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MOUNT HOLYOKE CLOSES OUT REGULAR SEASON WITH ANOTHER WIN Hebron, CT - "This is the first time Holy Cross has ever hosted," said Crusader open rider Lauren Duffee before the start of the show. The senior from Stoneham, Massachusetts played a big part in hosting today's Region 3 regular season finale, having ridden at Windcrest Farm for some time which is why everyone in Western Massachusetts was trecking into Eastern Connecticut for the competition there. Despite Holy Cross having never hosted an IHSA show (by Duffee's recollection), and although the winds were fearce the show itself went off without a hitch. Though Windcrest Farm had never received a visit from Region 3 before, facility owner Armand Chenelle coaches the Wesleyan University riders when they take lessons there and has welcomed Regions 1 and 4 to his facility on occasion (Zone 1, Region 1 held three of their 10 shows at Windcrest this season). This is perhaps why today's show was one of the most-well run this writer has ever seen in a case where the host school has never hosted before. The biggest beneficiary of the good hosting was Mount Holyoke College. The Lyons finished the regular season in familiar fashion, winning for the sixth time in seven tries while exceeding 40 points within the same ratio. Tara Bliss, a senior from Annapolis, Maryland was first in both intermediate flat and fences. Though several riders had a first and a second going into the third section of intermediate flat, Bliss's ability to win the final class which had any effect on the ride-off allowed her to be the afternoon's high point rider outright. Though Duffee made her wait until the open flat by relegating her to second in open fences, Lindsay Sceats clinched her first Cacchione Cup appearance by virtue of a third in open flat. The junior from Colorado Springs, Colorado will face 30 others at IHSA Nationals in Lexington, Kentucky this May to compete for the Cup. Mount Holyoke scored 42 points and clinched their 13th Region Title in 14 seasons.
As seems to be the case in all but two of those years the University of Massachusetts at Amherst finished the season as Reserve Champion. The Minutemen scored 33 and would arguably win high point team honors in at least 25 of the other 30 IHSA regions if their geography allowed for it. UMass won six blue ribbons for the day. Smith College won the battle for third place, scoring 31 to finish six points ahead of a Becker College team that has battled UMass and Smith for second the past few seasons. Rather than write a traditional story on today's show, we present the comments of most of today's blue ribbon winners as a substitute for the usual tabloid journalism... "This is my first year riding at Becker College and I am enjoying it so much! I want to thank my wonderful coach, Trina and my awesome teammates. I wish more shows this year were outdoors." - Nicole Wilk, Becker College, who won the first section of open fences. "I can't believe this is my last IHSA horse show. I'm going to miss the team atmosphere and the friends I have met in the region. I'm surprised I was able to pull this horse show off while still focusing on my riding. I have to thank Armand, Erin, and all of Region 3 for supporting Holy Cross and our introduction to hosting horse shows." - Lauren Duffee, College of the Holy Cross, who won the second section of open fences. "This is my last regional show in the IHSA and I couldn't have asked for better coaches or teammates. We started off the morning with a traditional Dunkin Donuts stop, so the breakfast of champions paid off!" - Tara Bliss, Mount Holyoke College, who won the first section of intermediate fences and the third section of intermediate flat to earn high point rider honors. "This is my last year in the IHSA and I'm going to miss my teamates, Jerry and my co-captain a ton!!! We are going to go celebrate with soup and pickles at our food table!" - Molly Bettencourt, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, who won the second section of novice fences and who distributed the pickles. "Although this is my first year at Westfield State, I have been fimiliar with the team for the past four years. Following in my sisters footsteps, Meghan Hennessey, who is now the captain, I have learned so much from her. Without the support of my family, teammates, and amazing coach, Fran Cross, I would not be where I am today. Showing in IEA at the high school level has prepared me very well for IHSA, and I am so glad I am competing for Westfield State College." - Mackenzie Hennessey, Westfield State College, who won the first of four sections of novice fences.
"This is my 3rd year riding for Holy Cross and I have really enjoyed being part of the team. I am really excited that HC was able to host a show for the first time this year. It was an added bonus to win my first IHSA blue ribbon. Thanks to everyone on the team who was able to make this event possible!" - Katherine Larson, College of the Holy Cross, who won the second section of novice fences. "Roy was WONDERFUL!! He reminded me so much of the pony I left at home. He helped me do well over fences as well as Jerry's comments, no insistence, that I don't duck. Made it throught the course without a single duck. It was a miracle!! I have enjoyed every IHSA experience I have encountered thus far and am very excited for what the next three years will bring!" - Kari Searls, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, who won the third section of novice fences. "My class today at Windcrest Farm was perfectly. The horse I had was an awesome draw and the course rode exactly as I wanted it to. It was a great day for me. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this without the help of my coaches Trina Baker and Nikki. I have learned so much from them and have made me the rider I am today." - Brittany Martin, Becker College, who won the fourth and final section of novice fences. It was also the first time Martin won a blue ribbon in IHSA competition. "The show today at Windcrest Farm went perfectly, the Becker College equestrian team worked so hard together and everyone rode beautifully and were a big help getting me on and ready. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to ride alumni. I would like to thank the Becker head coach Trina for helping me over the year as well as MHC coach CJ Law and my JWU coach Dirk Fogg for all of their help over the years." - Nikki Layne, Johnson & Wales Alumni Rider, who won the lone section of alumni flat. "Having the opportunity to come back and ride and show as a alum has been such a fantastic opportunity. I am so grateful that the IHSA gives us the opportunity to come back and play! The whole semester has been wonderful, and riding with my coach Sue Payne again has been fantastic. Today's show was wonderful - a beautiful day to show outside for the first time! My horse, Iggy, was a pleasure to ride and he really deserves the blue ribbon. My thanks to all involved for making this experience possible." - Claire Hey, Smith College Alumni Rider, who won the lone section of alumni flat.
"Coming into this flat class I knew if I wanted to ride at Regionals I had to win. Luckily, things worked out in my favor and now I am qualified for open flat. My teammates and coaches have always been extremly supportive but today, especially, I really felt the extra attention and tips from everyone before I went in the ring. Thanks to my parents, teammates, coaches, and most importantly Luke, my mount in today's open flat!" - Jo Jo Gutfarb, Mount Holyoke College, who won the first section of open flat. "My name is Laura Ting and I am a junior at Williams. I drew a really cute horse named Iggy. He was great - very well-mannered and willing. I started riding in the IHSA last year and have enjoyed my time competing with a team and learning from our fantastic coach, Linda Orton. I am so happy and thankful to have this opportunity to ride! Today was a great way to close out the regular season. Being outdoors was a nice change and it was a beautifully run show. Thanks to everyone!" - Laura Ting, Williams College, who won the second section of open flat. "Someone told me at the last show that it was good luck to wear two different socks! I guess it worked!" - Laura Summers, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, who won the first of four sections of beginner walk-trot-canter. It was also the first time Summers won a blue ribbon in IHSA competition. "My name is Elizabeth DeAlmeida and I am a freshmen at Becker College. I am proud to have won my first IHSA blue ribbon and I really enjoyed riding Hopper; he was extremely well-behaved. My coach Trina Baker has really taught me a lot in my first year of riding in IHSA. I am very happy to be participating in IHSA and truly enjoyed riding in this show!" - Liz DeAlmeida, Becker College, who won the second section of beginner walk-trot-canter. "My name is Nicole Smith and I am a Sophomore at Assumption College. I drew Tucker who was a very fun horse to ride. My team and amazing coach Greg have all been very supportive. This is my colleges first year of riding in IHSA, but surely not the last. My team and I are excited to be part of these shows." - Nicole Smith, Assumption College, who won the third section of beginner walk-trot-canter. I would like to thank my amazing coach, Sue Payne, my assistant coach, Elizabeth Jacobson, and all of amazing people that compose the Smith Pioneers. Today was especially signifincant for me - although I qualified for regionals last semester, this is my last IHSA show...I'm graduating this spring. I am so grateful for the oppurtunity to show, an option that would not have been possible for me outside of the IHSA. I love the challenge of riding a different horse at random at every show - it really builds your confidence as a rider, and it's an invaluable experience. I am sad to leave, but so so happy to have been a part of such a great team for 2 years. GO SMITH EQUESTRIAN!" - Laura Jean Schneider, Smith College, who won the fourth and final section of beginner walk-trot-canter.
"Being from a school with a small equestrian team is fun because our successes against the bigger schools are exciting for everyone on the team. We are all close and support each other both on horseback and on the ground. This last show of the semester was a great day for Westfield State College; We've all pinned well and had fun!" - Caitlin Conley, Westfield State University, who won the first of five sections of novice flat. "I am a sophomore from UMass Amherst and what really makes our team special is the great parent support that we receive. We also have a great team spirit and always keep a great attitude no matter how we place. What really made my win today was the great horse that I rode. He is very sensitive and is a great equitation horse, with just the slightest move of the leg his response was perfect. I love the IHSA because it is not an individual challenge, but a team competition. With the warmth coming in, this day will end in a happy mood for every school I hope!" - Catheline Froehlich, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, who won the the second section of novice flat. "Being a sophomore on the Becker Equestrian team has been a blast this year! Today was my first blue ribbon of the season and was an amazing way to end it. With the luck of a good draw, the help of my two great coaches and my supportive team at the sideline I achieved my goal. What a wonderful Way to end the season Ladies! Go hawks!" - Laurel Venoit, Becker College, who won the third section of novice flat. "As a freshman from Mount Holyoke I had a really great draw today and happened to get an amazing horse and my ride was a success. It was difficult because my parents were there and they have never seen me ride in the IHSA so it was slightly nerve racking but with encouragement from my coaches CJ and Gilly, I was able to win my class!" - Allison Walters, Mount Holyoke College, who won the fourth section of novice flat. "When I applied to college, the schools' riding teams were a big factor in my descision making process. I eventually came to fall in love with the Smith riding team for its relatively small size, wonderful coach, and commitment to improving each individual rider's ability. And now being on the team is better than I could have ever imagined. I can tell that my eq has improved tremendously this season, and I even have the ribbons to prove it! Once in a while in intercollegiate showing you get the chance to ride a beautiful horse like Iggy, the one I won with today, and it makes the whole experience that much more fun. GO SMITH EQUESTRIAN!" - Sophia Geller, Smith College, who won the fifth and final section of novice flat.
"My name is Joo Yeon, Julia, Shin, and I am a first year at Smith College. I started riding western after I graduated from Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ. My parents were very supportive about joinning the Smith equestrian team, and Shanda, my trainer back in AZ, prepared me well for the team try-out. Although I am not experienced rider, it was bit challenging to learn eastern because of different style of the saddle. Lizzy Jacobson, my instructor since I joined the team last semester, taught me so well for today and make me realize how amazing the riding is. I want to thank to my parents who were very supportive about my decision joining the team, our head coach Sue who was always encouraging us, Bill who is our greatest supporter, our teammates who makes our team so special and enthusiastic, parents who always support our team by making such great food, and last Mickey, the horse I rode for the class was amazing and he totally made my day. I can't wait to tell my parents about the great news, and I am looking forward to the next season. Go Smithies!" - Joo Yeon, Julia Shin, Smith College, who won the first of four sections of walk-trot. "My name is Courtney O'Connell, and this is my second year on the Mount Holyoke Equestrian team. My whole team has had a really good year, and today at our final show everyone was very positive and excited. I fed off of this energy and was very lucky to have had two really good draws. I placed second over fences and first on the flat, which is the best I have done thus far. I have qualified for the ride off today, and I hope my luck holds and I can have a third good ride." - Courtney O'Connell, Mount Holyoke College, who won the first of three sections of intermediate flat. "Sally Gibb is a Mount Holyoke College first year who has been very successful in her first season with the IHSA. Despite a very wiggly ride, she was able to improve her facial expressions, which she has been working on!" - Sally Gibb, Mount Holyoke College, who won the second section of intermediate flat. "Anne Tucker, Mount Holyoke College sophomore, won her section of advanced walk trot canter and is now qualified for Regionals. She says, 'I am excited to compete at Regionals next weekend. I have had a great time in walk trot canter and I hope my luck continues into novice. Hopefully you will see me at Nationals!'" - Anne Tucker, Mount Holyoke College, who won the first of five sections of advanced walk-trot-canter.
"I'm so happy that I get to end my season with my first IHSA blue ribbon. I love this team and will try to stay a part of it for all three years at Mount Holyoke that I have left." - Julia Frankenback, Mount Holyoke College, who won the second section of advanced walk-trot-canter. "I am so excited that I added to the Mount Holyoke College win streak at our last regional show of the season. As an up and coming riding for MHC, this is only my second show within the IHSA and first blue ribbon! Riding with CJ has been a lot of hard work, but it has paid off and I could not be more proud to be a part of such a great team. You'll see us at Nationals!" - Allison Reding, Mount Holyoke College, who won the third section of advanced walk-trot-canter. Additional Stuff: Other riders to win blue ribbons at today's show were Michele Auclair of UMass in advanced walk-trot-canter, Haley Steibich of Mount Holyoke in advanced walk-trot-canter, Hadley King and Wenye Tao of Mount Holyoke in walk-trot and Michelle Dewar of UMass in walk-trot...Though Mount Holyoke won only one of eight jumping classes and only two of the first seventeen classes the Lyons won nine of the last eleven including a sweep of the intermediate flat, four of five sections of advanced walk-trot-canter and a run of six consecutive wins started by O'Connell in section A of intermediate flat...Westfield State was the only school to score their season-high total at today's show. The Owls total of 29 was ten points high than their efforts when Smith and Amherst hosted during the fall. Westfield State placed fourth for the day behind, Mount Holyoke, UMass and Smith, also their highest team placing at a given show in 2009-10...Landmark College tied their high for the year, scoring three points to equal their total at Mount Holyoke three weeks earlier...2009 Johnson & Wales graduate Nikki Layne, who is also the Becker College Assistant Coach, qualified for Regionals in alumni fences...Mount Holyoke graduate Trina Baker, who is the Becker Head Coach, qualified in alumni flat while 2002 Smith graduate Clare Hey, who is now Clare Hey Humphreys, qualified in both alumni divisions...Four riders qualified for the Reserve ride-off, with Duffee earning the red ribbon for the day over O'Connell, Wilk and Venoit.
The highlight of Zone 1 Zones aside from the show: Though UMass will host Regionals a week before (on Saturday, April 3rd), Zone 1 Zones will once again take place at the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center. The Zones show will take place on April 10th and will once again feature the dulcet tones of public address announcer and former IHSA Nationals walk-trot champion Sara Royston. Royston's quips between classes about some of the Mount Holyoke riders and horses have been known to make many laugh uncontrolably and a few others blush. Royston, who was at today's show to see her student Ashley Burka ride in walk-trot, indicated this will likely be her last time at Zone 1 Zones in the announcer's seat. Royston will be headed to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in the fall to pursue a doctorate. Addendum to that last paragraph: Burka was second to Auclair in the next-to-last class before the ride-off but qualified for Regionals with the five points she earned. A Good Word for a Great Assistant Coach: Also moving to Illinois in the fall will be Mount Holyoke Assistant Coach Gillian "Gilly" McPhee (the "G" in Gilly does not sound like a soft 'G' such as Jilly but rather a 'Guh' sound like in 'Good'). Currently McPhee does not have a Coaching position lined up once she moves to the Champaign area. This writer has contemplated writing an article on ten IHSA Assistant Coaches who would make not good but great Head Coaches. McPhee would be one of the ten included in that yet-to-be-written story. A Mount Holyoke alum, McPhee has trained under the legendary C.J. Law (as a rider and an assistant) and can claim to be part of the staff when the Lyons won 2006 IHSA Nationals. Schools either looking to form a team on the Illinois/Indiana border or those in the area with a coaching position available (or even a facility looking for a good management figure) should seek out McPhee for their program. ---Steve Maxwell Show Incidentals: Sunny but cold and windy, with temperatures in the upper '40's. Start time: 9:21AM. Finish: 3:55PM - Includes 17 minute lunch/schooling break. Coaches and Captains meeting held prior to start of show. Point cards posted in this region? No. Alumni classes held in this region? Yes. Judge: Carla Sharp. Stewards: Law/Mount Holyoke College, Payne/Smith College and Schurink/University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Team Totals: Mount Holyoke College (High Point Team) 42; University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Reserve) 33; Smith College 31; Westfield State College 29; Becker College 27; College of the Holy Cross 26; Amherst College 19; Williams College 19; Assumption College 12; Hampshire College 9; Springfield College 9; Clark University 7 and Landmark College 3. High Point Rider - Tara Bliss, Mount Holyoke College
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