finished with 35 points. Gustavus Adolphus College had 29 and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities had 20. "Overall, I was very pleased at how well the team rode and felt that they pushed themselves further than they have before," says Golden Eagle Head Coach Brooke Leininger. "It is exciting to see such a young, talented team pull together and really show this kind of talent and perseverance."

Laura Critchett (Sr, Shoreview, Minn.) took second in Open Equitation Over Fences on Saturday followed by a win in Open Equitation on the Flat Sunday. Lauren Snively (Jr, Herndon, Vir.) won her Intermediate Equitation Over Fences Class on Saturday and her Intermediate Equitation on Flat Class Sunday which puts her just one point shy of qualifying for the Regional Championships in On the Flat. Sara Wells (Sr, Calgary, Alberta) pointed up to Open Flat after Saturday's ride and also took second in Intermediate Equitation Over Fences and third in Open Equitation on the Flat on Sunday. She is now qualified for the Regional Championships in both Intermediate Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences.

Addie O'Neil (So, Redwood Falls, Minn.) finished third in Novice Equitation Over Fences on Saturday and. Amanda Overman (Fr, Lindenhurst, Ill.) came in third in Novice Equitation on the Flat on Sunday. Angela Peterson (So, Detroit Lakes, Minn.) took second in her Novice Equitation on the Flat on Saturday and third in both her Novice Flat Class and Over Fences Class on Sunday. Jessica Charles (So, Belgrade Lakes, Maine) won her Novice Equitation On the Flat Class on Sunday after some tough rides on Saturday. The Walk Trot Canter riders made a bang with a win from Melanie Rodriguez (So, Chanhassen, Minn.) and Rebecca Wittrock (Fr, Forest Lake, Minn.) while Tiffany Rask-Hollman (So, Minneapolis, Minn.) took second. On Sunday, Rask took first while Rodriguez took second. Annalee Sundin (Fr, Deer River, Minn.) won the Walk Trot Class at both Saturday and Sunday's competitions.

The University of Minnesota Hunt Seat Equestrian team returns to action on Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7 when they host a home show at the University Teaching and Outreach Center (UTOC). Saturday's show begins at 11 a.m. while Sunday's begins at 9 a.m.

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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: Sara Wells

Contact: Chris Vito - Assistant Sports Information Director - (218)281-8445

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Hunt Seat Equestrian team travels to River Falls, Wis. this weekend to take part in a show hosted by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Saturday's show begins at 1 p.m. and Sunday's show begins at 9 a.m.

Coach Brooke Leininger is hoping to build off a positive show at Gustavus Adolphus College on September 25-26. Chelsea Vandenhemel (Fr, Owatonna, Minn.), Addie O'Neil (So, Redwood Falls, Minn.) and Amanda Overman (Fr, Lindenhurst, Ill.) will be riding for the first time this season. Coach Leininger expects Sara Wells (Sr, Calgary, Alb.) to qualify for regionals in Intermediate Equitation on the Flat and Intermediate Equitation Over Fences. Jessica Charles (So, Belgrade Lakes, Maine), who finished tenth last season at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championships, has had a successful season so far in the Novice Division. Coach Leininger expects her to ride well this weekend. Rebecca Wittrock (Fr, Forest Lake, Minn.) won both of her classes at Gustavus Adolphus College and is expected to do well this weekend.

The Golden Eagles are currently leading the region with 63 points. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is close behind with 62 points.

"We are looking to pull ahead and give ourselves some breathing room," says Coach Leininger. "These riders have been working hard at gaining some consistency over fences and refining their skills on the flat. I am looking forward to seeing some respectable results this weekend."

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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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