The Oxford High School’s Equestrian team’s state title hopes came to an end this past weekend in Midland as they finished fourth in the Class A Division.
The State Championships began on Oct. 15 with the Wildcats competing against nine other teams in Class A. By the end of the tournament on Oct 18, the Wildcats had 227 points, placing them fourth.
Hartland won the event with 344 points, followed by Milford with 303 and Williamston with 230.
‘The team worked extremely hard throughout the State Championship. They gave it their all through their last class,? said Equestrian Coach Dee Shepard.
Junior Amanda Roth was strong in the equitation classes, while Senior Co-captains Matt Champagne and Bekah Bertapelle lead the team in the timed events.
‘We faced tough competition and the riders never backed down,? said Shepard. ‘From our Freshman to our Seniors, they continued to strive, practicing every morning and evening.?
The year wasn’t a complete loss. They claimed another B Regional Championship after defeating three schools at the MIHA Regional Meet on Oct 3 and 4.
Oxford tallied 605 points en route to claiming the title, defeating Milford, Manchester and Almont.
Milford finished second with 533 points, Manchester was third with 494 and Almost fourth with 194.
‘I’m very excited and proud of the kids, they did a phenomenal job,? said Shepard.
‘They lived up to their abilities,? she said.
Oxford wasn’t able to take complete control of the meet until late in the second day. They were in a tight battle with Milford and Manchester throughout the entire weekend.
Oxford lead for most of the day on Saturday as Oxford, Manchester and Milford stayed within 30 points of each other.
After the first class on Sunday morning, Milford pulled ahead of Oxford by two points, but they rallied during the second class retake the lead by two on Milford.
After that, they kept rolling along Shepard said.
Roth was the top point-earner, bringing in 105 in the fitting, showing and western classes. Senior Natalie Musgrove brought in 78 points from the saddle seat events, while Sophomore Mandy Moore and contributed 40 points and Senior Angie Pollack earned 31 points for the team.
Coach Shepard contributes this win to the dedication the team showed throughout the weekend.
‘They were all equally awesome. They practiced every night and got up early every morning. It was all in being prepared.?
?’Our kids, instead of going to bed or playing video games, they were up till nine, 10, 11 o’clock at night practicing indoors when it was available to us,? she said.
‘We have a great support system with assistant coaches, alumni riders and parents helping guide this team to success,? said Shepard.
‘I’m very proud of their efforts and accomplishments and look forward to another successful year.?